Is it time for BE to become more "professional"

[silu]

Bearing in mind the very recent episode whereby a high profile professional BE rider pleaded guilty to drink driving, is it time for BE riders to be open to drink/drugs testing as are jockeys?
BE has changed dramatically over the last few years, with many professional riders competing, and has to a certain extent lost it's "amateur" image, certainly at the higher levels. With the huge amounts of money involved in the sport and proven event horses changing hands for astonishing sums, perhaps regrettably "getting slaughtered" the night before a challenging x country should also become a thing of the past.

 

[Bustergirl]

It is quite scary how many must be over the legal limit to drive a car but are allowed to take 600kg of horse round a x country. If someone is incapable of riding with delayed reactions etc then the safety measures that are in place at events are in vain. There is a culture of drinking though and I doubt little will change.

 

[amage]

A simple breathalyser test should be put in place. It is very simple, takes minimal time at the races and the results are there undisputed.

 

[PaddyMonty]

Alternative idea - how about certain event riders becoming more professional in their behaviour.

 

[*hic*]

Alternative idea - how about certain event riders becoming more professional in their behaviour.

This.

 

[christine48]

I must say being an event horse owner, there are quite a few riders who party a bit too hard for my liking . It's irresponsible and I certainly wouldn't have them riding my horses or driving them to and from events!