We've been down this road before. I just hope eventually it leads us
somewhere, for true leadership is what we need in this arena. As I've said
before, if AERC doesn't take the necessary steps in reporting on the horse
deaths that do occur at endurance rides, who will?
When I left the AERC convention I had such a good feeling about the Horse
Welfare Committee being created at that convention I really wanted to hug Jim
Holland (I don't normally have this feeling for Jim). And, quite frankly,
it's why I want him on that Committee. He had more to do with it's
establishment than anyone and it only makes sense, to me, that he is on
it. With Jim on there, things will not get swept under the rug.
Come on, seven horse deaths and there are no recommendations to fix
anything with any of those incidents? We're afraid to offend
someone? If you've ever been to an endurance ride where a horse has died
(I've been to two already) you know that the whole experience is
offensive. The fun had just been sucked out of the ride and it creates a
sickening feeling deep inside your stomach when it does happen no matter what
the circumstances.
We need to quit worrying about litigation here. The horse must always
come first and if we lose one at a ride some sort of action has to be
taken. The three committees, the Horse Welfare Committee, the Vet
Committee, and the Education Committee must all be involved in this.
Eventually, I'm hoping that there is some teeth to this investigation, but, I
realize that will take time.
Jim, please get it going. I will help you with whatever it takes to
get you on there, because, it is obvious you need to be on it. Wouldn't it
be better if you were on the inside instead of the outside looking in?
To all members of the AERC BOD: Wouldn't it be wise to have Jim
Holland on this Committee? Otherwise, do you really want to listen to
what he says at the next annual meeting if nothing is done here? Wouldn't
you rather Jim being the one answering the questions instead of asking
them? IF he is on it, I know something will get done. We can no
longer tolerate the phrase, "No specific management or veterinary circumstances
have been identified that may have prevented this fatality." I'm sorry
Steph, but I just don't buy that one. There has to be some recommendations
and accountability. We owe it to the horse and we owe it to the sport we
all love.
Perhaps....but find me a Vet Committee Report that DOES point a
finger at ANYTHING...Ask AERC to show you every report as far back as
they exist. Apparently it's ALWAYS nobody's fault with no details.
Can't believe that 7 horses died in 2002...and it's just because
"shit happens". Nobody's fault, no extenuating circumstances, none
could have been prevented...after all they were just horses. You will
never convince me of that. <sigh> As my Granddaddy used to say, "I
wasn't born in a Turnip Patch".
Jim, Sun of Dimanche+, and Mahada
Magic
Heidi Smith wrote: > > > Based on your statement,
the whole idea of an investigation of horse > > deaths is a waste of
time! Again, need to suck it up and lose the > > paranoia. I guess
NOBDOY speaks for the horses...an ego might be > > bruised... >
> No, Jim, it is never a waste of time. But it is only reality to
understand > that you won't always find the cause, no matter how hard
you look. This > isn't about paranoia--this is about good people
who simply didn't find > anywhere to point a
finger. >
