Re: RC: Norco Riverdance Ride

[Horsestwo@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/5/99 8:39:55 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
4horn@home.com writes:

<< Speaking of "manners", I was talking to one of the vets about horse
 manners and horsemanship. I remarked that so many horses seemed to have
 no manners at all. I was watching the vetting in on Friday and was
 amazed at how many horses lacked basic manners and respect for people.
 These horses were running in circles when trying to hear heart rates,
 walking into people, not standing still and pulling on the lead ropes.
 Granted, most of the horses were "excited" at just pulling into camp,
 but that was no excuse for the bad horse manners. This vet mentioned
 that he feels that horsemanship and horses manners have taken a dive in
 endurance riding. He praised the virtues of  NATRAC  competitions where
 horsemanship and horse manners are valued. And I have to agree with him.
 Just my observation. >>

Lauren;

This is where the RM needs to put a line in the ride brochure/entry form that 
tells all entrants that bad manners are cause for refusal of entry and/or 
disqualification.  The RM needs to tell all volunteers horses that are 
dangerous to them or the vets should be brought to the attention of the RM.  
Horses who are dangerous on the trail are a different matter (not that they 
*don't* matter; just that it has to be treated differently).  Vets and 
volunteers shouldn't be subjected to poorly trained/dangerous horses.  Until 
it is made IMPORTANT to the riders/handlers by refusal of entry or DQ we will 
have people show up with ill-mannered horses.

This is an old thread but I feel it is important for ride managers to take 
the initiative and "instruct" the bad apples that they need to do some basic 
training or they won't be welcome.  I'd rather see this happen than *another* 
rule made.

Melanie in AZ


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