I agree with you. Most rides are fine. I've been lurking at rides here
in Nevada and northern California for two decades now. I've been guilty
of severely overriding my horse in rides in the early eighties myself
and know for a fact that abuse does go on. I've seen a lot more as a
student/spectator than as a competitor or a volunteer. I'm one of those
people that walks around camp stopping to carefully look over horses and
compare what I see. (Most of the time I can't get away to participate,
though I have been running out to the local ones lately after work.)
I'm on my frantic way out the door to work right now and honestly didn't
get to read your letter thoroughly, but I just wanted to say.... I wish
I had a video camera at some of the recent rides I've attended!!!! AND
then to find out these horses won top honors...rrrrr!!! BTW, I've
finally started volunteering again and will be at the VC 100 in two
weeks. ~Nikki