So, I am sure that most equestrians heard about the story Darren Chiacchia getting hurt. If not, here is a link: http://www.equisearch.com/equiwire%5Fnews/nancy%5Fjaffer/darren%5Fchiacchia%5Faid%5F032308/, and then I am sure most of you heard of Barbarro, well, my point is horses AND people constantly either getting killed or hurrt because of the so called "equestrian sports" Now, my bigger concern is always for the horses, because they really DON"T have a choice, but sometimes, especially after I've met a certain person, in this case Darren Chiacchia, I feel at least a little bit sad after something bad happens. So, my question is, how may horses AND people have to die before we stop doing equestrian sports?

Don't forget this is something alot of horses and people LOVE!  People get killed doing many different things, many animals do to. I don't believe equestrian "sports" will ever stop. 

The actor, Christopher Reeves, certainly gave parents an issue to raise with their kids wanting to take horseback riding lessons.  Inherent risks not withstanding, they still come to learn to ride and ride well.  They remember their first fall, their second, maybe their third.  Then they realize that it's not the launching that hurts you, it's the sudden stop.  So it becomes an issue of control. 

If the risks of racing, polo and h/j is a bit much, then go trail.  There is more wind in your face, more height to your view, more distance to your gait.  Therein lies the lure of equitation, a wondrous experience while controlling inherent danger.

Live long and prosper. (Don't let those murderous Klingons, Cardasians. Borg, etc. kill you.)

 She's baaaack.....

Do you drive or ride in a passenger vehicle? 
Do you walk down stairs, alone or in pairs? 
Do you shower or bathe?

Talk to me when you've successfully banned showering so my roommate's boyfried doesn't fall TWICE in one session.  K thx.

QHAllAround:

Last time I checked you rode hunter/jumper or jumpers competitively.

Ummm...............I don't ride competitively, I haven't for about 4 years, I stopped because too many horses were being hit and killed and forced.

WiMorabs:

Do you drive or ride in a passenger vehicle? 
Do you walk down stairs, alone or in pairs? 
Do you shower or bathe?

Talk to me when you've successfully banned showering so my roommate's boyfried doesn't fall TWICE in one session.  K thx.

I don't care what people do, I just wish they would stop putting horses at such risks, I'm just saying, because they don't really have a choice but we do. People have choices and it is up to them whether or not they risk their lives.

Not everyone risks their horses lives doing equestrian sports. These people do what they love and they are riding horses that probably like to do it as well. The horses are trained specifically for these events, just like any other athlete. Yhea, there is a risk to riding, a risk to the rider and to the horse, but theres risks in everything people do. Personally I would rather die on the back of a horse then getting in a car crash, or any other way. Yes it is the choice of the person and some people do abuse their choices, but most of us are just doing what we love.

RedSox:

I don't care what people do, I just wish they would stop putting horses at such risks, I'm just saying, because they don't really have a choice but we do. People have choices and it is up to them whether or not they risk their lives.

On the contrary, my little friend, horses most certainly do have choices and they do choose to excercise the option to NOT go over a fence they don't like.  It's called "refusing."  

wow, I hope you don't ride, it would be very hypocritical if you did. Horses are obvisouly meant to be in the wild and have no human contact in your world! you are nuts!!!

 horses die every day in paddocks, stables, trail rides do we stop all horse ownership...

RedSox, why don't you next try going to a Catholic church and tell them that Christianity is stupid and they should all quit wasting their time.  You are obviously just looking for an argument.  I am not even going to try to discuss this with you.

shaiarabians, that's a darn good point.  I mean, if we could have gotten negligent barn owners banned, my 4 y/o gelding wouldn't have severed his tendon in a totally preventable paddock accident 3 years ago this month.  Just think of the possibilities!!!

So how 'bout them Unicorns?  Anyone got new training tips for the summer season?