Re: Worlds Most Preferred--Really?

[DebiG54@aol.com]

In a message dated 03/23/2001 4:39:51 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
kathy_mayeda@atce.com writes:



> Bob, Debi, wow.  I don't see how you come to this conclusion that the riders
> are considering their horses to be "expendable" by competing there.



Hi Kathy:

Be careful and reread what I wrote.  I never said the above.  I know most of 
the US riders and know that they don't consider their horses expendable.  My 
quote was, "Too many of the horses are paying a terrible price for the 
ambition of their riders."  I stand by that statement, because I know it's 
true.  

Also, Heidi and Kathy, it's true that veterinary control is generally very 
strict at FEI endurance events.  I'm sorry, but that doesn't make a high 
attrition rate OK.  Winning these events takes two things--the ability and 
preparation to go fast enough and the good sense to stay within the 
limitations of any given day.  Those limitations are numerous, including 
rider ability and endurance, weather, bad luck, you name it.  It's the horses 
who have gone over their limits on the day of the event that get pulled.  
Only the rider can reasonably control that outcome.  By the time the vet 
spins a horse out, a lot of damage might have already been done.  Too many 
(not all) have forgotten to work within the limits of a given competition 
day.  I've been there.  I've seen it over and over.  

One more thing...vet control is not a perfect science.  Vets are human, too.  
Outside forces (money, personality conflicts, pressure from powerful people) 
all can influence decisions before, during, and after a race.  Again, I'm not 
saying ALL VETS.  But it happens.  Just setting the record straight.

Debi Gordon