RE: THE LD FIRESTORM/SAVVY DUCK

["Kathy Mayeda" <kathy_mayeda@atce.com>]

I also don't think the Duck is the only one that says that LD can
be dangerous to the horse.  We get that speech here in our neck
of the woods, too.  I always just thought it was normal operating
procedure to give that kind of speech!  There are a lot of experienced
riders here that didn't even blink or comment on that because they
know that the vet is there to help prevent bad things happenin to the
horse and to educate new riders and remind experienced riders to
pay attention.  If new riders are turned off, then yes, this probably
is not the sport for them anyway.

K.

-----Original Message-----
From: DVeritas@aol.com [mailto:DVeritas@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 23, 2001 8:39 PM
To: ridecamp@endurance.net
Subject: RC: THE LD FIRESTORM/SAVVY DUCK


In a message dated 1/23/01 8:44:26 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
dekarab@home.com writes: 




.  I just hate to see new riders turned off. 



If "new" riders are "turned off" by the remarks of an extremely
competent and 
savvy endurance rider and vet such as the Duck, then that very reaction 
probably speaks volumes about those riders' understanding of the sport
of 
endurance. 
   If, on the other hand, they "get it", they will not be offended and
might 
even be thankful someone cared enough about the horse, EVERY HORSE, to
share 
the insight that comes from seeing the number of horses (over the years)
the 
Duck has...the really great athletes, properly conditioned to excel, as
well 
as the "backyard horse" whose owner is in hot pursuit of the GLORY to be

found on the endurance trail. 
   The last time I looked, most endurance horses are ridden by one 
rider...THAT rider is responsible for THAT horse. 
   And when a rider loses sight of THAT fact, perhaps they DO need to
seek a 
different "hobby" (preferably one in which something won't die or get 
permanently crippled due to the overzealous pursuit of a new bucket or 
buckle.) 

   Frank Solano