well here i go again - it's not that i think you guys should adopt our
system or that i am trying to push it, but i do feel that having started
this i should at least make sure i've given you the right idea of how it
runs. of course if you did adopt some sort of log book system then it's
unlikely that you would run it the same way anyhow...
> I agree with Teddy. If you want a log book for your personal use thats one
> thing. To require a log book will add to the administration time at each
> ride.
why? isn't this information recorded somewhere anyhow? why would it be
slower or more troublesome to record it in a log book rather that on
individual cards? in australia, previous to log books, we had standard
vet cards, and the information recorded on them is the same as is
recorded on each page of the log book, so as far as i can see it should
make no difference to ride admin. but then i don't know your system...
> One of the major issues at competitive trail rides is that it takes
> forever to get the score cards written up and totaled. This makes for long
> lines and delays at some rides.
>
> The log books will create that kind of delay if you have official entries
> by vets at each ride. Another point, are you going to expect vets to sign
> their names and in effect certify that the information is correct for the
> log book?
don't your vets fill out some sort of card now? and yes, our vets here DO
sign their name to the vet card - they initial it at each check and the
head vet signs the card at the end to certify whether or not you
completed. it takes about 2 seconds while they are recording the
information to add a signature, if that's your worry. if questions of
liability etc are an issue for you guys, well that's something for your
association to sort out if they introduce a system. but i can't see it
being a bigger issue with log books than it may be now.
> Can we hear from some vets as to what they think about the books.
it may not be relevant, but the log book system in australia is the
brainchild of one of the most prominent endurance vets in the country
(who also rides).
> I think keeping track of your self is excellent. I have all of my
> horsemanship and vet cards. I use a heart monitor and keep track of that
> info, however that is my business, having something made, and stamped
> official is another red tape log jam that will occur. like Teddy, just
> another view point.
in effect, the log book is just an official collection of your vet cards,
with a bit of general info about your horse in the front.
this is, of course, all IMHO, and you may well be right that the system
won't work for you, even if i can't understand it from this side of the
planet.
nik in oz