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12.23.09
I’m saddened to hear that even low level shows are now requiring that you have O.E.F. Insurance. Are there any shows in Niagara that won’t require O.E.F. Insurance in 2010? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against O.E.F. Insurance. I think it’s great. I realize that the expense of injury can be huge whether it’s an injury to your horse or to yourself. But, how can we expect newcomers to pay that bill when all they’re doing is entering their kid into a lead line class?!
When I started riding my parents said they wouldn’t become “horse show parents” and if I wanted to have any involvement with horses it was entirely up to me to foot the bills. At thirteen I saved every cent of my birthday and work money so I could trade my bike helmet for a real equestrian helmet, buy breeches on sale, pick out a suit jacket at the thrift store and fit into some hand-me-down riding boots. Scrimped and saved until I had just enough money to enter my very first real horse show! I was completely thrilled to be competing -- in a walk/trot class. It was my first step towards my Grand-Prix dreams. I knew that when I fell off a horse, or if anything went wrong undersaddle it was 99.9% most likely my fault. It didn’t matter where I was riding or what activity I was participating in, I was 100% responsible for the actions of my horse. When I did finally make it to the low level hunter/jumper shows I was still scrimping and saving as the majority of my income now went towards my college fund, or to keep my beloved horse. Whatever money I had leftover went to the shows and I was able to make two or three classes at about three shows a year. Despite how short it leaves me on cash, I love it! I can’t sleep the night before a show because I’m so excited! I’ve yet to win anything at a show but I see that each year I am improving and that’s what keeps me eager for the next show. I am fortunate to be able to compete on a friend’s horse as mine is retired and the farthest she goes from home is a hack down the road. My friend has O.E.F. insurance but I hear I need to be insured too in-order to compete on her horse now (another one of those insurance loop-holes). I myself have always had the opinion though, and have seen enough close-calls to believe this, that if a friend of mine was on my horse when it tripped and broke its leg that that same accident could have happened if I had been in the saddle. Yes it would be nice if they pitched in to help pay the expenses but that is something you work through as friends. If I don’t trust the person, I don’t let them on my horse.
More and more society’s main focus seems to be: “don’t get sued.” As a horseperson I always knew that accidents happen. It’s apart of the sport. Yes there is always going to be that nutcase that wants to blame someone else for their own mistakes around horses. And if I was competing at the trillium level or higher with a $30,000 horse I would certainly want to be insured. O.E.F. insurance, all things considered, isn’t that expensive and the coverage is good. But for me, O.E.F. means that going to three low-level shows is going to cost me $50+ more dollars. Or maybe after I pay for O.E.F. I’ll only be able to afford two shows. I pity any kid out there (whose parents aren’t horse people) that is dreaming of a big future with horses because if they need O.E.F. in order to take lessons, well then forget it. If I had had to pay O.E.F. when I was thirteen I would have still been saving up for my first show a year later. Now my family is better off than many and maybe my parents will be willing to pitch in since it is insurance but what about the kids whose parents can’t afford insurance on top of lessons?
Yes I think insurance for you and your horse is great and it’s probably a step in the right direction for active competitors but what about those kids that can barely afford horses now or who are just starting to trade their toy horses for the real thing? What about their first show? I fondly remember the day when a little girl took an interest in my horse while I was on a hack. And I remember how her face lit up when I gave her a pony ride around the Comfort Maple. She was absolutely thrilled! And don’t you dare tell me there is risk in that! I know she could have fallen off. I could have been sued. (Her mom was supervising our little ride). Who cares!! There are too many kids out there dreaming of that first ride for us to limit this sport to those who have insurance. Are we going to stop being kind and nurturing a kid’s dream to ride horses and compete in their first show just because they could possibly be injured and sue us? Is monetary risk more important than making a kids’ day and inspiring a lifetime of dreams?!
I just hope we’re not proving the skeptic parents’ statement that this sport really is just for the rich and famous.
Sincerely,
Someone that loves the “dream” of this sport
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Editor's response
12.23.09
Hi Debi:
Paso Fino Niagara; Robert Darling Stables, wishes all the Visitors to the Equine Niagara News the very best in the coming "New Year" and a special good will to Debi Katsmar and her Family .Thank you Debi for your contribution to the Horse World and all the viewers to which you so untireringly serve. Paso Fino Niagara, the Farm that provides the smoothest ride for the discriminate rider, and Robert Darling wish you well!
Bob
12:15.09
Just wanted to say Thank you for running the story on the stray horse on the 401.
It was a real pleasant surprise to hear from some people I hadn't heard from in a long time that had seen the article.
