Sailing
Before I rumble, I must say I do love both sailing and horse riding. I've tried both sports for Young Post before, and so, from personal experience, I know for certain that sailing is the better activity.
Both activities take place outdoors, in the sun. Staying on a horse is like dry heat in a frying pan. But out on the sea, all the water around you absorbs the heat, so sailing is therefore a far less sweaty sport. And if you really do get too hot, you can always jump in the water to cool yourself down! Surrounded by the sea, Hong Kong is naturally one of the best places in the world for sailing. From the boat, you have beautiful views of the coastline. The sea breeze on your face as you sail is also irresistibly refreshing ... mmm, nothing beats that breeze!
Boss, you may argue that the scenery on land is lovely, too. But the places your horse can travel in are probably restricted to the stable and facilities inside the riding school. Honestly, that sounds pretty boring to me.
Furthermore, sailing can be done with teammates, while horse riding is more of an individual sport. Other sailors can give you a helping hand when you can't control the boat; but if you have trouble on a horse, you're on your own.
As for doing well in competitions, all your hard work and efforts in sailing are sure to pay off. Your skills mean that you are in control. But while riding, the mood of the horse can greatly affect your performance.
Maybe horse riding would be the sport to pick if you were in Mongolia or a small town in the western United States. But here in Hong Kong, sailing is definitely the best of the two (I admit, really great) options.
Kevin Kung
Riding
Well, this could be an interesting argument, as I have both horses and boats in my family. But it's horses, hoofs down, for me.
Sorry Kev, but having the companionship of another living creature is far more important to me than any sea spray or the ability to venture to far-off lands.
Boats are cold, lifeless things that lie around waiting for someone to do something with them. They are only brought to life by the water on which they sail and the people who sail in them. Horses, on the other hand, have character, warmth and spirit.
If there really are angels in this world, I think they're disguised as horses. I've read so many stories and seen so many people who have been healed or helped by contact with horses. Just last year I read the book The Horse Boy by journalist Rupert Isaacson about his amazing journey with his autistic son Rowan, to find healing in Mongolia. The first clue Isaacson had that Rowan could be helped was when the boy ran up to some horses. They were so gentle with him, as they are with disabled people. They also help people who are emotionally troubled. They seem to have a special sense and a great willingness to help people.
In a race, a boat won't give you every last ounce of its courage and strength for victory. A horse will.
There is a reason so many teenagers dream of owning horses. The relationship you have with a horse is one of give and take. You learn responsibility for a creature that is dependent on you.
But, for my parting shot, young Kevin, think about this: if something goes wrong with your horse, you might end up walking home; but if something goes wrong with your boat, well ... glub, glub, glub!
Susan Ramsay
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