Re: cash prizes
K S Swigart (katswig@deltanet.com)
Mon, 2 Dec 1996 22:33:55 -0800 (PST)
Let's face it; the vets cannot keep competitors from over-riding their 
horses; however, one way to help in this manner would be for horses that 
wish to be eligible for cash prizes must past a post-ride vet exam the 
morning after the ride.  The horses cannot have been treated before the 
exam, and the horse must truely be "fit to continue" (not some poor 
excuse for what passes as "fit to continue" at many rides these days).
How many people have ever seen a horse pulled at the post-ride vet check?
Another way would be to have extremely onerous penalties for riding your 
horse to death (e.g. being barred from endurance riding, heavy fines, etc.)
But do we really want to do this?
I shudder to think of the rules that will be required if large cash 
prizes are instituted at endurance rides....and make no mistake, it will 
require rules, and rules, and rules, and rules....
kat
Orange County, Calif.