Re: horse age/distance

[CMKSAGEHIL <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-05-14 14:34:51 EDT, hhcc1@htcomp.net writes:

<< I have been suprised that there has not been any discussion over Donna
 Snyder-Smith's and Ray Randall's articles in the EN regarding 5 yr old
 horses doing 100's.  They both seemed to feel that it would be a good idea
 to change the age requirement for starting a 100 to 72 months.  Does anyone
 know is this something that is before the board?  What is the general
 feeling on this subject?
  >>

We kicked this around pretty thoroughly a few months ago.  I, for one, am
opposed to a rule change.  Enough, already!  Would rather see a 5-year-old do
slow 100's than fast 50's!  Leave it between the rider and the vets.   Very
few 5-year-olds do 100's now, and I don't see one whit of harm coming to those
who do.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it!  This is one of those silly
political things that looks really good on paper (boy look what we just did to
protect our horses!) but really is unnecessary in real life.

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)