Friday Night Notes from somewhere in West Virginia

So you know, there are some really nice people, who are not fat in W. VA. My mom was there, rest her soul. They are truly some nice people who will be glad to stop and help you should you break down on the side of the road. Just thought you might like to know, I am sure you were being silly. Have a safe drive. can't wait for commentary.

That probably came across as a little harsh. I drive through WV probably 30 times a year and eventually I just get sick of it, and I reserve the right to get cranky in a post every once in a while.

I love your blog, faithfully read it each night, usually love the humor and wit, but don't mess with the Mountaineer State. Sorry if you are having a bad day but do you really believe your comments about the people and resources. You know it could be misinterpreted as more Eventing snobbery! Amazing how complementary and objective you can be toward third world cultures (i.e. last nights very interesting and informative comment on Latin America)and fail to recognize this gem in your own backyard. Just snuggle up a bit with the old "mountain mamma" she will start to feel pretty nice

Signing on too to say you went too far on the WV comment. Shame on you for over generalizing and being condescending and elitist. I love your site – HATE this post.

Typing this I realize why I'm so upset - I had been reading your site thinking this was a professional site (low budget, and fun, but professional) but by making derogatory comments about an entire state I realize that it's no more than an amateur blog. You are in every right to post your opinion. But now I also realize that your reporting is just elitist opinion as well. I'm sad because I really thought there was a good place in the sport for your site.

Really? I think this is way out of line.

According to calorielab.com, WV is the 4th fattest state in the union and the CDC named Huntington, WV as the fattest city in the US (that's why Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution was filmed there). Just as an FYI, the obesity epidemic means that today's children are the first generation NOT expected to live longer then their parents. This is what's in the news; John didn't just make a random generalization, its the reality.

Coal mining is obviously a huge industry in WV and has destroyed thousands of acres of hardwood forests (per ucusa.org 300,000 acres or half the size of the state of Rhode Island). I won't even mention the human toll. Again, this is all in the news and is unfortunately the reality.

If you want people to have a better opinion about your state, why not spend your two paragraphs telling the rest of us why its so great instead of writing negative comments?

John, I love your sense of humor and I love your site. Thanks for writing and I look forward to your posts whenever I log in.

Thanks!
Sarah

So the good news is that at least 3 people from WV can type, that's breaking news if I have ever seen it. Good job Kelly for not forming your opinion about a site that writes hundreds of sentences each day on one joking sentence.

I took a class on community building and you should Google mountain top removal coal mining. It creates huge community health concerns, gets poor communities stuck on manual labor minimum wage jobs, and then when the coal is gone the companies just leave the towns to die. Good humor makes a good point, although it is never fun when it is aimed at you. We are all eventers--toughen up a bit.

The859 -- would you mind posting your real name?
Thanks,
Kelly Bryant

**This comment has been removed because, while entertaining, it violated our policy of polite and rational topic-based discussion.**

John, granted driving through the Mountain State can be taxing and can understandingly leave you with a myopic view of such a magestic and equine-loving area. Please, without any disrespect for such an accomplished rider as Sharon White, (remember she lives all but 100 yards or so form the border), please consider the many other redeeming qualities what to like in WVA and how much in common features of eventing.

Many WVA equine interests include the numerous individual breeders and training facilities (bchwv.org), the vast network of rideable trails (equinenow.com/westvirginiatrails.htm), and perhaps your farrier and mine is the proud alum of Merideth Manor school (meridethmanor.edu) in Waverly,WVA. Just for fun you may want to check out what that other blog linked to the USEA ( and usually nowhere as interesting as yours) said about this program and it's excellent training maybe about a year or two ago.

Both WVA and Eventing are known for toughness and not really caring much about what others think. Marilyn and I are responding to your comments about our state not only because if reflects the overall ignorance of the many qualities of the region but it is a gross exaggeration and reflects poorly on your overall judgment.
A perspective that I have come to enjoy greatly, trust, and reflects often the truths and paradoxes within this sport that is so difficult to find in any other venue.
For the record. . . Kentucky is the number three obese state (although exporting that famous fried chicken should count for something) and I don't think I would ever hear you say anything negative about them. They also produce almost as much coal. One more thing, the number one coal producing state is Wyoming and we all know from last week's musings how you warm and fuzzy you feel about them!
So in summary; WVA and Eventing, many strange parallels, Woefully misunderstood and some obvious insecurities, suffering greatly due to loss of natural resources, known for toughness, and certainly far too many fat people!

Positive things about WV?

It's better than driving through Ohio (FLAT - and I'm from there so I can say that!).
White water rafting...ALMOST as much fun as XC! Wonderful shopping (no sales tax!).
Hiking, fishing, camping...lots of outdoors stuff...if we are lucky, the state will stay wild and wonderful and we'll have forests left somewhere in 10 years!

Those desperate miners are so blessed to be alive. My prayers go out to them and their loved ones. I do hope they make it out alive and don't go crazy while locked so deep underground.I can only imagine what they are going through.

Those poor miners are so fortunate to be alive. My prayers go out to them and their families. I do hope they make it out alive and don't go crazy while locked so deep underground.I can only imagine what they are going through.