disabled division

[dpfreed@webtv.net (David Freed)]

I am writing in regards to the proposal about  a special "disabled"
division for riders and horses.  My perspective is that of a polio
survivor with residual paralysis on my left side, especially in my foot
and lower leg but weakness throughout my left side.  All of my horses
become one-sided and my riding them is a bit of a handicap to them.
It's funny what we perceive to be a handicap until we see someone else
doing more and better with what appears to be a more limiting factor.
Certain conditions certainly are more limiting then others and there are
things we just can't do.  I can't ice skate.  (Would I havea been able
to ice skate if I didn't have polio?  I don't know.)  I didn;t know that
I could ride endurance.   I've now done 6  50s.  I was lucky to have a
mentor introduce me to the sport with a fit horse.   I personally
dislike to see rules rewritten to accomodate "special" circumstances.  I
always have the option of pulling myself and on one ride I considered
it.  I have trouble getting back on my horse on most afternoons of a 50
but I manage and we get on down the trail.  My head doesn't look at "me"
as disabled.  One vet joked that he wasn't able to tell what the horse
was doing because I was "trotting" so lopsided.   My sense of
accomplishiment comes from doing the job and not with special
consideration.  Ten years ago I thought I was succombing to post polio
syndrome - a revisiting of polio symptoms. I never would have thought I
would be doing endurance and be as strong as I am today.    That insane
desire that drives most endurance riders is not dormant within me and
has made me stronger both physically and mentally.  I'm not convinced
that would be the case if I had given myself  special allowances.
Please consider that all folks compete on an even basis when it comes to
getting the job done.   I may have a weakness within my body but have
other strengths to compensate when I get tired ...being stubborn is one!
I hope to complete a 100 miler someday.  I may not be strong enough.  I
will probably never ice skate either but I know that what I do is maxing
out my ability and effort without special consideration.