Re: RC: aerc handbook def of lameness and BC

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/15/99 4:26:08 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
guest@endurance.net writes:

<<  Grade III is defined as a consistently
  observable lameness at a trot under all circumstances. Grade
  IV is defined as an obvious lameness with marked nodding.>>

Most experienced horsemen (and a lot of endurance riders fit that 
description) would be apt to describe the slight bob of a consistently 
observable lameness (Grade III) as a head bob, in my experience.  Some would 
miss it in a hind limb, as that doesn't produce as much bob as a forelimb 
lameness in many cases.  But many can pick up a grade III from clear across 
camp....  :-)

<<  Grade V is defined as: minimal weight bearing on one leg, or
  inability to move.
 Grades III to V are automatically excused from BC judging;>>

And, I might add, from completion...

<< Grades I and 11 usually are not. The "soundness" score
 should reflect the significance of the gait impairment as
 well as the degree of impairment at that moment. ......... >>

Yep, and in that grey area where I can't quite call it a grade III but I 
think it's pushing the definition of a grade II, I've been known to (and have 
seen other vets do likewise) award completion but DQ them from BC judging, 
since the wording IS a bit different between the two.  One does have to 
understand that this whole grading system is an attempt to put numbers on 
something that is a whole range of grey instead of black-and-white--there are 
"in-between" cases all the time...

Heidi


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