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[RC] Suicide races - Andrea DayThanks to one and all for the positive response to my (long and drawn out) post.One more example of the hyperbole of the animal rights special interest groups-- Check out the second article that Paddi posted, from the Wall Street Journal, no less. http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB118678342614494614-SguOQluncV1arfdjhF2pULm4VbY_20070909.html?mod=tff_main_tff_top The sidebar has a list of five Animal Contests--Tourist attractions around the world that involve battles between animals. The list includes cockfighting, camel wrestling, horse fighting, water buffalo fighting, and the running of the bulls in Pamplona (?? more man against bull, with my bet on the bull.) Equating this with racing-riding horses down a hill? Can you say extreme agenda, anyone? "I admire those who do have the courage to try to make changes for those (children and animals), who do not have a voice." I am a strong supporter of animal rights Unfortunately, "animal rights" is becoming an emotionally loaded buzzword that can mean anything anyone wants it to mean. Karen, Irregardless of the fact that more needs to be done, I think the event producers are beginning to get on track and working to prevent horse catastrophes. Everyone involved with horses, no matter how supportive of suicide racing, is encouraging oversight and evaluation. Most of the concern with horse safety is lost within the inflammatory agenda of the articles cited. Small reference to the sport's addressing of the issue is made in the first article: "Horses and riders have to pass three tests to demonstrate their ability to run in the race and navigate the river. First there's an initial vet check to make sure the animals are sound physically. Then there's a swim test to ensure horses can cross the river - which usually by race time in August is low enough to run through. Finally there's the hill test. Riders take their horses off the hill at a controlled lope to prove that the animals won't give way to fear at the brink." and "Backers ... maintain a shallow draft hydroplane boat in the river during the race that can work in shallow waters, pulling horses to the safety of trailers..." From the second article, one sentence:"Organizers say they've taken steps to make the race safer, including physical tests and veterinary inspections before and after each race." I wasn't really impressed with so-called objectivity of the second article. Unfortunately, the writer also used the word "emboldened" which really made me gag! _________________________________________________________________ Can you find the hidden words?? Take a break and play Seekadoo! http://club.live.com/seekadoo.aspx?icid=seek_hotmailtextlink1 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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