A post Louisville opinion

Everyone's Monday Morning quarterbacking everything post Louisville 08 from the judging, new stabling, the parties, the Cafe, and even there are a few tears from those who were sad to take their last dip in the Exec. East's pool (the hotel is being torn down this winter).

One of the hottest discussions right now is whether are not stripping horses for conformation is important, and relevant anymore especially in juvenile performance classes.

Here's something that is under my skin and it's somewhat related to stripping. This is not directed at any individual specifically but in general. What bugs me? The extremely unprofessional and dangerous trend of attendants in the ring during time outs and to strip horses wearing flip flops and/or sandals. I'll leave the strappy evening gowns alone for now- but proper footwear has to be paramount.

Want to get your own feet crushed? Fine I suppose. But what if your horse or rider/driver gets in trouble and you're practically barefoot? Are you fully prepared to jump in? Are you in the best position to keep your rider/driver/horse safe as well as the other exhibitors in the ring?

Is it going to take someone's foot getting broken/stepped on and mangled for proper footwear to be mandatory? Wait- there's already language out there....

USEF rule SB105 says attendants must be suitably attired and no more than 2 in number- OK bloggers, in your opinion, are sandals and flip flops suitable attire?