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[RC] Crashin' horses - Bruce WearyTruman--I know that you have a scientific background, so I hope you'll appreciate my comments on your observations. First, I hope we can agree that your impressions, while no doubt earnest, can't help but be skewed if only because of the groups of horses you are seeing in the Southeast, where it is very humid. You probably see more horses on fluids by far than I observe here in the Southwest. Secondly, it's been established that horses lose critical levels of fluids and electrolytes after the first 25 miles or so, plus they are going twice as far on a 50. It's more difficult by definition, so I would expect to see more potential metabolic issues. No one says that rides of 50 miles or more are safer or less prone to problems than LD rides. AERC is concerned with horse safety and rider education and conduct at ALL levels of riding. It is presumed that riders who attempt rides of 50 miles or more are more experienced, and hopefully less likely to override their horse than a novice might. A less than airtight assumption, I'll grant you, but it's the best we've got to work with. Plus the vets presumably see the horses more times throughout the ride than most LDs.To point at the risks at other distances in order to defer legitimate concern over potential risks in an LD rides serves no one. There are risks at all levels, and they should be addressed at all levels. Let's say there was a movement by America's youth to have the age for holding a driver's license lowered to 12 years of age. They can reach the pedals, turn the wheel and recognize traffic signals. "Why won't we let them have access to the nation's highways?" they ask. "You're too young and inexperienced," we tell them. "You are more likely to have accidents that those of us who have been driving for years." They reply "Oh, come on. My grandfather, who had driven for 50 years was killed in a car accident, as have been many other adults. Shouldn't this show that we are potentially no more dangerous behind the wheel as older, more experienced drivers?" You see the analogy. Let's consider the safety and enjoyment of all riders before we strategize how to move the system to garner more recognition for ourselves. Let's help make endurance riding a great experience for all involved--the horses, of course, and especially the beginners, for they are the future of our sport. Bruce Weary =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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