Re: Pulled at the finish and ego, etc.

Greenall (greenall@vermontel.com)
Fri, 6 Dec 1996 12:08:02 +0000

I am in full support of the "fit to continue" criteria for all rides,
either endurance or competitive. I was in the sport before this
criteria and saw some pretty sad finishes which really took away from
the sport. Noone likes to see a horse ridden to that extent.
Whether it made riders smarter or better I cannot say. As horse
events come more and more into the public eye, and the eyes of animal
activists, I feel it is critical that we demonstrate that horses are
capable of performing at the level we ask without hurting them. The
only time I was pulled (at the end of a 100) I allowed my judgement
to be swayed by the encouragement of the vets who really thought I
could make it. I am sure they thought they were trying to help, but
every rider should ride their own ride. I knew my horse better than
they did and should have pulled at 70 miles. Life is a learning
experience.
John and Sue Greenall
greenall@vermontel.com