Re: Horse Abuse

["superpat" <superpat@gateway.net>]

How right you are, Liz. The sad thing is that we have all known those whom
you describe. They are good people for the most part and certainly do not
think of themselves as abusive but when they get in a race, getting to the
finish among the top ten becomes all important to them. To hell with whether
their horse is not conditioned enough or strong enough to get there without
undue stress. For some reason, they think that just finishing top ten proves
they have a great horse or that they are great horsepersons. Truth be known,
many of us can get to that point on some given day, but at what cost?
Personally, I am in it for the long haul. If I do my homework and condition
and train properly, then I may ask more of my Engelita. But I am just as
happy to finish 14th or 30th with a strong, healthy horse. I wonder how many
of those "yahoos" will be looking for a new horse next year or the year
after cause their horse is all used up? So sad!
----- Original Message -----
From: Liz Newfield <lizfield@jeffnet.org>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Sunday, October 10, 1999 9:39 PM
Subject: RC: Horse Abuse


> No, I am not trying to revive and issues about IAHA suspensions.
> These are just some observations that I have and have been putting off so
> as not to be tagging them on other discussions not relevant to this.  I'm
> raising these issues hopefully to get some discussion going and will put
on
> my thick skin just in case.
> Endurance and other demand performance disciplines for horses creates a a
> market for horses with really good conformation for hard work which I
> believe stregthens any breed.  Hopefully, at some time that will lead to a
> lesser emphasis on breeding horses that are prone to injury when subjected
> to hard work as is the cases with horses bred only for halter.
> Most of the endurance riders I have seen take very good care of their
> horses.  However, in this sport I am disappointed to see horses that are
> over ridden and just plain tired.  We've all seen them.  They start out at
> the beginning of the season with luster in their coats, perhaps a hint of
> extra weight over hard muscles, bright eyes, and eager attitudes and not a
> hint lameness.  They end the season with dull coats, tired eyes, way too
> many bones showing and a tendency to be off once in a while and maybe not
> having as much fun.  These horses are usually well cared for as well and
> their owners would be horrified to think that anyone thought there was a
> problem.
> I am talking only about individual horses.  There are many top ten and
> high mileage horses out there that this doesn't apply to.
> I also wonder about people who try to get horses with problems past the
> vet.  I always feel that the vet is there to help me and my horse.  I
> personally don't want to take any chances with injuring my horse.
>
>
>
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