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I second Mike's comments about the "pulls" that occur and we also did a bit
of work to get this data included in the results.
Let me first say that it is no stigma to have a horse "pulled" In fact you
should be pleased that someone was cognizant that something "might" be wrong
and so your horse was SAVED from further disablement or injury. If you
pulled the horse on your own, even if the Vet did not concur, even more
accolades to you for your decision. Personally, I have more respect for the
person who pulls the horse, even if there is some doubt, over the one who
tries to squeak through even though walking to finish. (I have pulled at 45
miles in a 50 mile ride and been glad)
I am finding that more and more of the newer riders are worrying about "vet
scores", the stigma of "pulls" and the like. I say forget the human egos and
have some thought for the horse and the sport. This is not a sport that is
gauged by report cards but by the endurance of miles accumulated on your
horse, with the horse continuing on and on and on, ad infinitum.
Another point to ponder while on the subject of vet cards, vetting and
endurance riding. Our rules state (Rule 2.) THE EQUINES MUST BE UNDER THE
CONTROL OF VETERINARIAN(S) EXPERIENCED WITH EQUINES OR ENDURANCE RIDES.
Please read this rule of the AERC because at no time do the contents ever
state the vet is at the ride to compensate for your mistakes of overriding
your horse. The vet is there to CONTROL the ride by elimination of those not
in conformance with criteria set prior to the ride. They have no control of
the horse while under saddle on the course. THE VET IS IN CONTROL AT THE
CONTROL POINTS. YOU are responsible for the welfare of the horse at all
times. It is not the RESPONSIBILITY of the vet to maintain your horse during
a ride. It is his responsibility to eliminate you from the ride if you do
not maintain your horse in proper condition.
The Ride Vet is not there to SAVE your horse after YOU have made a mistake.
The ride vet MAY become your treatment vet after you have made a mistake but
, that then becomes a private negotiation between you and the vet outside
the ride parameters.
I am sure most of the ride vets would appreciate it if you all would
remember these facts. Realize, that when you do goof up and create a
incident (nice word for the fact your horse is down and the vet is trying to
save it) every other participant at that ride is severely effected.(and the
animal rights extremists pick up on the incident and have a field day)
Guess I am venting like Mike but I have seen to many riders expecting the
vet to save them from their folly.
Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID
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