This has developed into a very interesting conversation, and one that I think points out something that is a reality we don’t like to acknowledge in the horse world. That is:
There is a WORLD of difference between the (in total proportion of horse owners of all disciplines) VERY FEW people who campaign (by which I mean regularly show to place for year end) at the top shows/circuits (be it WEF, or QH Congress) and the huge pool of people who compete less frequently or even not at all and who are “in” horses for their love of the animal.
And I think that gulf has some dangers to it. The specter of PETA has already been mentioned. It’s real. And if we think that removing BNTs due to suspensions or anything like that could “kill” the industry it ain’t nothing compared to what PETA can do. Just ask the people who used to make a living trapping Nutria in Louisiana how PETA’s destruction of the fur industry affected them – even the ones who are BACK to trapping because the Nutria are destroying all the other flora and fauna which their original trapping kept under managed control.
I don’t have the answers to “is it better to drug or LTD” because I don’t think EITHER is good. But then, I’m part of that other world, the one that shows because I love to show off my horse. And that’s it. Yes, even at my level there is one local trainer who I believe drugs animals – and if I EVER witness it myself I WILL raise a stink throughout the state (sadly right now I only have a few reports from owners). But see, that’s the difference.
I don’t agree with drugging animals to solve training issues. Bute for the older campaigner, yeah, I can see that. Even PERHAPS some tranqus for the scared horse off the farm the first time. But not drugged WHILE riding! The liability alone is scary…
There is one comment, and I can’t remember now after nine pages who said it, nor do I think it matters, but it struck me hard. It was: “This IS a service industry, and some people WILL do things they otherwise would not do, to keep their clients happy.”
THIS comment to me is the crux of the matter. NOT that the competitive A world is a service industry – that is totally correct. Not even that A owners may not be aware of or even ask what their horses get – although I have some serious disagreements with this (heck, I complained in print about Geoff Teal’s “no owners at vetting” rule so you all know where I stand). No, my HUGE issue is with the phrase “some people WILL do things they otherwise would not do…”
You know what? That’s not true. If you do it, then THAT says all one needs to know about your moral and ethical standards. Period. If you “otherwise wouldn’t do it” – DON’T do it! TELL you client if the horse needs more riding, or if it’s not a good match. Some will be upset, yes, but others will respect you for being honest and caring enough about them – AND THEIR HORSE! – to be honest.
No one is ever “forced” to do something unethical. All they need to do is be able to look themselves in the mirror and live with what they see. Clearly, these people can. That’s their business. But when they’re caught, they shouldn’t be shocked to find that other people ARE horrified, and don’t feel as casually as they do.
I know I’ll be very curious to see this list. And, I’m sure, very sad. But what I won’t be is eager to support those on it, or those who don’t take it seriously.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Oh heck, that’s an old trick. Always use the neighbors Sharps Bin (or garbage can back in the “old days”). One trainer friend found an entire horse show using the Sharps bin at the end of his aisle each day and it would be overflowing. Funny prank. 
