defending good performances

["Beth Glace" <lb@nismat.org>]

Although I swore to myself that I would not get involved in this 
discussion  I can't help myself!    First let me say that I really 
don't care about getting mileage credit for the LDs.  What is much 
more disturbing here is the not so subtle underlying philosophy.  I 
fully support the concept of rewarding good performances.  I 
absolutely agree that making a fuss over mediocre performances is 
fatal to any sport.  It would be nothing more than a group ride. 
Yet I am I wrong in my perception that many feel that they are 
automatically turning in a more admirable performance by completing 
the longest possible distance that they can get through without 
disqualification or overt injury to their animal?  Therefore a very 
slow 100 mile finish is seemingly considered a better 
performance than someone finishing near the front of the  pack with 
good recoveries in the 50?   Which horse is the better athlete and 
which came prepared for the  event as a competition?  Aren't these 
the determinants in any sport?  I'd say if you are consistently just 
"finishing" you need to rethink your horse's aptitudes and your 
approach to training, and having a group of people who stroke your 
ego about what you've done does not legitimize this as a sport.  In 
the end you are doing exactly what is NOT intended.   You are 
recognizing mediocre performances, however the person may have had a 
hard effort.   Please let us adopt a respect for excellent  
performances, whether we call the events "long distance", "aerobic", 
"endurance" or "ultra"!   Just my very newbie perspective....  

have a good weekend all,
 Beth