I hope
the folks on here don't think I was trying to say that all the treated horses
were over-ridden intentionally or "in the moment". As we all know, there are so
many factors..All I can say is I have been taught by some of the best, Ann and
Hal Hall, Bonnie and Dave McClain, Larry and Susan Deakyne, Jim and Cena
Larimer just to name a few and they have always told me to listen to my
horse! And please don't think I am saying these poor folks did not..and I
commend them for in some cases CHOOSING to have their horses
treated!! I think part of the investigation that will undoubtably be done
will likely take all of these variables into account in determining any common
factors. I have to agree with prior posts however that we cannot begin to think
it is "normal in the course of our sport" to need to give IV fluids. One thing I
have that I purchased from Steve Elliot is a drenching gun. It allows you to be
sure your electrolytes (I mix with copious amounts of water and applesauce with
probiotics mixed in) actually GET INTO THE HORSE..No guessing. I have even
filled the resevoir again and given another dose of fluids on hot
days..
Ranelle
-----Original Message----- From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Truman Prevatt Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2004
5:32 PM To: Dabney Finch Cc:
ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] Nationals and
treatment
I believe this is the first time there has been
this level of treatment at the NC. It turned out to be difficult conditions.
While "racing" may not have caused the problem, under adverse
conditions, just being on the trail my be more than a given horse is capable
of doing. It's a bummer but part of the sport is knowing when the
conditions are too much for your horse so can pull and ride another day. There
is always another day.
Truman
Dabney Finch wrote:
I do
agree with Heidi and Ranelle that riders should slow down when it is
hot. Although most of the riders at the NC 100 did, there were some
who were definitely in "race mode" and did not.
But I don't want to
see anyone jump to the conclusion that all the treated horses at the NC were
ridden too fast for the ambient conditions. Not so. I know of at least
two very experienced riders on experienced horses who were riding very
conservatively (=back of the pack) and requested that the vet give their
horses fluids after they pulled just to be on the safe side... I applaud
that these riders would put their horses on the "treatment line" despite the
fact that some other people at the ride (or on ridecamp) might therefore
jump to the conclusion they overrode their horses....
Didn't we have
a series of NC rides a couple of years ago to discourage the "racing," but
then that was changed?
--
"It is necessary to
be noble, and yet take humility as a basis.
It is necessary to be
exalted, and yet take modesty as a foundation."
