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

 Part 2

The next issue occurred at a ride where a rider was 'permitted' to RO out
for a 'violation' of Rule13 the drug rule.
The horse was in a blood test program - with blood samples taken by a vet.

The rider was permitted to see the results. The original 'pull' was defined under Rule13 -
as invasive procedures ie a blood test was taken, then changed to the
rider saw the blood test results.
 No where in our rules is this addressed.
It is NOT against the rules to do this. One could try to interpret
Rule13 to make it apply ,but it clearly has nothing to with   letter
or the intent of Rule13

 The rider took the RO - I assume the rider would have been
pulled if not choosing to do so. Pressure and intimation as well as
the rider not wanting to make waves resulted in this   unjust and
questionably illegal action by a vet. I called it abuse of authority.

The final position-decision  is it gave the rider an unfair advantage. Discount
the fact the rider was able to see just how his horse was doing and could
adjust the ride in the best interest of the horse. A real good point
to me.
Many rides/vets offer blood tests before during and after. As long as ALL riders
had the option to the blood test, this should not have been an issue.
 Actually I do not even see that as an issue.
While a number of you (Bob M) will disagree with me I see NO problem or
violation of ANY rule that prevents me or anyone taking a blood sample
to measure a blood parameter - such as glucose.

Rule13 applies to DRUGGING the horse to gain increased performance.
Nothing is mentioned about using a blood analysis to help evaluate the
horse and yes adjust your ride program - protocol to continue with the
race/ride. I see it as a for the benefit of the horse.

If this is a real issue and it just may well be, since a few riders
may now have a vet on their team and a portable blood analyzer unit.
We just may see this at more high level rides. I personally do NOT
have a problem with that process.
If AERC wants to restrict the use of blood analysis during a ride, they
must pass a rule to prevent this, NOT use some self interpretation of
another rule not written to cover an other different  issue.

We have NO rule against riders or team/crew vets TAKING a blood sample for analysis.
If you  believe that to be wrong then we need to say so in our rules. It
would fit under RULE 13.
Of course this would have the effect of stopping ALL studies  and
research at rides.  NO one would be allowed to take a blood sample at
any time EXCEPT the DRUG TEST personal.

THE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD DEFENSE
It has nothing to do with a level playing field. Anyone can hire a vet
and take blood samples - if you can afford it. KNOWING the stats of
the blood chemistry provides additional information to help the rider
take better care of the horses. I seriously doubt anyone doing this is
going to 'drug' their horse based on the analysis. They MAY change the
elytes. MAY increase glucose sources. They MAY go faster and forbid it
they MAY slow down.

Level playing field is an old abused reason for many ills. It does not
exist. I really want the field tilted in MY favor.
ALL WITHIN THE LETTER AND INTENT of the RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.
 Level the field -then  We should
eliminate ALL devices - special shoes - saddles - what ever MAY give someone a
competitive advantage. Make sure they eat the same. etc..
 Ridiculous..
In this sport you win ( as in race to first place) BECAUSE you have a
competitive advantage. You ride better, take better care of your
horse, do your conditioning and feeding to aide your horse and
monitor his performance during a ride,  by intuitive and other means
  ( tools - HRM - stereoscope,  hands, 'feel'  crews - a personal
vet/shoer etc) are we limit access to anything that one rider can
obtain and another cannot - or chooses not to use?

This is not NASCAR, We do not all start out equal.


This latest round of rule interpretations and application is just
another example of the changes in our sport.

Other disciplines have an assortment of Rule managers - stewards - rule
interpreters, ground juries- protest judges etc. These personal on site
at the events insure the rules are followed, by ALL involved,
competitors and judges.

No one is above the law or rules.
We have a problem within AERC , a   number of members place them self
above the Bylaws and our rules. It is not limited to just the vets.

I bring these issues to the public for discussion.
I do not really expect any action from members nor the BOD

Roger Rittenhouse



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