I think at the very least, if a horse dies
at an AERC sanctioned endurance ride the following should be mandatory:
1) Statement from the ride's Head Vet.
2) Statement from the Ride Manager
3) Statement from the Rider/Owner of the horse.
4) Statement from any riders who witnessed the death or circumstances
that may have contributed to it.
5) Review of all the above by an AERC Committee. Publish a summary of findings.
If nothing else other could/would learn from
the unfortunate experience.
I don't think it is necessary to find fault
in any of the above except in cases where abuse was obvious. I found the
statements made by the riders at the Worlds extremely informative. It told
us what they were thinking in the heat of the
moment.
