Over time, the people who find you offensive learn to ignore you, other
people will get to know you and appreciate your opinions.
Personally, I didn't think you were threatening suit...I just couldn't
find it in there anywhere; and though I could probably have predicted the
negative reaction to the comments about overweight, out of shape riders,
I might not have been able to.
I am sure there are lots of people on this list who find me offensive.
These people know who they are, and they know who I am. So despite the
fact that we both get mail from this list (and whatever value from it as
well), we do not communicate.
Can't please everybody.
kat
Orange County, Calif.
p.s. I used to have a rule about teaching people to ride...they all had
to learn bareback to develop a balanced seat. I have since found,
however, that this is too hard for most people and they give up because
they become discouraged.
Not unlike having to read Charles Dickens in the 2nd form (about 4th
grade to Americans). I learned to hate Dickens because his level was way
beyond a 9 year old. If I hadn't stumbled over him 10 years later, I
might never have learned to appreciate him. Sometimes, it is better to
start with "See Spot run." And work up from there.
Most beginners become frustrated and discouraged by bareback riding
before they have even begun to develop some modicum of a seat...and this
is hard on the horse too.
I have become more lenient in my teaching methods; however, I do still
try to get them on the horse bareback eventually, just so they can feel
what is going on.
I like the Sport Saddle as a good way to combine some of the closeness to
the horse of riding bareback and the security of stirrups, a cantle, and
a pommel. I don't however, consider it an endurance saddle. I like more
weight distribution. But that's just me.
Having done a fair amount of backpacking in my life. I can tell you...a
back pack with a frame is MUCH better for carrying increased loads.
Light weight day packs don't have frames. Packs for carrying 50 lbs do
(and they have belly bands for distributing some of the weight to your hips).