Where’s The Common Sense?

I enjoyed the recent online story on americanfarriers.com about putting the horse first — after all, the horse is the client. My concept of our trade as being viewed as “cure”smiths, is due to the mindset acquired through all my experiences: groom, rider, trainer, owner, exhibitor, veterinary technician, farrier, racetrack tractor driver, stable manager, hoof-care critic, etc. I’ve made the painting shown on this page to outline this experience and stress a common racetrack motto.

I guess being based in Hot Springs, Ark., if I don’t get a paddock judge opportunity or starter group opportunity, in this next few weeks for the winter season at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, I may burn the book because common sense has been lost in both the horse trade and equine industry because of my personality or passion, which may be one and the same. How much is this lack of common sense an issue elsewhere in the equine industry?

Look at how many folks expect the government to cure various equine problems. I wonder if enough people have read the various USDA papers on slaughter, equine drugs and human consumption of horse meat to realize the federal government won’t be there to help our companions, recreation and sport horses or wild horses being studied in Front Range Equine Rescue department.

The soring phobia and humanitarian aspects of the equine industry really have consumed attention of officials already in the know. This phobia then leads the government to look at…