One of the reasons why you don't see the "hell bent on racing no matter
what" riders being treated is because they pack up and leave ASAP. How do you
know they survive?
Dr. Q.
You say, "the hell-bent, rein-slappin', fire-breathin', win-at-all
cost, kill my horse tryin' rider isn't showing up".
But that is exactly the reason given for changing the rule.
Laura writes, "This rule change would affect horses who may be asked to
"race" the last leg of a 50- to 100-mile ride with the thought that they have a
full hour to recover to pulse criteria. This thought allows for more speed when
horses are most vulnerable to injury due to fatigue. It would also affect those
horses whose level of fitness is not adequate for the job they are being asked
to perform."
Doesn't that cover the win at all cost riders?
I am not convinced that this is really going to improve the welfare of the
horse. They will just be able to leave earlier.
