Re: MALIBU RIDE AND TRAIL INCIDENT

[dwheeler@icx.net]

Being in the SE, I cannot comment specifically on what occurred at the 
Malibu ride, but having attended the ride Truman referred to where the 
little boy was injured & his mare died, bad things happen.

However, we as riders have a responsibility to mitigate risk -- of 
accidents & of losing land to ride on.  The behavior described does not do 
either.

When Dancer died as a result of injuries at the Oakland Hills ride last 
year, many on RC were irate -- said they could see this coming.  I would 
like to remind everyone of the closing comment from the Protest & Grievance 
Committee per that incident (Endurance News, March/April 2001): "All of us 
need to ask whether, if someone had interceded at some time in the past, 
either by protest or otherwise, would Dancer still be alive today?"

I would hate to open up a future copy of Endurance News or read a posting 
on RC where the individuals from the Malibu ride have caused a severe 
injury or death to another rider, another trail user, or to a horse.  That 
has not happened yet.  There are those of you out there who have witnessed 
this unsportsmanlike & dangerous behavior from these individuals -- you can 
keep history from repeating itself.  Don't worry about hurting feelings -- 
you may be saving a life.

Vicki Wheeler
Knoxville, TN