NCHA Futurity Age

[Cuttin74]

I am pushing for the NCHA to change the age of our futurity horses.
There are so many horses hurt for months and some retired due to injury.
The numbers are horrific. There is way too much money added in
the 3y.o's for the horse to have a fair chance. One trainer said,
"Once the added money went over 50,000, the race was on"
He said it a little differently, but that's the just.
Horses used to last, for a long time now they are treated as disposable.
Our breeding practices and treatment of our young athletes really needs
to change, today. To save our use of the horse tomorrow.

[Candice_17]

I agree that horses are pushed too hard too early in thier life. Look at the race horses. I commend you for trying to change something, BUT there is too much money involved and too many politics for it to be a fair fight. I hope you make some waves and get some big supporters behind you. Best of luck!

[Cuttin74]

The thoroughbreds have already changed their age to 3 instead of 2 after Eight Belles tragedy.
They said they are now "leap frogging them selves to stay on top" of the welfare for their races horses.
Cutters use their body past the extent of any normal horse movement.
When they add a half million and a short time frame, the results are inevitable.
They are taking actions to prove they are not hurting the horses, how ever all the cutters know the real story of injuries and drug use.
I am very sad that they don't just vote for the change or change it to show repect.

Thank you for your support, I will keep talking until the horses are thought of first.

[reiningfan]

The problem will be that even if they change the age, are the horses going to go into training that much older, or are they just going to be "more broke" when they hit the futurities?
Many owners & breeders will be against changes like that because it means holding on to their horses longer before they get a payback. Which is sad because the horses ought to come first, but the pocketbook seems to edge ahead of animal welfare.

[Cuttin74]

Actually, a lot of trainers, breeders, owners are behind it.
It's convincing some of the Big Dogs on the EC.
We know it will not prevent early training, what are hope is more lay off time in stress, instead of drugs. Slower training methods to prevent injuries.
I am a small breeder, when I sell one of my babies I try hard for a good home.
I would hate seeing one I put on the ground in a crash training course.
The futurity has too much money for temptation. Move the money, change the age, something has to give besides the horses.

[My Ladyhawke]

Horses are not fully developed or mature until at least four. I ground work mine until then including saddling/bridling etc. They are actually calmer as they get older anyhow with less mishaps. Most think I'm crazy, so be it. Too many young horses are injured and high dollar folks just want to get rid of them after that.

[mart]

I don`t even start mine till they are close to three !!

[My Ladyhawke]

Way to go Mart. I hope more respond like that.

[Candice_17]

See, I generally try to get 30 days on them at 2, but then I put them up until they are 3. I'm always real easy on my babies. But unfortunately, us "normal" not uber rich horse owners are not the problem here.

[Cuttin74]

I had a ole cutting horse judge post a comment on equine poll. He said what ya'll are saying. He was talking about 10-12 years old being the place to be.
I also just read on the NCHA web site about how they are going to add a gelding incentive, meaning now trainers can ride 3 at the fut. One being a gelding. They are also talking about more money.
To me that says they are completely ignoring the out come of training being so hard on 3 year olds.

(at the BI)
One trainer, I heard beat his horse over the head so many times or so hard that he blinded her in that eye. This came from a person who works out of that barn and has never been know to fabricate anything before.
Just breaks my heart, I don't know what would ever drive someone to be so crule and unfeeling.

The NCHA says they are installing camera's and a monitor at the fut. practice pens.
My reply back was the damage has already been done by the time the show is here.
To me they are really not wanting to address the issue.
I also have support from some the working cow horse & reiners. They want to see the change in their sport and they think if the NCHA changes so will the others.