Re: President's message

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-11-09 18:51:50 EST, rides2far@juno.com writes:

<< I had some problems with the Dane Frazier's message in this month's
 Endurance News.  Did anybody notice the quote, 
 
 "I drove there in a $30,000 truck pulling a $20,000 trailer containing
 $5,000 worth of tack and $1,000 worth of horse with a $50 shoe job?
 
 Seems to me there's some problems with priorities there.  I drove to my
 last ride in a borrowed van, pulling a $1,800 trailer, with a $5,000
 horse (my recently upgraded appraisal) and a $80 shoe job.  I don't think
 we have the same priorities. :-) >>

I'm with you, Angie, that just because many endurance riders have plenty of
disposable income doesn't mean that they all do.  I'm sure I could make my own
life more financially pleasant by owning a few less horses, but they are my
family, and I go to work with holes in my shoes to make sure they have feed.
My truck and trailer combined won't make five figures, and I don't think I
have gone through $5000 worth of tack in my lifetime.  (Rode an old Stubben
saddle until two years ago that I bought used in 1978, and finally wore out.
Am now borrowing one from my husband, about the same vintage.  Have had to buy
a few girths, saddle pads, and stirrup leathers over the years, but they
aren't terribly high-dollar items.  I made my own reins, used old leather
headstalls until I got a nicer one as a ride award, and all my horses go
nicely in either a snaffle bit or a mechanical hackamore.  Took a couple of
used horse blankets in on trade for vet work, and have earned a few more over
the years at rides.)

No, you don't have to be well off to do this sport--it helps, but it can be
done on a shoestring.  That's one of the things that is so special about
endurance riding.  Always used to remark about how a '48 Studebaker pulling a
homemade one-horse trailer and sporting a tent next to it can be parked right
next to a Beaver Coach pulling the best Sundowner, and the riders can be best
of friends and equals out on the trail.  Tell me what other equine discipline
can say the same.  Sure hope we don't legislate that aspect of the sport right
out of existence.

Heidi