In a message dated 1/27/2005 3:26:57 P.M. Central Standard Time,
tprevatt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
So the
dilima whose horns we AERC members find ourselves between is the
following: Do we support selecting and sending a team that embodies the
best of the AERC - that when all is said and done it is the welfare of
the horse that is the most important - that probably doesn't have much a
chance because they won't push envelope to the breaking point or do we
support sending a team that will ride on the edge, ride to win with the
potential result of sending one season
wonders?
This sums it all up. To me, I admire horses and riders who have done this
for years. I am not interested in one-hit wonders, or throw away horses.
I'd rather see the US walk away without a medal than push a horse to a breaking
point. Gold/Silver/Bronze is no excuse for permanent damage or death
of your mount. We ask so much of these horses and so many deliver all that is
asked and more. It makes it our duty to take care of their well being. I am all
for AERC and "To finish is to Win". Our pride should be our horses and their
health after a ride.
