Best Condition Discussion

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I write this as a fairly long time competitor, 22 years, as a person who was
deeply involved in the codification of the AERC Rules, as a former Director
of the AERC and as a current member of the Rules Committee.

I find some of the concern with the present Best Condition judging very out
of place and misdirected. First, please realize that the initial portion of
the judging is the Veterinarian or condition of the horse. This must be done
independent of time and weight. It is to be done by the Vet and if, in his
consideration , any horse is over ridden, he has the option (really the
responsibility) to reject such a horse by awarding low scores in his
inspection. This affords a culling opportunity for the Vet to eliminate the
so thought of as abused horse. THIS IS THE FIRST LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY (
Vet inspection)

Secondly, If the ride course is so designed to be on roads, flat terrain,
and fast then the responsibility for the high speeds remains with the RIDE
MANAGER. This is where I see most of the abuse happening. THIS IS THE SECOND
LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY (Trail layout)

Third, The Rider. I do not know of most riders philosophy for their rides
but mine is to get the most out of my horse on that particular day with out
causing the horse any difficulty. THAT MEANS A TIRED HORSE AT THE END OF THE
RIDE. Why?? That is the name of the game, the premise behind endurance
riding, the only way for improved physical condition and the basis of my
relationship with my horse. THE THIRD LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY IS THE RIDER'S
TO THE HORSE.

A tired horse at the end of the ride is a measure of the work done at the
ride, a measure of the preparation done in the training and conditioning of
the horse prior to the ride, and a measure of the relationship between the
rider and the horse.

I hear E-mail posts worrying about not getting all "A"s on their vet cards
and now worry about tired horses. There is an easy answer to all of this. Go
do Competitive Trail Rides where equitably in all things is the objective.
I hear concerns about weight being an advantage. I am a heavy weight (215)
When I compete with a feather weight I can assure you that I have no
advantage since my horse is doing considerable more work ( work is a measure
of weight moved over a particular distance, i.e. amount of calories expended
over time).

So, Ride Camp, if you are really concerned with the condition of the horses
judged for Best Condition I would advise you to take the initiative and
discuss your concerns with the Vet at the ride, with the Ride Manager about
the trail and to contact the AERC Office requesting information on how many
miles have been ridden compared to how many horses have been in serious
difficulty as a result of being over ridden.

Endurance Riding is one of, if not the only one, the most controlled equine
sports for the welfare of the horse. Compare it to Combined Training
(Jumping, cross country, dressage) and see which sport cares better for the
individual horse? Compare to flat track or steeplechase racing and see which
has more concern for the horse. Check the welfare of the endurance horse
with that of the show ring performer and then tell me which has the most
concern for the horse.

I am open to full discussion on this subject and feel it should be open to
the full Ride Camp.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID

• Next message: Lois Crowley: "How to get weight off but keep energy level up...??"
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