Re: Endurance "Newbie" Ground Manners

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-10-05 01:03:13 EDT, Horsestwo@aol.com writes:

<< Nothing ticks off a vet faster
 than having to wrestle with some ill-mannered horse that tries to kick, bite
 or bulldoze him/her.  Although no points can be deducted the vet shouldn't
 have to risk life and limb just to vet your horse.  >>

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  Your letter was excellent, and you are
absolutely right that too many people "condition" but never "train."  A horse
that has been taught to be mannerly, to camp out, etc., will have a much
easier time at this sport than one that has not been taught.  Not to mention
how exhausting and time-consuming it is for the vet, the crews and the rider
to have to deal with the ill-mannered horse....

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)