Re: Pulled at the finish and ego, etc.
Greenall (greenall@vermontel.com)
Fri, 6 Dec 1996 12:08:02 +0000
I am in full support of the "fit to continue" criteria for all rides,=20
either endurance or competitive. I was in the sport before this=20
criteria and saw some pretty sad finishes which really took away from=20
the sport. Noone likes to see a horse ridden to that extent. =20
Whether it made riders smarter or better I cannot say. As horse=20
events come more and more into the public eye, and the eyes of animal=20
activists, I feel it is critical that we demonstrate that horses are=20
capable of performing at the level we ask without hurting them. The=20
only time I was pulled (at the end of a 100) I allowed my judgement=20
to be swayed by the encouragement of the vets who really thought I=20
could make it. I am sure they thought they were trying to help, but=20
every rider should ride their own ride. I knew my horse better than=20
they did and should have pulled at 70 miles. Life is a learning=20
experience.
John and Sue Greenall
greenall@vermontel.com
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