RE: [RC] Why do Endurance? (was Why I like horses) - Susan Cushing
Why do I like Endurance??? I must be crazy.
I dreamed of endurance for over 20 years after seeing a picture of the bridge on the Tevis ride. I have trail ridden since I started with horses when I was 15. I just did not know how to get involved. About 6 years ago a friend of mine rode endurance for a short time and told me how I rode enough to compete. I picked up my training just a few notches and sure enough I guess I did know how to condition a horse for this sport. I ride an Icelandic (problem #1) and I ride in MA (problem #2 since there is NO ONE in the state besides me competing in 50's and I think two people besides me who have done LD in the last year).
I love how much better of a rider I have become stepping up my riding just a bit. I love having a goal to attain. Just being given the courage from fellow competators to try 50's and completing them well, albiet slowly has been an amazing challenge. My horse and I aren't really what you would expect out on the trail yet he gets me over the finish line with a happy attitude. We are usually the Turtle, but we have finished every ride we have tried so far. I love that everyone waiting for us (vets, volunteers, crew, etc.) is pretending to not be upset/bored/tired at the finish line and they always have a nice word to say to us. What other sport treats the "loser" with so much compasion. To finish is truly to win. Wish us luck next weekend as we hope to ride two 5o's back to back in Rhode Island.
Susan Cushing and Lappi-who is not so sure he likes his mom's goals.
