7-8 years ago there was a ride in Oklahoma that I am sure many on this
list remember. From what I recall, it started off as an AERC santioned
ride. Due to lack of adherence to the AERC rules, the AERC officials -
including the veterinarians left. The race ran unsanctioned and a
number of horses were killed. The money offered provided incentives for
A--H----- to pull a horse out of the back forty and run it until it
dropped or finished first.
I ride for fun and pleasure and have no interest to compete for money.
There used to be a "friendly" competition locally that was lots of fun.
It was a tri-athalon that had a run, bike, and horse race. We rode in
teams or as an individual. When the triatholon started to have prize
money - the "friendly" competition disappeared. Suddenly there were
world class athletes in serious competition. For me the fun was gone,
and I chose not to participate any more.
Just a thought -
Stacy & Porter
Gilroy, CA