"...But I have a dilemma. The mare's teeth have sharp edges
and she really fusses with her bit (a very mild eggbutt snaffle). The vet had to
cancel our appointment this week and the soonest he can do her teeth is next
Tuesday. which would be only 4 days from the ride, or the following week after
the ride"
Chris, I would get the dental
work done, but not take Miss Ali to the ride.
I try not to do anything different, like give
shots, change feed, have dental work or for that matter have new shoes put on
the week prior (sometimes two weeks prior) to doing an event. As I have
said before on RC, I don't endurance ride, but I do a lot of other events and I
think that any change or potential change to a horse prior to any event has the
potential to become a problem. You want your horse to be comfy and
concentrating on you and not have the ouchyness that those rough edges of her
teeth may be causing her, plus you want to maintain control at all
times.
You don't want to risk the chance that you get her
teeth done and then she is ouchy and doesn't eat or drink well during the
ride. Plus if you opt to ride with the biteless bridle, well riding a run
away is no fun and can be dangerous not only to you but to others around
you. (Hey ya never know, she may do fine in the biteless bridle, but why
take the chance?).
Although you feel compelled to ride, she is doing
so well and the ride is in your hometown, I still would refrain from taking her
on this go around.
Good luck with your decision! Happy
riding.
Carol-Mariposa
Carol Suggs Mariposa Financial
Services 209-742-5466 Voice 209-742-5469 Fax
