If a horse, when assigned a Horse I.D. Number by the AERC, was also issued a Ride History Book to track that particular horse's ride history/performance. Perhaps, as an organization we would then have relevant data on our horses. "Relevant" in that the welfare of the horse could be monitored, assisted, documented.
At the end of a ride, the Head Vet and Ride Manager would transcribe the results of that particular rides, that particular horse.
Such as, WIN A WATERBOTTLE 100 MILER
"HORSE X Overall: A-
No gait aberrations, no metabolic issues
signed: Head Vet
HORSE finished_____ out of _______starters.
signed: Ride Manager
Then, that book would have to be presented at that horse's next ride. The pre-ride Vet could "focus" a bit more attention to a previously "documented" issue. (I know, I know, do we really want this...I'd say, do really want to do something with pull codes or not?)
If said Horse shows up at ride after ride with the same "issues", as an organization, the AERC would have to have an avenue available to help that horse.
I strongly believe that an endurance horse is the responsibility of the rider...I also believe that the AERC needs to be able to DOCUMENT its concern for the welfare of the horses who are used in this sport.
I think we, the community of endurance riders who make up the AERC, need to either "put up" or "shut up".
If I'm wrong, I know you will tell me so...do not hesitate to do just that...I'd like to "focus" this conversation a bit more.
Unless it is just "conversation".
Frank.
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