Letter to the Editor: Susie Hart

[Wandering Eyes]

Thank you for publishing all of those comments on Covid protocols at the upcoming sales. Something that I think is worth mentioning that no one spoke about is the role that veterinarians play and the risk they take going into stalls to perform endoscopic and physical exams. Often vets are shoulder-to-shoulder with people they don't know and have no idea if they are vaccinated or even if they are sick. The use of videoscopes has greatly reduced contact, but vets are still in very close proximity with sales help and this is a bit frightening to me. Also, it's almost impossible for vets to wear masks in the stalls because it's hard to use the endoscope. Most people handling the horses in the stalls do not have masks on. I understand not wearing them outside, but it is another concern.

The other thing that only one consignor mentioned is the fact that so often when we go to vet a horse, someone walks up and hands me a pen and card to sign with the name of the vet and client. I don't want to be rude but I don't want to be touching anything or expose myself and it's often awkward. Especially later in the sales when a lot of horses do not have videoscopes and often the consignors aren't even at the barn, we are approached by people who don't understand when I try to explain I don't want to sign their card. I'm glad Keeneland is taking extra steps this year. Good luck to buyers and sellers at the sales!

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