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Re: [RC] [RC] automatic sanctions - EliteI'm of the thought that people aren't doing this to their horses on purpose. You just don't spend the kind of time that you have to spend with an animal to condition for this sport without caring very much for him. People make mistakes, errors in judgement, and as they say hindsight is 20/20. I always hear stories about people helping others that are having problems out on the trail, sacrificing even their own finishes. But when it comes to the ones having problems with their horses in the vet check or after the ride, we want to punish them in some way. I've decided that what I'm going to do the next time I see a horse being watched or getting treatment is help the rider. Maybe make sure that they get their dinner (out beside the horse they are watching), make a pot of coffee for them, or even sit and watch the horse for them while they get a couple hours of sleep (because they may need to drive to a vet facility in the morning). They can figure out the why's in the morning... but right now I'm sure they are feeling pretty bad and might appreciate some understanding company, instead of being treated like they have the plague. Ok Truman... I have an idea for you. No new rules, no automatic sanctions, no changes in yearly awards. New way to look at this. The entire field starts every ride as a team, (ride to win, top ten, or complete, whatever) but the main objective being that every rider and horse finishes healthy. If not, we work as a team to take care of those that didn't. We take turns sitting up with that rider and horse, and help with whatever they need. In the process we get an up close look at what that horse (and rider) are going through (what an eye opener). I think this would be some of the best education a rider could have and may encourage them to seek more education. Only (unwritten) rule is... that night, no accusations, no gossiping, just support for that horse and rider. Like others have said, they are being hard enough on themselves already. Linda Klingerman =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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