Re: RC: A reply to FEI's Michael Stone

[Tivers@aol.com]

In a message dated 8/28/00 10:07:18 AM Pacific Daylight Time, DebiG54@aol.com 
writes:

<< Professionalism is not synonymous with good horsemanship either.  Let's 
not 
 confuse the two.  Experience, intelligence, and a genuine concern for the 
 welfare of one's horse is what good horsemanship is about.  Success in 
 endurance, especially lasting success, can only be achieved with good 
 horsemanship. >>

"Genuine concern" is also not synonymous with good horsemanship. Instead, it 
is a "feel good" excuse to cover a wide range of unprofessional "abuses". 
Foremost among all these potential abuses is the attempt to compete with a 
horse that is not fit (in all the meanings of the word) for the rigors of 
competition. So, I would presume that those proclaiming "genuine concern" are 
also delivering the fittest animals--otherwise, it's just sanctimonious 
claptrap. 

Now, I believe you, Debi, have qualified to deliver that phrase, but beware 
of others who would jump on your "feel good" bandwagon. It might be best if 
we fully and clearly define genuine concern and good horsemanship as these 
prases apply to endurance competition.  

ti