Kickers/CTR penalties

[Mickie Newnam <akelakhan@earthlink.net>]

I've worked with vets at a couple of rides who took off peanalty points
(max of 10 per day allowed under AHAO rules).  Once even the full 10
because this little mare wasn't just touchy about her back end -- she
went for blood!  The vet explained to the novice rider that if he can't
get near her to check her, he can't very well see how her condition is
doing.  Another vet took points off because the rider did nothing to
correct the horse; the mare  tried to kick his head in and he would have
just lived with it (young horse, still green, although that's no excuse)
had the rider made some effort to correct her.  As has been said, you
have to be the herd boss and if the herd boss won't allow that type of
behavior you don't have to either.
As for it just being a natural instinct, so is breeding, but if a person
riding or handling a stallion lets him mount your in-season,
very-receptive mare while you're in the saddle, are you going to say
"It's just natural"?  I don't think so!  you'd be doing everything in
your power to get out of there and would be very unhappy with the
stallion's handler/rider.  Same principle, IMHO.

Mickie


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