Re: is this fair?

[SandyDSA <SandyDSA@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-01-22 03:58:17 EST, you write:

<< 25 milers aren't looked down upon by the organization 
Yes they are in some circles - evidenced by the time it took to GET any kind
of goal/reward system for the LD system.
- in
 fact they even have a distance program aimed at ltd distance events! 
 (It would take a HECK of a long time to reach the endurance mileage
 program's award levels at 25 miles per ride!)
 
 Not everyone wants to or can do 50's or 100's.  It is a personal
 choice.  I was at a ride a couple of years ago where the 50 milers were
 told that they were "riding half a ride" - talk about insulting! >>
Yes this is insulting and we hear it a lot - I always scratch my head thinking
- this is a 23 year old horse here. I consider her continued participation a
minor miracle. Of course, for many reasons, just as you said, not everyone can
prepare to comete in the 50s and 100s etc. Children and jobs come to mind. My
husband has stated, "what do these people do for a living that they can be at
all these events?" I am curious too. I think it does come down to priorities
and I feel that my daughters will be grown before I know it and so they do
come first. Only one likes horses at all so to drag the other along makes us
both miserable. I don't wnat to go to the mall with her either. We conpromise
at times, but I don't think that works well in preparing a horse for 50-100
miles. It does work for 25-35 miles. BUt to be demeaned for a chocie is
insulting. Frankly, all those folks I rode with and showed with and agaainst
in the past 2 decades couldn't ride even 20 miles without dying in the saddle,
so truly, even 25-35 miiles is admirable to the VAST majority. Respect where
respect is due would be a great motto - besides to finish is to win, which
doesn't specify distance. :)
san