Equine Canada Statement and backlash from Eric Lamaze

[Secret_Dove]

[QUOTE=BoldChance;6486496]
The thing is…the USEF stepped forward in support…

They didn’t leave their rider high and dry, so that the other riders HAD to.

Personally, I wonder if we won’t see McLain and the US riders standing right along with Canadian riders in support of a rule clarification, once the games are over…

It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.[/QUOTE]
Oh, I don’t think this is over by any means. Charlie Jayne’s already talked about it. I would think McLain and other riders from our country will once the games are over.

[DMK]

@cyberbay;6486784

Who spotted this wound? Who ratted? And not one other horse in the show jumping – What, there are maybe 60 horses competing? – has a small cut below the knee?

I am guessing it was “spotted” by thermographic camera that gets used now, so it was probably “discovered” as part of routine hypersensitivity review. It just seems like a failure of the rule process to consider that a minor cut (Katie Prudent said it was smaller than her pinky nail) was not a valid reason to kicka sound happy horse out of competition.

The rest of your questions are interesting though. Are 100% of competing horses tests or is it random and if it is random, is that through lottery or just a subjective organization picking horses? Even if the application of the rule changes, the how they pick horses might bear some scrutiny as well, just as much for the FEI’s sake as the competitors.

[lauriep]

[QUOTE=Equibrit;6486871]
Event horses are generally greased up and avoid dinging a foot, and they are subject to veterinary inspection.[/QUOTE]

They do not get a hypersensitivity exam, and greasing the upper legs doesn’t stop small nicks from occurring. So, why aren’t they tested?

[Vesper_Sparrow]

Both Equine Canada and the FEI have Facebook sites, if you wish to post a comment.

[DMK]

@lauriep;6486898

They do not get a hypersensitivity exam, and greasing the upper legs doesn’t stop small nicks from occurring. So, why aren’t they tested?

Because in it’s current state it’s a broken process? Oh wait… that’s your point, isn’t it?

[jlphilli]

[QUOTE=Jealoushe;6486702]
Former EC CEO speaks out about the issue;

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/more-sports/akaash-maharaj-former-ceo-of-equine-canada-on-the-controversy/article4469303/[/QUOTE]

“There is explicitly no remedy for those who have been treated unjustly; there are no consequences for those who wield power capriciously. And power without accountability inevitably invites abuse.”

This quote says it all!

[lauriep]

Yes, it most certainly does.

I am a bit amazed that there is SO MUCH anti-USEF feeling on these boards, and accusations of unfairness, favoritism, unfair application of its own rules, yet so many seem to think that because it is a FEI decision/rule then it must be correct? Puhleeze!

[HalteranAlter]

[QUOTE=Mardi;6486468]
Sorry JustJump, I meant to say that another rider didn’t step forward for Mclain like Eric did in support of Tiffany.

(or did someone ?)[/QUOTE]

Other riders overwhelmingly supported McLain and there was talk of a boycott, but McLain made it clear he did not want that. Quote from a Chronicle article dated April 17, 2010:

[I]Indeed riders and horsemen seemed uneasy at the concept that they also could be eliminated based solely on a subjective decision like this one. Rumors of a boycott of the competition (and impending lawsuits) abounded, but Ward made it clear that he wouldn’t ask riders, U.S. or otherwise, to do that for him.

“They’re all chasing the same dreams as I am, and I don’t see the benefit to ask four or five riders to do so,” said Ward. “Maybe if all 29 refused to show that would be a statement, but that’s difficult to ask. They have obligations to sponsors and huge financial commitments. That’s a lot to ask of somebody. I would never ask that of them because I’m sure they wouldn’t ask that of me.”
[/I]

[Rocky_XVI]

Three cheers for Akaash Maharaj for taking a public stand on this issue. If you didn’t read it above, here it is again:

http://www.maharaj.org/blog/2012_08_08.shtml

[rodawn]

[QUOTE=lauriep;6486561]
I have a lengthy post to make, but it will have to wait til I get home to a real keyboard.

