Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Or even better, go volunteer as a vet scribe at a ride!  It's really invaluable being able to stand with the vet(s) while the judge BC and place their scores.  As a scribe, I was able listen and ask questions on how scores are evaluated, the scale those vets may use ( i.e. a set standard of what they want for a CRI for a particular score), how they compare the horses, etc.  I've been fortunate enough to do this several times now and I learn something everytime.  Plus RM's love volunteers!  Every rider should volunteer for at least one ride a year or so.

 

~ Crysta, rider, RM and volunteer 

 

On 8/31/07, Susan E. Garlinghouse, DVM <suendavid@xxxxxxx> wrote:

FWIW, I always try to talk with riders during normal vet checks as to what
I'm seeing.  Same as at the completion check.  At BC judging, I usually try
to give the riders at least what my impressions are at the time, although I
won't share my specific scores right then and there, nor will I comment on
how their horse looks compared to another.  I also make their vet score
available to them after BC is announced, and am happy to discuss it in
detail if anyone wants.

Sometimes during presentation, I may not say a whole lot, because a) I'm
concentrating on what I'm doing, which involves a lot of careful listening
to internal gurgling and thumping during which you're not available for
conversation, and b) I've seen vets accused of favoritism when they had a
friendly conversation (or, heaven forbid, actually laughed) with the
rider/owner during the presentation---sometimes better just to do your job.

It's usually not classified information to talk to the vet at some point or
another, though.  Most are happy to do so.

Susan Garlinghouse, DVM