Re: RC: RE: AERC & International & FEI

["Nancy Mitts" <mitts_n@hotmail.com>]

Barbara,
There is nothing wrong with cautious scrutiny, up to a point. FEI can't 
"take over" AERC local rides. They can, however, pass rules & regs that 
might be in conflict with AERC rules, that would effect qualifying rides, 
putting AERC members who wish to compete internationally in a tough 
position. Just a few years ago the only rules difference to have an FEI 
approved ride was everyone had to wear a helmet & use stirrup cages. By 
sitting back to watch, AERC (the voice of Endurance in the US, through AHSA, 
to FEI) has diminished it's leadership ability to influence that rule 
making. Without co- operation and participation between AERC, AHSA, and FEI, 
Americans wishing to participate in International events are really out of 
luck. I would really hate to see tham have to start another organization & 
get it internationally recognized in order to have qualifing rides.
It does no good to just sit in the background and grumble about the 
"corrupting influence" of money. In politics, those who don't get out & vote 
don't have the right to gripe. If AERC chooses to distance itself from the 
politics of international endurance, we can't complain about the result.

Nancy Mitts


>From: BMcCrary27@aol.com
>To: mitts_n@hotmail.com
>Subject: Re: RC:  RE: AERC & International & FEI
>Date: Mon, 4 Sep 2000 12:13:27 EDT
>
>In a message dated 09/04/2000 7:51:02 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
>mitts_n@hotmail.com writes:
>
><< It only takes a vocal
>  minority of people feeling slighted by this or that, or chicken littles 
>who
>  think the sky is falling because the rest of the world doesn't do things
>  "our" way, to make us look a little silly. >>
>
>Nancy, I guess I'm one of those minority.  I'm watching and waiting to see
>what FEI really wants.  If they don't interfere in our day-to-day 
>operations,
>fine.  But I was very soundly berated some years ago for not using "my
>influence" to get AERC to use FEI rules in all our rides.  I answered that
>our members don't want it, that's why.  And I was told, "Ohhhh, there's 
>just
>no talking to you!"  And with that, the individual flounced off.  So, I'm
>watching, I'm patient, and I'm not discouraging international riding, just
>resisting any attempt, should there be one, to impose FEI control over all 
>of
>AERC rides.  And...I'm opposed to prize money, especially put up by a group
>who are also competitors for it.  I believe money is a corrupting influence
>in events such as these.  If you do not agree with me, let's have an 
>exchange
>of ideas.  I'm willing to listen, to learn, and to look at other 
>viewpoints.
>
>Barbara

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