Events
Groups
Rider Directory
Market
RideCamp
Stuff
From: Terry
Email: Enduronut@aol.com
Re: Suzanne Griffin's post of 9/9:
I believe I am the rider identified in this post as the underconditioned soul who made the remark about "having the weight points." Whoa! Like I had to tell anybody! Let me first say that the remark was made in jest, and that I am fully aware that a BC score involves more than time and weight.
I am truly sorry if my remark was 'disturbing' to Suzanne. I, too, would like to have my horse packing less weight. I have, however, discussed this issue with ride vets and my own veterinarian (who beat both Suzanne and me for BC at this ride, whom I train with on occasion, and who had the second highest weight), and have been repeatedly told that as long as the horse is sound, he's up to it. He has had 14 starts, has qualified for BC judging in half of those, and won BC once against a field of better than 20 horses. I do not consider that the work of a horse that is being badly used. Am I proud of my weight? NO! Am I proud of my horse's ability to handle that added stress and still come in sound? YOU BET!
I'm old, fat and crippled, yes (I have no left knee remaining to speak of, have had two surgeries on my lower back to date, and a sacral joint that slips). I will even give you that I am less physically fit that I would like to be; however, even when I AM fit, I'm a heavyweight and I still pack body fat (I have a degree in Health & Human Performance, including advanced Exercise Physiology studies and exercise testing, so I believe I am qualified to address this issue). I have decided to remain in the Limited Distance program because I consider it unfair to expect my horse to do longer distances under high weight, even though other, more experienced riders have indicated they believe us capable. I enjoy endurance riding, even though it is often hard work, and I plan to continue doing it until I no longer can, or am so inclined. Rather than beat up on myself for my shortcomings (which I certainly have a full measure of...don't we all?) I prefer to dwell on my horse's incredible
strength, HEART and talent, the positive contribution he makes to my life, and what I can do to help him. I don't always succeed, but at least we're out there giving it a shot...
Events
Groups
Rider Directory
Market
RideCamp
Stuff