"Fainting" horse and cash prizes

Linda L. Beck (llbeck.@wtp.net)
Wed, 04 Dec 1996 16:28:33 -0800

I too have a fainting horse. She apparently has either panic attacks or
just gets too excited when passed by a truck while riding in a two-horse
trailer (this is the only time she faints). However, in one 10-mile
trip she went down in the trailer 4 times before I finally got her
home. Needless to say I got rid of the two-horse trailer and purchased
a larger one. Now she perspires a lot while being hauled, but does not
faint (yet).
As to cash prizes, I too am totally against them. My first time as ride
manager, I saw a few people who, without cash prizes, were so intent on
winning they argued vehemently with the vet who felt in the best
interest of their horses they should be pulled. Can you imagine the
spot vets would find themselves in if there were large amounts of money
at stake - not to mention how that would change the "look" of the
endurance rider. We would be an entirely different group. Add my name
to your list of detracters please.

Linda Beck with Celtic Blue