ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: ridecamp-d Digest V97 #297

Re: ridecamp-d Digest V97 #297

Phil Gardner (slsf@foothill.net)
Fri, 02 May 1997 12:48:43 -0700

>
> ><I really find it
> >hard to believe that that many riders are choosing distances because they
> >can
> >earn more regional points.>
> Why? That's why we have a point system cause some folks want to earn points
> - so what's wrong with wanting to accumulate them?
>
> not trying to sound accusatory but I often wonder what IS the problem with
> riding competitively, riding for points, wanting to win, etc....? anytime it
> is brought up this same sentiment is also brought up - that those who want
> to ride to compete *in addition* to doing it for a hundred other reasons are
> somehow not as good as those that are not riding competitively. It's like we
> should all be riding down the trail holding hands and pretending it's not a
> competition :-)) sorry folks, when you give placements and have dues which
> support a regional points system it IS a competition. But the beauty of this
> sport is you can have a good time riding competitively or not since so much
> emphasis is placed on completion as well.
>
> And I am saying this as a middle of the packer with an eye to being a
> top-tenner when my horse is ready - so right now these are more observations
> than anything. It's not like I'm riding for points or anything right now <g>
> - but one day I will...
>
> Tina
> hickst@nichols.com

The really neat thing about endurance riding is that there is a place
for competitors and finishers. While there has always been a little
friction between the two philosophies of endurance riding, to takes both
to make up the sport. The motto of AERC that to finish is to win
certainly states the importance of endurance riding for the majority of
endurance riders. At the same time there is a place for those with a
completive nature. The awards structure of AERC is set up to honor both
ways of enjoying the sport.

I admit to having somewhat of a completive nature. While I haven't been
that active in the sport for the past few years, I am now starting a
four old Karahty son and from the moment I imprinted him at his birth,
my thoughts have been on doing more with him than just adding another
buckle to my collection.

It is OK to have the goal of just finishing AND it is OK to aspire to do
a little more.

Phil Gardner

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