Re: RC: what IS rider option?

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 4/29/00 4:47:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
tvanhove@uswest.net writes:

<< Deciding a horse doesn't feel right(soundness wise) so you 
 are not going to ride 20+ miles to a check point hardly
 means the horse needs to be seen by a vet.  Its not that
 very different from deciding a horse isn't right at home
 and not going to a ride.  >>

Sorry, not the same at all.  What I suggested was NOT that you ride the 20+ 
miles, but rather that the rider not load up and head off on a long trailer 
ride without having an evaluation by a vet.  I don't do that with my "not 
quite rights" at home, and would think that common sense would make one not 
want to do it on top of the stress of a partially completed multiday, either. 
 Randy specifically mentioned riders having crews still waiting in camp, 
turning around, loading up, and DRIVING HOME.  Having seen a GREAT many "not 
quite right" horses at rides become severely debilitated 2 or 3 hours later, 
I don't think it is asking too much to have the crew TRAILER the horse to the 
next check point to ascertain that he is really ok to get back in the trailer 
for a 10-hour (or whatever) ride home.  

I'm a firm believer in "father time" myself--and in fact, have often said 
that "father time and mother nature" are the two best vets in the business.  
A little bit of "father time" spent at the next check being observed is far 
better than running the risk of a crash in the horse trailer in the middle of 
nowhere.

Beyond the accuracy of information, the whole point of having horses 
monitored by vets at all is to safeguard the health and welfare of the 
horses. 

Heidi