>From my knowledge limited just to the Texas competitors - I am sorry
to say the information is not correct. I really wish it had been.
One of the leased horses - a strong finisher in past years in the central
region - was euthanized in late october as a direct result of the
competition. cause was laminitis.
a second horse - one from the alternates list and a top horse in the
central region - just returned to texas yesterday from the kansas
state vet clinic. he has been there since the finish of the weg.
the vet bill is very significant. his case was more complicated
but laminitis was a factor as well.
both horses had their owners in the crew. the horses finished very
tired and in the 30s for placing in completion.
Dr. Gillispie was very surprised to hear this news after I saw
his statement in the International report. I wish the news had been
otherwise.
This note is not intended to tie into the thread on the cash prizes -
it just came out after i saw the reference to no problems with
the high level competition at the weg. if any of you remember my
"reflections on the WEG competition" as the closing note of stephs
and my coverage of the ride - I mentioned - "we ask a lot of our
horses - and they give it". at that point i already knew of the
problems facing these two horses. anytime we push ourselves - and
our horses - there are risks. some of them may not turn out well...
mike maul
mmaul@micro.ti.com
houston, tx