Re: Endurance "Newbie" Ground Manners

[Horsestwo@aol.com]

Devony:

There is a lot of territory to cover with the questions you asked!!  One
aspect I will discuss with you is ground manners at the vet checks.  We often
do a good job with the conditioning but forget about the training needed to
present the horse to the vets and p&r people.  Not only is the safety and
convenience of the vet staff an issue, you can learn ways to quietly present
your horse.

First, be sure your horse knows how to walk and trot out beside you on a loose
lead.  If you grip the lead too close to the snap you can put pressure on the
halter and keep the vet from being able to see if the horse is bobbing its
head from lameness.  That's a no-no.  Practice trotting circles to left and
right.  The vet will be asking for a figure 8 so practice smooth transitions
between your circles so you don't give the vet the impression your horse is
lame when it isn't.  This is where, at the pre-ride vet check, more horses are
out of control and dangerous than anywhere else.  Pay attention while waiting
in line to the instructions being given to the people presenting the horses.
Don't just do what the previous person did because about half the time they
didn't listen, didn't understand or couldn't control their horse.  If you
don't understand the instructions ask for clarification and tell the vet you
are a first timer.

Secondly, be sure your horse can tolerate having his gums messed with
(checking hydration and capillary refill), his temperature taken (hardly ever
done but just in case), his legs and back palpated (checking for soreness,
strains, galls or wounds).  Use something blunt to simulate the grease crayon
that they will use to mark your horse's rump.  Nothing ticks off a vet faster
than having to wrestle with some ill-mannered horse that tries to kick, bite
or bulldoze him/her.  Although no points can be deducted the vet shouldn't
have to risk life and limb just to vet your horse.  Besides, a horse that is
fighting and pulling is going to have high p& r's.

If at all possible you need to practice all these things in a crowd of horses
or at least with some other horses around.  Have strange (to your horse!)
people come up and check the above things including using a stethoscope.  Have
a cue to use to ask your horse to calm down or quiet if he becomes unsettled
during any procedure.  Maybe you can interest other endurance/distance people
in your area to have a get-together so everyone can "play vet" on each others
horses.  Always be careful when working with unknown horses!   

There are other things that I am probably not covering but you get the idea.
LD is where you learn the ropes so go and learn.  See where your horse needs
the most work (NOT just conditioning) whether it is tying to the trailer,
learning to drink on the trail or any of a thousand things but especially its
manners in camp and on the trail.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of volunteering for a couple of rides
if you haven't ridden in a ride.  Crewing is good also but you can learn the
importance of good manners if you do p&r's or help in any way with the vet
staff.  Volunteering is important anyway and it also gives you more of an
appreciation of the ride management team and all they do for this sport.  Its
a great way of giving back to the sport.

Go and have fun and learn.  Good luck and happy trails.

Melanie in AZ