In addition, it added more people to my twitter list, which always results in more awareness of horses in need.
Thanks again! Especially for the cover! That was awesome!
Equine Niagara News is more popular than you may realize. Happy that you take the time to do what you do and you do do it so well!
All the best!
Ellie Ross
12.11.09
Deb
I continue to love your Equine News.
Thought the story of the mare on the 401 was incredible.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Wayne
11.09
Letter to the Editor -
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your readers, for all the support in reference to the rescue of 14 horses in August 2009. Your audience, many whom are horse lovers, have showered the rescue and the horses with their love and kindness. Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue has been overwhelmed with the generosity of so many people touched by your article and touched by the sad fate of many horses. Dave and I, thanks to your horse loving readers, have been able to: build a maternity ward for two sets of mares and foals; fatten up hunger bodies; heal wounds; attend to feet and health issues; and most importantly nurture lost souls. We could not have done it so swiftly and efficiently without everyone’s help, an amazing team effort – thank you! The horses thank you as they are doing fabulous - with the exception of Gracie, may she rest in peace.
The struggle for many horses continues and WHHR never hesitates to help a horse in need. In the last two months the horse rescue has brought in 5 more horses with many on a waiting list, unfortunately priority cases first. WHHR has been in attendance at yet another cruelty, where yet again, another life like Gracie’s was sacrificed for the rest of the herd. There always seems to be “the one” that can’t be saved. Whispering Hearts was surrendered only one horse from this cruelty - she was the lucky one.
On a happier note there have been 9 horses adopted from our original 45 horses to wonderful loving people. It is very difficult for us to see our horses leave because we have formed a strong bond with them. Only with the realization that an adoption means another rescue can occur are we able to say good-bye.
WHHR is always busy with horse care but we must stop at times and gather hearts and minds together and move forward into fund raising activities. We have created a beautiful calendar, value $20.00, that features only rescued horses. We also have a set of 4 angels that can either decorate your Christmas tree or table setting, value $10.00. Wonderful gift ideas! If your horse loving readers are interested in these items they will be made available at Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue, 1652 Concession 10, Hagersville, Ontario 905-768-9951 every Saturday and Sunday for the month of December from Noon-3pm only, or contact your local tack shop (more details at www.whhrescue.com).
A great big heartfelt thank you to everyone again for your support in helping to make a horse(s) life better - together we can make a difference.
Warmest regards,
Brenda McArthur/Dave Thompson
Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue
“Where the Whispers of Many Horses in Need are Heard”
04.17.09
Deb...once again, I have to tell you, you do a fantastic job with this publication. My boss might not agree, I am going to be LATE for work due to reading it this morning! There are so many interesting stories, links, etc.
Congrats, Deb...this is what we really need in a publication. And by the way, I never even got a courtesy copy of the publication (NH&R) with our article. Do you have a copy (of NH&R)? I couldn't download it so have nothing. One giant pain in the butt. Very disappointing as we put hours and our heart and soul into that article.
Yours is great though...I would like to put something in about summer camp!
04.17.09
Subject: CVO proposal
I was just taking a quick look through the new issue and I really appreciate you adding the CVO's proposal concerning alternative therapies.
As a practicing therapist I can completely understand why the CVO has reached this point of wanting to regulate alternative medican and the people who are allowed to preform it. There are many weekend interest courses out there that people take and then feel themselves qualified to build a buisness on the minimal information they have learned. Not only is this dangerous but it also makes it harder for those of us who have spent years obtaining the knowledge and skills that should be required before starting such buisnesses.
On the other hand, it should be up to those of us who have taken the latter route to create our own regulatory boards in an attempt to give horses and their owners the same amount of security as that found in human theraputic trades.
I would be in complete agreeance with the CVO stepping in and helping the qualified therapists and the schools that teach appropriate courses to make these regulatory boards manditory. I do not, however, feel it is the right of the CVO to take over the buisnesses of us individuals who have worked hard and followed strict codes of ethic. I also feel that they do not have the right to take away the owners right of choice. Instead, they should be assisting the owners in making better decisions by being aware of the qualifications of therapists in their area.
I have been informed that the UOG will be accepting comments past the date of April 15, 2009. Also, the memebers of the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists (IFREMT) will be putting together their own proposal with intentions of presenting it at the voting in July. If any members of the equine community would like to add their thoughts and have a represented voice at the voting they can contact me, either through facebook (Taylor Equine Massage) or my email: taylor_equinemassage@hotmail.com.
Sara Taylor REMT
