I can see Rick's "side", and understand frustration
with a rule I don't agree with.
BUT, even though
barefoot/shod is a "hot" issue...
Its basically just a rule set by ride
management, akin to dogs on leashes and generators off by midnight. We,
the riders, are their guests, and must abide by their rules... however we feel
about them. Its not up for debate, its simply reality. If I don't
agree, or like how a ride manger conducts *their* event, I simply don't
attend.
I must be honest, I see this particular rule on
many endurance, competitive, and pleasure ride entries utilizing rocky
mountainous trails.
I am working towards a completely bare footed horse. I don't think of
myself as an extremist, though there are plenty out there. I do firmly
believe that generally speaking a barefoot horse is a healthier horse. Of
course it is not fair to assume that every horse falls into that category. I
know it depends first and foremost on the animal. Each horse is different.
Genetics, diet, how and where it lives, what it's job is, all play a role in
making the decision of what is best for the animal.
It would be lunacy for me to say ALL endurance horses MUST have hoof
protection just as it would be to say NO rides shall be held that don't
require it. My concern is that Kat said that "she doesn't trust any rider or
vet to pull a footsore horse". I would and do trust the vets to know what they
are doing and be able to stand up to the arguementative riders. That is what
they are paid to do. Most riders will know if their horse is off even
if it is on all four.
The PS region where she has her rides are some of the best terrain for a
well conditioned barefoot horse. I believe if riders are given the choice of
hoof protection rather than it being mandated we might see more responsible
ridership. But then I am not doing this for the points either. I may be "all
wet" when it comes to the highly competitive people. Most of them are using
some form of hoof protection and they are the ones pushing their animals to
the limits.
Rick As for me and my horse, we shall serve the Lord.
Gallopin' 2:4
-----
Original Message ---- From: Kathy Mayeda <klmayeda@xxxxxxxxx> To:
Rick Jackson <am2aracehorse@xxxxxxxxx> Cc: katswig@xxxxxxxxxxxxx;
ridecamp <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2008
11:30:03 AM Subject: Re: [RC] [RC] Why I require hoof protection (was:
Barefoot endurance)
Sheessss.... Just because a rider is doing the barefoot thing
does not guarantee superior knowledge. Rick, I hope you don't let the
opinion of a few barefoot people sour you on living with barefooters!
