Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

All depends on how one defines "sound".  If "sound" means "able to pass the 
final vet check after a 7-8 hr 100 mile race", then USEF is probably 
correct.  It's the same as the fact that 16 yr old mogul bashers appear in 
better shape than 25 yr olds after suffering the same physical abuse. 
Operative word here is "appear".  Just as the 16 yr olds will have lots of 
painful joint issues by the time they turn 35, so will the young horses 
suffer early physical deterioration and pain from the abuse THEY suffer 
when being asked to exceed what is reasonable and responsible for most 
young horses.

Bottom line, just because a horse CAN go 100 miles in 7-8 hours doesn't 
mean it is the right or humane thing to do.  If you ask that of a horse, 
knowing that down the line the horse will suffer, isn't that abuse?


Truman Prevatt wrote:
> Unfortunately the USEF is going the other direction. Now with 200 miles 
> and no 100's a horse can be nominated for the WEC.  I was told once in a 
> conversation where I expressed my displeasure in that decision that "we 
> need the younger horses to field a team of sound horses."
>
> I don't believe that for a minute.
>
> Truman
>
> Bruce Weary wrote:
>
> >  I like Tom Noll's idea about a 2500 mile requirement before horse and 
> > rider are allowed to enter high level, high speed international 
> > competition.


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

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!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=