Ever been hitting a nail with a hammer, and slipped and hit your thumb? That hurt, didn't it? So, you might be asking yourself, what is a woman with admittedly marginal carpentry skills doing talking about hammers? She is, of course, talking about eventing!
It is time to step up and thank the people who put on our events.
Thank the organizers. There may be times when an event doesn't go as smoothly as hoped, or you don't ride as well as you had wished, but don't take it out on the organizers! Don't hit the thumb with the hammer.
Thank the volunteers. They have to make hard calls, and sometimes they are not as familiar with the sport as we are. But they are out there making the calls, while we are riding. Say thank you.
Ride to live, not ride to win. If you feel that the posted time is not sufficient to get you and your horse around the course safely, ride more slowly. Ride to your ability - not beyond. Know your limitations, and those of your horse. Practice pacing - learn what 350 or 450 mpm feels like. Thank your horse.
We are eventers. We must be thinking riders. Nationwide,
and here in Utah, our sport is suffering. Venues, and events, are being
lost. If we don't start taking personal responsibility for our actions,
and express our appreciation, organizers and volunteers, like the thumb
that has been hit too often, won't help build our sport. Say thank you,
again and again!