cell phones in packs

[Samm C Bartee <bartesc@mail.auburn.edu>]

So...If you have the cell phone sealed and something happens to ANOTHER
rider, and you don't want to be disqualified, are you then going to 
1.  Give up your place to help a rider/horse
2.  Ride past because you don't want to be DQ'd?

I don't mean this pointed towards anyone in particular. BUT, we all know
people who will ride past someone without stopping anyway.  If you have
the cell phone and it works, and there is a trouble spot, and you DON'T
use it....should you then be able to be disqualified your self?    Or
should it all be put towards the heat of the competition?


I'm sorry.  But endurance was meant as a competition.  Maybe between the
trail and yourself, but if that means doing it faster and having a sounder
horse, then what is the deal with a crew helping you do that better?  

I didn't realize that endurance was something that was supposed to be all
of us riding our horses at the same pace, conditioning the same, getting
the same help, feeding the same, all so we don't upset that level playing
field?  If it's a race, tell me why, how it should be a level playing
field?   
I want a horse just like Rio, Cash, etc....I want the crew of the Rojeks,
Melissa Crain, etc....I want to be able to ride all over the world like
the Kanaveys, etc...

I want to go out, ride MY horse, at MY pace, and HaVe FUN!!  If that means
that I do it faster than others, fine.  If I finish last, fine, if I don't
finish, fine...as long as the horse is OK.  I could care less if I am
riding against someone with a radio, or someone with no help period.  I
will still go out, do what I can and have a good time.   
Seems that some people are too hung up with what everyone else is doing.  
I like to have fun. 

and for the record, I have been top ten, I have been tail end, I have been
pulled, I have been middle of the pack.   I still have fun, no matter
where I finish, as long as the horse is fine!!  If I don't have crew on
the trail, if I do have crew on the trail.  I still have fun. My crew will
not keep me from being pulled if something happens to my horse.  being
told that I have a 5 minute lead will not keep me from being passed on the
trail if my horse is tired and the horse behind me is not.  
Safety is important to me. I have been on the trail with a down horse--not
mine--and would have given anything for a phone.  or a radio then.  I have
been on the trail when a man died.  I would have given more than anything
had we had some form of communication.   I just don't see what the big
deal about communication on the trail is all about.  
If you have it fine. If not, fine.  I don't have a horse that is
international quality or FEI quality right now. It won't stop me from
still going out and having fun and trying to do well........


Just my .02


samm--team coujur