Endurance Prospect(s) - "Decisions Based Upon Goals?"

["Abair, Ruth" <RAbair@texas.dcrt.dla.mil>]

Dear Ridecampers,

Classy - my little 14.2hh steed - and I are the "wanna be's" that just
completed our first LD/25 in Poetry, Texas this year. My plans are to
continue riding Classy - he's 14 yo - in LDs, but eventually do 50 milers
before "I" get too old to enjoy the sport. Hence, sometime in the near
future, I will start looking for a youngster. 

When we did the Poetry ride; general observation noted that my Classy was
just about the shortest and typiest - meaning extreme type - looking Arabian
there. The majority of the horses looked more like the Thoroughbred/Quarter
horse mare I gave up for this sport. And they - including some nice looking
mules - were at least 15hh or taller! Now don't get me wrong, there were
some "very" nice looking animals competing that day. My hangup seems to be
that I have gotten used to - and love - that "extreme" type look. Everywhere
I go with Classy they ooh and aah and fuss over him and it makes me proud to
own an Arabian.

Well, to the point now - and no flames please - but I'm beginning to wonder
if I have to sacrifice extreme type to get something that will hopefully,
eventually, top ten someday. And if top ten is "not my bag" then is
completion with maybe a BC obtainable with the type I have now? Translation,
everyone knows greyhounds are built for speed, dachsunds are not. Putting
all other factors aside,  a long legged steed eats more ground in a shorter
period of time than a short legged steed. I know this from my Barrel Racing
days many moons ago. Was Poetry indicative of "the way it is" or is it
possible to have the "best of both worlds?"

Thanks so much,

Ruth and Classy in NE Texas (but mom, I'm trying aren't I?)

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