Jerry Barfield
Almost every month there is an article or letter published in EN that has
as its basic theme Us vs Them. They cover the gamut from 25 milers who get no
respect from 50 milers to those who think that the road to hell is paved by FEI
rides. I may be dense, but the only problem I see is that many seem to have a
belief that if someone gets satisfaction from something other than what they
are doing it is somehow costing them. I dont believe this to be true and more
strongly believe that if it is, we should all work to change it.
I have ridden at distances from 12 mile mini-rides to 285 mile five-day
events, including FEI, and have enjoyed something from them all! Every ride is
its own reward and if you are happy at 25/50 miles and have no desire to ride
longer-dont do it! My decision to compete in 100s and FEI rides was not
because I felt a second-class citizen as a 25/50 mile rider, but was based upon
my personal desire and belief in my horses ability to compete at the next level.
The future of our sport hinges upon our working together, with mutual
respect, to make every ride the best it can be. It should not matter whether
it be an FEI championship or The Outback 25/50, we owe it to ourselves to be
the best we can be on any given day.
I have also noticed concern from some that outside organizations are taking
over our sport and I dont think this is or has to be true. AERC is and should
continue to be the only sanctioning body for the majority of our rides. AHSA
and FEI become involved only for international rides and in those cases where
the ride organizer desires their sanction. Even though I personally aspire to
compete in more international rides, most of the rides I have done and will do
in the future are local and the only sanctioning I look for is from AERC. This
is not an all or nothing question. We (AERC) can do our own thing 99% of the
time, while cooperating with AHSA and FEI when it suits our purpose, which, I
hope, is to promote endurance riding at every available level.
I didnt start out to write a thesis: however, when I noticed that the paradigm
of scarcity that permeates our society was creeping into the sport that I
depend upon to keep me sane, I just couldnt shut up. So, go ride YOUR ride
and have FUNthere is more than enough for us all.