Re: Dead Mare at NASTR

["Laura Hayes" <mark@madbbs.com>]

I understand your concern.  I was not there, nor do I know anything but what
I have read here regarding this particular case.  I do, however, have a
thought about your question of how many horses die as a direct result of
being ridden too hard.

I think that there is no definitive answer to that - horses die for no
apparent reason while being pastured, or on pleasure rides - certainly in
many places that are far less stressfull than endurance rides, and I do not
think you can always relate it to 'overriding'.  It is possible that a horse
could be injured or die from something where a hundred other horses wouldn't
be affected.  It is the nature of living things.

I would never condone overriding in any form.  Personally I have competed in
over 4000 miles of endurance, won many races, and never had an major injury
or illness to any of my horses.  Some of that is LUCK.  Some very good
conciencious riders have had some awful things happen to them that were
certainly not the result of overriding.

IMHO 'advertising' our problems is not the answer to solving them - nor
should animal abuse be swept under the rug - but I was a cruelty
investigator for many years and know how the game of 'telephone' can spread
rumors and ALWAYS expands the truth.

I feel that the vetting criteria on AERC sanctioned rides is a HUGE
safeguard to the yahoo who wants to race too hard- and trust me, I have seen
that criteria become tougher every year.  I just feel that jumping to
conclusions is not a safe or prudent endeavor- nor is an open forum full of
'I heard' and 'someone said...'.

Notice please, all the 'I feel' 'I think' and 'In My Humble Opinion'  These
are just that- my opinion, after 20 years in this sport (half my life, by
the way).

Laura Hayes AERC#2741


----- Original Message -----
From: <guest@endurance.net>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 26, 2001 1:04 PM
Subject: RC: Dead Mare at NASTR


> sindy mccosker sindymccosker@hotmail.com
> Don't you think this should be something
> that all of us as AERC members should be
> VERY concerned about??????  What I want
> to know is how many horses die as a
> direct result of being ridden too hard.
> It was mentioned that there is vet data
> pertaining to these stats......where is this
> data?  Is the data something that every
> member has access to?  Is it on the AERC
> web site somewhere?  I would think that
> we all should help get to the bottom of
> this horrible tragedy!!  If you were on that
> ride and have information about the incident
> now is the time to speak up!!  This type of
> problem will have a direct impact on the
> sport if it is swept under the rug and not
> dealt with!!  Is there a time limitation to
> this investigation?  Wasn't that ride in June?
> How long does it take to figure out why the
> horse died?  Let's get this out in the open and
> figure out what can be done to keep this from
> happening again!!!!!! Remember....groups like
> PETA could have a field day with this one.
>
> Sindy McCosker
> Horsewomen for 39 of my 43 years.  Still learning
> each and every day.
>
>
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