However, consider this: we all know that the test was originally created to catch those that use irritants on their horses legs to keep them off the rails. The eventers have a stadium jumping test that can be/is as crucial to their results as to the jumpers. So why is this test only used on jumpers? Yes, I know that the day before stadium is XC, and they will be rubbing solid jumps. But the way the hypersensitivity test is being used, with THERMOGRAPHY to looke for elevated heat in areas of the leg, wouldn’t those horses be unfit to continue under the standards set for the jumpers? Wouldn’t they be very likely to have inconsequential nicks like the one on Tiffany’s horse? But they just have to jog sound. Why the double standard?

No one questions a limping horse being spun, whatever the reason. But the FEI is using this test unfairly under the guise of horse welfare.

More later.[/QUOTE]

Any cut, bruise, scratch will cause a rush of blood flow to the area. This is required for the wound to heal. You can run your fingernail across your skin to scratch without fully penetrating the skin or drawing blood, and you will have a red streak on your skin. Thermography will show a flush of hot there. It’s a natural and required reaction. Thermography in and of itself is insufficient to determine lameness.

[magicteetango]

One of my mares lifts her leg (for her hoof to be picked, she is a bit of an over achiever lol) if you get anywhere close to it. Thank god we are not competing at that level? The tests need to be uniform, reasonable, and include a jog. Otherwise BS.

[Sandy_M]

[QUOTE=wendybird;6485815]
Vets can be b*******s - had this happen after a 120k endurance ride. I was strapping, and checked the horse out and finally his back & it was fine. In the vet ring the vet ran his fingers purposefully down the side of the spine & the horse moved, so the vet panel was called in. By the time 3 vets had run their fingers down his spine, first one side, then the other, the horse was indeed saying enough already! and was eliminated.[/QUOTE]

And even the most experienced of vets can have holes in their knowledge. A friend competed a Standardbred (racing trotter) in NATRC and Endurance. The horse was 12, had raced until he was 9. At one NATRC ride, he was in second place, his only points off for slightly shifting his hind legs during a remount. He passed all vet checks on the way. At the final vet check, they made her trot him on a quite small circle. Standard breds that have raced to sulkies tend to go wide behind. The vets thought he “moved funny.” He was DQ’d. He was sound.

[Jeito]

[QUOTE=lauriep;6486963]
I am a bit amazed that there is SO MUCH anti-USEF feeling on these boards, and accusations of unfairness, favoritism, unfair application of its own rules, yet so many seem to think that because it is a FEI decision/rule then it must be correct?[/QUOTE]

I honestly don’t think very many people here agree with FEI the rule or decision. The difference of opinion is on how to handle it. There are different ways of dealing with things that are unfair. (I’m neither defending nor criticizing Eric’s way.)

[Sandy_M]

[QUOTE=Equibrit;6486871]
Event horses are generally greased up and avoid dinging a foot, and they are subject to veterinary inspection.[/QUOTE]

At one Preliminary level event, my horse got “under” a jump before springing over. He hit the fence pretty hard, both in front and in back. On landing, I brought him back to a trot to see if he was okay. He seemed alright, so with only two fences to go, I continued. He was heavily greased in front and behind. His front legs were unmarked. He had peeled a layer of skin/hair off both his stifles for a distance of about 4-5 inches, despite the grease. He was fine, never took a lame step, I was NOT DQ’d.

[rodawn]

Equine Canada - BACK PEDALLING

Too LITTLE, TOO LATE!!!

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/CLARIFICATION-ON-THE-STATEMENT-FROM-EQUINE-CANADA-REGARDING-THE-DISQUALIFICATION-OF-VICTOR--CANADIAN-SHOW-JUMPER-FROM-THE-2012-O.html?soid=1102707527364&aid=d9ghUEjNZjc

[JenJ]

“clarification”

CLARIFICATION ON THE STATEMENT FROM EQUINE CANADA REGARDING THE DISQUALIFICATION OF VICTOR, CANADIAN SHOW JUMPER FROM THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES

August 8, 2012, London, England - Equine Canada has issued the following further statements regarding the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) hypersensitivity testing protocol.

