So does Ann Romney actually ride Rafalca for therapy

[Jane Austin]

6. I don't know anything about equine competition,

but I did own two dogs who were the Number One All Systems Golden Retrievers for two years each.

Those dogs lived with their handler while they were being shown and it was all I could do to get to see them after a show. Before or during a show, I might distract them, but at any time my presence could distract them or interrupt their routine of training, exercise, feeding, or sleep.

At no time would I have thought to ask if I could take them around the ring a couple of times, knowing my poor handling skills could mess them up for the competition.

There is much more at stake financially with horses than with dogs, so there is no circumstance that I can imagine where a professional handler/ trainer would let an amateur ride a top competition horse.

I also can't imagine a top race car driver letting the owner of his team take the car around the track for a spin.

I would be surprised if Ann Romney had ridden Rafalka, but I suppose anything is possible.

It wouldn't be the first time the Romneys stretched the truth.