Ridecamp: Re[2]: [RC] Pre-Ride VC Issues and a few others

Bob Morris  Well we Do really agree on many issues.
I tossed out some of these ideas to show the issues we are facing.
While some could be adjusted- I offered these ideas as starting points.

None of which will ever be implemented.

 Comments below
Roger R

BM> Roger:

BM> Your latest posting is very interesting. I have endured and
BM> observed endurance vetting since 1977, that is 25 years and
BM> I would say that what is now called endurance vetting is a
BM> far cry from what it used to be.

I started in 73,  remember sound at a walk and 72  - not good either.

BM> First off, endurance vetting was originally intended as just
BM> that. Vetting the horse to determine if it was fit to
BM> continue (or start)for a considerable distance in a sensible
BM> manner. Today, vetting the horse has turned to a CYA process
BM> that determines if the horse is in condition to be raced to
BM> the next vet check.

Or just someone trying to impose their own idea of what it should be.
Rules of Engagement were established by the BOD with input from riders
and vet committee. Does not mean we have it ALL perfect, there is room
for improvement. But we have standards to  apply or use and they get
modified at will.

BM> I think your comments and suggestions are well thought out
BM> but let us take a look at the suggestions one at a time;

BM> 1. CRI at all rides at all Vet Checks  NOT AT THE FINISH.

BM> This one is good if the CRI is standardized. I have seen
BM> horses pulled because the CRI varied by two beats. I have
BM> seen horses allowed to continue when the variation was four
BM> beats. Now I do not consider that to be a standard. We must
BM> establish an acceptable range of variation.

I did my post on that a few times, The procedure  defined by Dr Ridgeway
is quite well thought out and should be applied as defined.. but its
not.


BM> 3. Fix COMPLETION PULSE to 64 for 50 miles and up (NO more
BM> lower 60 pulse for completion).

BM> Disagree here. I believe that ambient conditions should
BM> dictate. I have seen times where 56 was a reasonable pulse
BM> criteria. I would opt for a standard of 60 bpm but feel
BM> there should be some acceptable range considering
BM> conditions. However our AERC Rules do provide: 6.2.1.2   The
BM> equine must reach a reasonable pulse recovery based   on
BM> ambient conditions, within 30 minutes of arrival time   at
BM> all control points during the ride. The maximum pulse
BM> criterion is 68 beats per minute; however, the ride
BM> veterinarian(s) may allow a higher pulse criteria in
BM> documented  extreme  weather  conditions.  Respiration
BM> should  be  evaluated  on its  own merit.  Ambient
BM> tempera-ture and humidity effects need to be recognized and
BM> there   effects on respiration rate considered.

OK I can give a bit on this one hehe..Some sort of slider MAY be
workable, but the major reason given for the lower pulse is to STOP
THOSE RACERS.
We get much of our criteria based on the personal philosophy of a few
  riders and vets. MANY do not care for racing and want it stopped.

BM> 4. Completion time at finish LEFT as is at one hour -
BM> includes pulse recovery
BM> and vet out process. (NOT the 30 minute pulse recovery I
BM> have seen at
BM> a few rides)

BM> Our AERC Rules call for one hour. 6.2.1.1   All Equines must
BM> stand a mandatory post ride evaluation   within one hour of
BM> finishing.  Riders may present their    equines for the
BM> final examination at a time of their choos- ing during the
BM> one-hour period.  .....  . When the 30 minute
BM> recovery is instituted it is a violation of the rules and
BM> disputable when used for completion criteria.

But it has been been done and no one did anything...

BM> 5. More then ONE VC on 50 milers and above. Some standard on
BM> the number of VC per mileage and conditions- yes within
BM> reason- may not apply to ALL rides.

BM> Well we can go round and round on this one but just let's
BM> say we strongly disagree. We have no need to get
BM> paternalistic in endurance riding.

Yeah I know  but I had to add that one again.. It will never happen
either.

BM> Now for your last comment "I suggest YOU run for the BOD
BM> this time with all the DAL seats open."

BM> I have run more times than you can count but my politics do
BM> not make me a suitable candidate. My stance is that the AERC
BM> Rules and Regulations are very satisfactory and if
BM> stringently enforced there would be fewer problems. Most of
BM> those who would be my constituents do not agree. So! Never a
BM> candidate again.

BM> Bob

And since you asked? I have chosen to NOT run again either. My
position on some issues and the way we do business is under fire --.
at least ignored ..
this post is one.  I really dont need the problems - stress etc ..
- heck  I will be
lucky to get back to doing rides this year.

Roger R



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