Re: What we expect

["odd farm" <jsalas@tampabay.rr.com>]

Bob, you make me want to raise the American Flag and salute! I am not sure what to say. I agree with you on the informing issue. I would love to participate in the annual AERC meetings but they are always out west. Then I read where someone said Vegas was the perfect place because it gave everyone something to do. I thought it was an annual meeting for the members, not a social gathering. Don't get me wrong, I love a good party and will take my family anywhere but why do I have to take a week off, pay $800 air fare and who knows what for a hotel just to be involved? (I am not looking for any answers) And Hellooooo, we have Disney right here in Central Florida. Biloxi, MS has casino's as well, if that is the big draw. AERC does print the minutes of the meetings in EN, but it is after the fact. I also agree that having more board members as international riders could very easily sway votes one way or the other. That is human nature. Everyone has an agenda. But is it fair? I don't know. How do you address that? Members shouldn't have to call (on their own dime) to find out what the update is on nominations or anything else that is on going. I know EN only comes out once a month and is not always timely, but it would at least be an attempt to keep members involved and informed. Actually, at the end of the meeting, they could say what the agenda is for the next meeting, it goes in the minutes and out in the next issue of EN. I would love to be on a committee but I am not going to beg. I am not going to pay for a nomination. I am not going to write a page long description about me (boring!). If anyone wants my help, all they have to do is ask. I think you are preaching to the wrong choir on this page. Some people believe that if you don't have a PHD behind your name or haven't ridden the Tevis or are not a part of the "history" of endurance, what the hell do you know? They don't want "new" blood. They make the rest of us feel like saying, "Do it yourself, then". So if you want new blood, you need to look outside of ridecamp. In order for members to be better informed, AERC board members have to take on that responsibility. I want to see the sport grow here in America, as well as overseas. I don't know how to address that subject and still keep AERC intact as it is, for the most part. I don't want to see money as the end all goal in this sport. I do want to see people riding their own horses, year after year, staying sound and on the trail and finishing in good condition. I also want to see continued education in the vet area, and trail preservation. (Thank you Jerry who keeps us well informed) Can we have it all?  Are you serious about the term limits? I didn't realize there were no limits. I have never been involved in a club that didn't place term limits on board members. Wow. I have been involved in situations where no one else wanted the position and so the board member was re-elected, but this is small club stuff. Tell me what I can do and it is done. In the meantime, I will race, feed alfalfa to my horses and drink beer after the ride. That is the American way! Lisa Salas, The Odd Farm   Ride 'em any way you can!