Well, that is how I looked at it, also, and I certainly wasn't attacking AERC or EN (or AHA for that matter). But I still know that if it were "me" and my horse, I'd be feeling bad now. And that makes me feel bad.
I don't think that any of us critized the horse or the rider.....just the fact that it was a poor choice for an ad with the sores (for whatever reason). The horse does have its ears up and it trotting alone nicely...I think I pointed that out in the orginal post. I did say that the person didn't look really happy, but again, not everyone makes for a great pic. ME for one. But, I don't think I have a pic that would be worthy of an AHA ad either. THAT was the point, that someone (AHA, not AERC) should have looked a little bit harder for a BETTER picture. Regardless....when someone looks at an ad, they don't know the person/horse personally, they are going to "assume" things, and sores are not a good way to promote the breed or the sport.
I feel really badly about criticizing the photo, because I know how I'd feel if someone was tearing apart a photo of my horse. I apologize - profusely - for making comments about the photo, I really do.
I just wasn't thinking, there's a person in that photo ... For what it's worth, I am about worm-height right now. I will say this, I think the rider and horse do look sweet together, and they're out on the trail. That's what counts.
The gal in the pic is Gale from Norco or around Norco. I had the pleasure of riding with her at Manzanita in October. Her horse, Honey or Sweetie or something close to that (am I showing how bad my memory is or what!). The mare is a really nice horse that can trot circles around my Jazzi. The mare is an NSH not a pure bred as she beat me in the AHA region One Half Arab Endurance Championship. A well deserved championship for the two of them. I wish Jazzi could trot that fast!
I know exactly what ad your all talking about and I agree with you all, but I do happen to know the gal in the picture. She is a really nice person, has done a few AERC rides but prefers and mostly rides NATRC. Her horse is older, a spitfire of a horse and a pure Arab.
Lauren
Be a better pen pal. Text or chat with friends inside Yahoo! Mail. See how.
Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you
with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now.