Ridecamp: Re: [RC] OD (Long)

> I really didn't like the "concensus" approach....I don't think that did
> anything except make the evaluation procedure more difficult and all
> that "firepower" may have overwhelmed some riders. I have no complaints,
> tho...they gave me the benefit of the doubt. They were all great, easy
> to work with, and obviously knew their jobs. However, I think that
> approach MIGHT have prevented a timid rider that didn't speak up from
> starting. I don't know that for sure. I know of at least three 50 milers
> and one 100 miler who were "rechecked" for lameness and finished in fine
> shape...Flinn was one of those. Not all riders "know" the horse they are
> riding that day the way I know Sunny.

OTOH, Jim, how are new vets to learn?  I'm glad to see vets comparing notes
more and more at the larger rides, and if anything, I've seen more problems
with single vets who are not knowledgeable pulling horses or not allowing
horses to start because they simply don't know about minor gait
irregularities, etc. than I've seen with the group approach.  I'm really
glad to see this sort of mentoring and discussion going on between vets--I
think we have nothing but consistency to gain (which we badly need) and that
ride vets come out of it learning more and knowing more, which benefits our
horses in the long run.

I know that even after vetting over 250 rides myself, I still find it a
treat to be able to discuss and kibbitz with other good ride vets, and I've
enjoyed working rides where there is some teamwork and discussion.  VERY
interesting to be able to see through other vets' eyes....

Heidi


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
 Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
 Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=