About "boots", whether
SMB, 'old macs', or plain old "cuff" - interference, or splint boots - AERC
allows, but read ride rules.!!........ Most all allow, and can present for
BC after using, but may lose all points in that catagory, ? - and
some / *most CTR* do not allow at all ! , except easyboots ;
that, and some 'special' awards; may not allow; [ you
will not be allowed eligible for
- * The Old Dominion Trophy * - ( OD 100 - NO
boots allowed ) ].
I have SMB, ( new, almost 7 yrs
old ); never used them, ( still in wrapper, ?? ;
small ? . Will sell cheap ),. I got them thinking - I would
use them, to help prevent wear and tear on a horse I have who
has ' A really Big trot', never did use them, didn't want to switch back
and forth, worry about rubs, etc., and have him to get used to
different ways of going. CAn you = say lazy? - ( support sometimes,
none others. ) Don't know if theory would work or not, want to try
??
As far as ' Dogs In Camp ' -- I,
like Stephs' idea of -- "JAIL", -( may have to suggest
that ) ; except, for some - ' Would veiw as inexpensive Kennel
care ' --- and would need another volunteer to staff it -
provide water/chow. Supervision. It is much easier for Management to
have 'One Rule' to enforce - No dogs !, or all dogs must be on
a Leash / Confined. * Don't get me wrong !! -
I love 'my' dogs
!!!!!!!!!!!!!, and,.... most of yours ! .....
But... bet you wouldn't, ?? like mine - : )
; and my horse may eat your dogs, ( yes, I have two that will "eat"
A dog, or pick up and throw or stomp it; if close
enough. ........ and that,.. kid, ... over there,
.... would be 'terrified', by my dog (s) , ... what about his
'screaming' parents, - --- my dog ? - didn't do
"anything" ? - just got close, .. and 'grinned'
. No,! .. not growled, ..'grinned'! , .... see my
point..... or , .. I have a male.; and he peed on your hay
/tack/cooler ---- so sorry.
Plus, management does not need to be worried about
"lost" dogs during or after the ride. AND > some
insurances it may be a liability issue with
policy. .. ... or a "grounds" issue. ( Leasing owner of
property, ride is held on, may not want other dogs, or
may require leash "law". )
I have done P/R at a number of rides
and have heard a "fair" number of horses that either had a murmur -
{ ' a lub-dub' , with a 'whisper' / "swish" - extra heart
sound, ( someone wanted to know what sounds like ) } / or irregular
heartbeat ( lub,dub/dub) - I make a note on the ride card, as a "
heads up " for the Vet to check - this out ** ? ; whether at
pre ride or at 'checks' . .
Most are nothing, ... but - have your
own Vet evaluate / refer your horse for work-up ( can you say - ?? time and
money ?? - can involve - EKG, Ultrasound/
echocardiograms, bloodwork, treadmill analysis, + ). My horse Lyric, I was
told he had a "soft" murmur, I generally, could not hear, not that I
listened that often - he has about 4500 combined CTR/AERC miles, decent
recoveries, A "big" trot; 'under saddle'
; 'several' top tens, and is still doing well at 19.
Though, I stopped competing the last couple yrs , - my choice, for
me, ' whole thing' just got too much like work, for me; "burned out"
-- for now. ( we never could BC, he just isn't " into that 'trot-
out' thing ", is like leading a cow , learned quick, it
was his time to relax. :) Smart
)
As far as 100's - I think the
established 'ones' will continue......... but,... we need
volunteers --- please. !... !!! let management know ahead of
time if your crew can help - when at stops waiting on you, are
available - ie, can help time or P/R. A couple
weeks or **months**, ahead of time; we start planning months !!!!
ahead of a ride, ( I have started in Jan.- Feb. to get help for June ride)
..... and most rides desperately need people.- traffic control /
crossings, P/R, timers, vet recorders, ambulance drivers, sometimes just a
couple of hours, or one vet check can be a big !! help..-
especially late in the day/ evening... .............. if you are 'only'
riding the 50 - ( no insult intended.! ).. and can go back out
later in the day / night , call or eml and tell ride manager, they can direct
info to person handling vet check staffing, and fill in rooster of
volunteers. Most rides depend on, and really need all the support they can
get, from wherever, or however long a person can help. ?? Arriving
early ?/ May be help ride along to check/ - set out water
troughs, stuff ride packs. Direct traffic. And don't forget the
day(s) after , if staying over, clean up an' issue' also, staying over ? several
days? , want to stretch horse a little ?, unmark some trail .
If trails suitable. Arriving early, ?? see if any last minute
details, in camp; or trail close by. Most all help appreciated,
don't be afraid to offer, though management may not want to ask riders, or crew
- all help usually needed and appreciated. Figured for one
ride - it takes 2 ' Workers ' ..... for every
rider. ( Just something to think about, I am considering from hospitality
to trail marking, vets,etc.
) Without volunteers,
rides are not possible....................... Stephanie
M
