Re: RC: RE: VT 100 & over riding [long]

[Maureen Mathisen <blueoak@snowcrest.net>]

Teddy,

What makes you think I DON't?  You're not the only one with a big
mouth!  Congratualtions!  We both have one!  Now--for the
others---Maureen

Teddy Lancaster wrote:
> 
> Say, OPEN YOUR MOUTH!!!! Far too many people stand on the sidelines and say
> "poor horse" or whatever... Well, DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!! This is YOUR sport
> and if YOU love it, you will NOT let this kind of thing reflect upon it!!!
> 
> Teddy (who has ALWAYS been known to open mouth and insert foot when I thought
> it appropriate - other times as well)
> 
> Beth Glace wrote:
> 
> > Hi Maureen,
> > I agree with you that the problem is in getting the rider to be
> > responsible. I think many of the riders came in with a finish time in
> > mind and they did not alter that goal according to conditions [the
> > runners were equally as mindless, but they don't engage my compassion
> > to the same degree].  I did speak to the vets when I had a chance to,
> > and they said they'd had several tie ups, and lots of metabolics.  I
> > mentioned the woman we saw kicking her horse on every stride, but I
> > didn't have her number and what could I prove?  I think she finished,
> > although she pissed people off.  She would pass by and the spectators
> > just shook their heads and said "poor, poor creatures, how cruel".
> > For all the silly people out on the course their were careful riders,
> > going sensibly, walking good portions or trotting reasonably.  Of
> > course it is the bad example that the spectators will remember.
> > I have no answers; I am new to the sport.  However, after debating
> > with myself, I thought I'd pass on the comments I heard from
> > onlookers, and what I myself witnessed.  Again, the response from
> > people differed greatly this year from those I heard last year, when
> > the conditions were more ideal.
> >
> > Regards,
> > Beth
> > Klass Act
> > New Paltz, NY
> >
> > > You know what Bob?
> > >
> > > I find it disconcerting also, but for a different reason!  IF even half
> > > of this was going on at the VT.l00, then the RIDERS were NOT doing what
> > > they were supposed to, and it needs attention!  If we don't POLICE
> > > OURSELVES, and are afraid to speak up when something needs to be
> > > addressed, then we are only asking for the "animal rights people" as you
> > > said, to intervene.  After all, we all say we are for taking care of our
> > > horses, BUT if we don't, someone else will!
> > >
> > > I agree with you that if people were upset, they should speak to Ride
> > > Management or the Vets, BUT I don't like the attitude that we must
> > > "sweep it under the rug" for fear of the world finding out!  Riders need
> > > to speak to RIDERS, but ultimately, the horse is the one who will suffer
> > > if this kind of thing goes on.  YES, I too feel the safety of the horse
> > > is the Rider's  responsibility, but if The Rider  is NOT taking the
> > > responsibility, we must, or we won't have a sport, no matter how
> > > RESPONSIBLE WE AS INDIVIDUALS ARE.  We can't just ignore problems that
> > > "non horsemen" are seeing and WILL be reporting on!I always defend and
> > > praise our sport for its concern for horse safety, but I'd feel like a
> > > fool doing it if what is reported on this ride  is true.
> > >
> > > Maureen
> > >
> > >
> > Beth Glace, MS, CDN
> > Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma
> > Lenox Hill Hospital
> > New York, NY
> >
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Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
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