Weight Divisions Points

[Kay Mathews <kmathews@sierra.net>]

Randy & all:   I've read all the posts for and against the current point
system.  I completely understand what you all are talking about because
I have both benefitted and been penalized due to how points are
calculated.  Here's my two cents on how it may make it more fair.
1.  BOD to redefine National/Regional Awards Program.   Make it so a
person/horse can accummulate points in the region the ride is held.  If
you ride in the West, you get West points.  If you ride in the SW, you
getSW point, etc.  It is possible a single horse/rider team could end up
with 150 pts in the W or 200 pts in the SW, or whatever.  It really
wouldn't matter how it was calculated as long as it was consistent.
These points would not count towards a National Award.
2.  Do away with overall awards/points.  IMHO the " top ten" is an
outdated concept  which is supported by those still living in the 70's
before weight divisions.
3. AERC could charge an individual $10 (or something) for keeping
trackof the points in multiple regions.(BOD should like this....more
revenue!) <g>
4.  Multiday riders/points would only count towards the Pioneer Award.
5.  Karen Chaton's idea about rating rides is a good one, but hard to
implement (do by rider vote?).  Since this is  cumbersome, don't rate
each ride, just designate a few rides as "National" rides where a
horse/rider can accummulate points towards a National Award (by weight
division).  I suppose a few will also want that overall standing
list,but really, out of your weight division, who cares?
6.  This may be a way to put some life-blood into the National
Championship.  Let's make it a real and coveted program.  Let's raise
the standards set by such rides as Cosequin, Tevis, O.D., Big Horn,
Swanton, to name a very few.  Let's designate rides like these as
National Championship Rides.
7.  FEI points and qualifying rides anyone?  Why not?  These rides could
even be double designated Championship/FEI rides.   If a rider chooses
not to FEI qualify, that's a personal  choice.  At least it's another
option.
8.  National caliber rides should have pre-qualification criteria for
horse/rider that includes  regional parameters and history, not just a
one-time shot.
9.  Let's get IAHA to help fund some really great awards for  high point
national championship  stallion, breeders sweepstakes, or how about the
rider who rides backwards or something.  I'm for whatever creates
interest.
I think these ideas can help small rides/regions.  It may increase
participation in lesser attended rides within a region and make it more
fair for everyone.
o.k. I'm off to find my flame-resistant outfit now.
Tinker(Dublin)Hart
West Region