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There are some intersting things in the AERA rules. Of of the more 
interesting and one I think the logbooks are directed toward is the 
ability of the AERA to give the horse a "holiday" or vaction as would we 
say in the States. Thinking  about this, it's a good solid concept and 
may be something we should consider.

However, some of the things such as thier formal log book system would 
require a significant change to implement  and would probably require 
Stewards to manage. While I like the idea on paper, I'm not sure we need 
to go that far yet. The log books are also to satisify a regulatory 
requirement placed on the AERA by the government. We don't have a formal 
regulatory process to respond to so a formal log book system like used 
by the AERA seems like over kill.

Instead of concentrating on the rider - concentrate on the horse. 
Instead of giving the rider a sanction, suspension, etc.  - give the 
horse a vacation to rest and recover. The horse is the one doing all the 
work and the horse is the one at risk and it's the horses welfare the 
AERC should be concerned with so in those conditions where a horse needs 
a vacation to recover - give it one.

Some cases that might call for a vacation for a horse is when in the 
head vets opinion fluids need to be given - indpendent if they are given 
or not. That should remove the temptation of a rider to try to squeek 
by. If the rider hides a problem from the vet and the horse later 
crashes and it can be proved that the rider hid the condition from the 
vet, that can be dealt with through the protest process just as it would 
be today.

Other cases might be when a horse requries more than one treatment (of 
any type) in a 6 month period.

This approach seems to be more positive (looking out for the long term 
well being of the horse) than directing actions toward a rider. It will 
also minimize the problems caused when some unknown  preexisting 
condition contributes to a crash.    A horse with a preexisting 
condition that crashes needs a vacation to get over whatever is 
bothering him. 

This would eliminate additional stress on the rider associated with some 
sort of manadatory sanction process.  If the rider was aware of the 
condition then the normal protest process is still available.

The more I think about the horse holiday concept the more I like it and 
would urge the HWC committee to seriously consider the concept.

Truman





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