If everyone was honest with himself, I wouldn't see folks accept a
completion when they KNEW they didn't deserve it.... that the only way
their horse was fit to continue was in a trailer heading home. I have
seen vets pass a Grade III horse as mild Gr II. I have (recently) seen
a horse finish a 100 mile ride and it was GR III lame for the last 3
miles due to muscle cramping. The vet offered to check the horse's trot
out AWAY form the lights. "Nope, I don't <see> any off steps.
Congratulation!" I have seen vets say that the horse is not
consistently GR III lame since it is sound at a walk. This really makes
me angry!
Yes, the people have put out tremendous effort to get to the finish
line. They & the horse deserve recognition for what they have
accomplished! BUT, if they are not fit to continue, they should not
complete. If your horse has limitations (as do some I have ridden),
ride to their limits but not beyond.
Most of our veterinarians are fair and even handed. I give them great
credit for staying up till all hours to judge in bad weather for very
minimal pay. I would hope that we support their decision to pull us if
it is warranted, & I hope that they have the courage to do so. Please
help the vet staff by being honest with yourself and accepting a pull
with grace, no matter when it occurs in the ride. We have all talked
about tight controls on races with cash prizes - well, control needs to
be throughout the sport at every level and supported by all of the
riders!
>Linda Flemmer
Linda Flemmer
ABF Challenger ("Rocket") & Eternal Point ("Major")
Blue Wolf Ranch Chesapeake, Virginia, USA
"In case of emergency - Fur side up, steel side down!"