“Equine Canada agrees that the FEI’s hypersensitivity protocol is in place to protect the welfare of the horse and the fairness of our sport,” states Mr. Gallagher.

“Victor sustained a superficial cut on the front of the left front coronary band,” states Canadian Olympic Team Veterinarian for Jumping Dr. Sylvie Surprenant. “In our opinion the horse was fit to compete as he showed no signs of lameness. However the FEI hypersensitivity protocol is such that if the horse is sensitive to the touch, regardless of the cause, the horse is disqualified. While the FEI rules for the hypersensitivity protocol were followed, we believe that there should be a review of this protocol.”

“We feel that further discussion of the hypersensitivity protocol needs to take place in order to ensure a balance is reached between the philosophical intent and the real-world application. Canada looks forward to playing a role in those discussions along with other nations within the FEI family,” states Mr. Gallagher

“Equine Canada wants to make it clear that there is absolutely no accusation of any wrongdoing on the part of our athlete Tiffany Foster or any member of the Canadian Team. Equine Canada fully stands behind and supports our athlete Tiffany Foster, as well as our entire team. Everyone at Equine Canada and the Canadian Olympic Team are disheartened and extremely disappointed over the premature ending of Tiffany Foster’s Olympic dream, and remain fiercely proud of both her incredible sportsmanship and athletic achievements,” states Mr. Gallagher.

Read more on the FEI’s hypersensitivity protocol.

[eclipse]

They are trying to backpeddle!!! I just recieved this email:

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Cheryl Tataryn, ctataryn@olympic.ca[/FONT]

CLARIFICATION ON THE STATEMENT FROM EQUINE CANADA REGARDING THE DISQUALIFICATION OF VICTOR, CANADIAN SHOW JUMPER FROM THE 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES
August 8, 2012, London, England - Equine Canada has issued the following further statements regarding the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) hypersensitivity testing protocol

“Equine Canada agrees that the FEI’s hypersensitivity protocol is in place to protect the welfare of the horse and the fairness of our sport,” states Mr. Gallagher.
“Victor sustained a superficial cut on the front of the left front coronary band,” states Canadian Olympic Team Veterinarian for Jumping Dr. Sylvie Surprenant. “In our opinion the horse was fit to compete as he showed no signs of lameness. However the FEI hypersensitivity protocol is such that if the horse is sensitive to the touch, regardless of the cause, the horse is disqualified. While the FEI rules for the hypersensitivity protocol were followed, we believe that there should be a review of this protocol.”
“We feel that further discussion of the hypersensitivity protocol needs to take place in order to ensure a balance is reached between the philosophical intent and the real-world application. Canada looks forward to playing a role in those discussions along with other nations within the FEI family,” states Mr. Gallagher

“Equine Canada wants to make it clear that there is absolutely no accusation of any wrongdoing on the part of our athlete Tiffany Foster or any member of the Canadian Team. Equine Canada fully stands behind and supports our athlete Tiffany Foster, as well as our entire team. Everyone at Equine Canada and the Canadian Olympic Team are disheartened and extremely disappointed over the premature ending of Tiffany Foster’s Olympic dream, and remain fiercely proud of both her incredible sportsmanship and athletic achievements,” states Mr. Gallagher.
Read more on the FEI’s hypersensitivity protocol

[Rocky_XVI]

Perhaps if Equine Canada backpedals far enough, they will reach the point where they should have started from in the first place.

[MHM]

[QUOTE=eclipse;6487088]
“We feel that further discussion of the hypersensitivity protocol needs to take place in order to ensure a balance is reached between the philosophical intent and the real-world application.”[/QUOTE]

This is it in a nutshell.

The rule may have been created for a valid reason, but the application needs to be more uniform and less subjective. Different vets will use different amounts of pressure, and different horses will show more or less reaction based on how thin-skinned they happen to be. Any horse will show more of a response if it is poked repeatedly in the same place.

I don’t know the solution, but it certainly seems like the examination process needs some work.

[Jealoushe]

Good job Eric!! At least they are back-pedalling…realizing what asshats they looked like. Now if we can keep pushing we can get a whole re work inside EC.