To Finish is To Win...

C. McIsaac

Sometimes we all forget the simple truth that to finish is to win. Over this competitive year I have had the chance to see this at various rides and I have decided to share these insights with you.

The Flesherton 100 is the scene of some of these insights...Ray and Joan Stickney adopting more junior riders into their brood since the juniors's sponsor's horse did not pass the initial vet check. Their reaction after the 30 mile mileage ride was-"we were happy to do it, the more the merrier". Thank-you Ray and Joan.

...children come up with the funniest things. At the Bell's Hill check a little girl said to her father "hurry Daddy, Mommy needs those electric lights". This is a good example of how truly we are a family sport. Mom's riding, Dad and the kids are pit crewing to get her through.

Gary Butler and his quest for the 100 was another example. His horse pulled because of an overnight injury, rides and runs with his daughter's horse. Mom and kids are with him all the way with encouraging words. Gary ran a good portion of the ride and almost everyone that was awake was at the finish when Gary and partner crossed the finish line. Watching this family at checks throughout the ride was inspiring.

Wendy Lewis and the Rawski boys making their way around the course is great to watch as well. They are met at the checks by their pit crew, Mom Connie in this case, and have a ritual they go through at each check. At the Bell's Hill check, just before the hold was over you see Connie carrying the sleepy eyed kids to their horses that Wendy is grazing and off they go again.

Kathy and Justine Blocksdorf at the Speckle Creek Ride 'n' Tie, mom and daughter and Dollar the pony out for a 10 mile hike. They didn't go fast but they made it. Justine suggested to her mom at the 5 mile check that may be they should go the 20 miles instead (of 10).

These are just a few of the examples of what I feel the true meaning of "to finish is to win" is all about. I am sure there are more and I would love to hear about them. 1997

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