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RE: [RC] Mariposa part 3 - heidi

In reality anyone that wanted to monitor ride camp can easily do that. 
No one here has to help them out. All it takes is some grievous act to 
break the radar screen, some activist to promote a "remedy" for that act 
on the local or state level and bingo - that will impact all of us. Just 
think what it would mean if some state law was pushed through regulating 
"endurance riding" because it presented undue risk to horses and it was 
an unregulated activity. Could that happen - I think it could if the 
AERC doesn't become more proactive in how it approaches equine welfare 
in general as incidents such as happened at Mariposa in specific. Once 
the camel has a nose under the tent - it's too late.


How was AERC NOT "proactive" in this case?  The horse met parameters at the vet 
check.  When the rider overrode the horse on the last leg of the ride, 
concerned riders came into camp, reported the problem, and sought help. Ride 
vets went out on the trail and treated the horse.  The horse was stopped on the 
trail--it didn't even come on into camp.  The rider was not rewarded in any 
way.  The rider was lectured and counseled by ride vets and an AERC director.  
The rider left the venue chastized and sadder-but-wiser.  What more do you 
want?  Will a pound of his flesh accomplish any more than was accomplished?  

AERC did just fine in this unfortunate fracas.  It upheld its rules and it 
stepped in to protect the horse.  WHO CARES if the rider comes back, as long as 
he comes back wiser?  Short of taking every rider around the course on a leash 
(and not just novices!), what more COULD have been done here?  Further 
punishment of the rider is like that old adage of grandpa's about closing the 
barn door after the horse has escaped.

Bottom line--the rider screwed up big-time.  He was observed and help was sent. 
The horse was treated and is ok.  The rider got some down-to-earth point-blank 
input about what an idiot he had been, and according to those present, realized 
that he had screwed up big-time because he almost lost the horse.  Thanks to 
AERC, he didn't lose it, and he got "edified."  WHAT MORE would punishment add 
to this scenario?  Not a thing, except maybe to make the posters on ridecamp 
feel warm and fuzzy.

Heidi

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