Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I seem to be the only one NOT surprised by Trumans's stats, so I guess now I 
have to say why. I am replying to both lists since it's being discussed both 
places and I'm writing this twice!
We used to travel quite a bit, don't much anymore, but I don't think things 
have changed a lot.

1. Vetting. Most AERC experienced vets are equally capable of evaluating a 
horse in metabolic distress. The common wisdom is: if in doubt & it concerns 
metabolics, pull the horse. Rider's seldom argue with no gut sounds or high 
pulses that won't recover.

There is a wide variation when it comes to the veterinary evaluation of 
lameness. I see this somewhat even between equally experienced vets in the 
same region. I'm not saying they can't see it or mean this as a slam. Some 
vets are very adamant that any gait aberation (uneven movement) is evidence 
of pain, period. Others accept that long term gait aberations are just that, 
and if there is no evidence of acute pain, and it doesn't get any worse, the 
horse gets to go on. Some vets will try very hard to persuade rider's with a 
grade 1 horse to pull themselves, others hardly mention it. Since new vets 
are trained by the more experienced vets, this (IMO only) has led to 
regional cultural differences as to what is acceptable.
The common wisdom generally is, if there is doubt & it concerns lameness, 
let the trail sort it out. (Make it worse or not.)

2. Rider's Ability. Most riders quickly learn what works under the 
conditions in which they most often ride. It would be interesting to know if 
the statistcal outliers within regions are ones hit with an anomoly in 
weather conditions on that day, a large influx of traveling riders, etc.
Most riders are aware that metabolic problems are an immediate threat to 
their horse's well being and will not knowingly ride out of camp on a sick 
horse.
There is greater variation in the rider's ability to evaluate lameness. On a 
flat smooth trail, it's a lot easier to a feel a horse that's "off". When 
your horses is picking it's way through the rocks, it's harder to tell. A 
subtle lameness that comes on very gradually can feel "normal" over a period 
of time (like a ride season). Rider's are more willing to take a chance 
riding out on a grade 1 if the horse is willing to go, and this isn't within 
the vets parameter to pull them for. If a horse starts and finishes at grade 
1 it won't show up in the stats at all.

Nancy Mitts

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