Re: AERC National Championship ride qualfications

[Roger Rittenhouse <roger@vmaxept.com>]

Kathy  Thank you for your comments on the NC.
I have stated and will do again.
I voted for the new current qualifications for all the same reasons you
and many less vocal rides have stated.  My conversations with many
riders lead me to
believe more riders want the higher qualification levels. They are
vocal on Ridecamp or other lists.

Most of the objections come from those with no miles or very low miles
and those who are not doing many rides. There is adequate time and
number of rides from DEC01 to AUG02 to make the qualifications and with all
the rides and placing done from AUG 2001 to Dec 2002 counting.
Most riders do not make the commitment to try for the NC until after
the Jan ride season starts.
The BOD minutes in the DEC 2001 Endurance News listed and defined the
new qualifications. This should serve as adequate notice.  I dont buy
the position that this was changed mid year and the riders cannot make
the cut. Just get out and ride.
Any serious 100 miler will not have a problem making these
qualifications. Heck most just have to finish to make top 5 WD in ONE
ride.
The 50 milers may have to work a bit harder and yes MAY? have to
'race' a little in the larger rides to top 5 in TWO rides in their
weight division.

I will NOT vote to change.
However IF the vote is to set the qualifications back - which I believe
they will - I will then vote to drop ALL qualifications.

If we cannot set significant requirements then we should 1- not  have
the ride  or 2- let them all come  and as some have said 'let the
finish line sort them out'

NOT my position. But then I am only one vote.

Again - I vote to keep the higher qualifications.


Roger R

Mac> Dear AERC Directors,

Mac> Kathy Myers here.  I am writing to let you know that I am not very happy about the idea of removing the increased qualifications put in place for the AERC NC rides.  I think the qualifications
Mac> put into place for this year are right on the target.  They reward anyone who has miles and logevity with the same horse.  Endurance is about making it in the long run, not just on a single day.

Mac> If I remember right, when the new NC rides were introduced a couple years ago the intent to move toward stiffer qualifications as the years went by was announced along with the rides.  I guess
Mac> people tend to forget.  

Mac> I support the new stiffer qualifications.  I support the move toward looking for riders and horses with longevity and a history together.  I think the new qualifications are fair.  I do not
Mac> think that the new qualifications are locking anyone out of the ride that should otherwise be there. I think riders in our AERC National Championship rides should have to qualifiy to be there.

Mac> I understand there has been a few people discussing this via the web.  I think that the few who have been vocal do not necessarily reflect the entire membership.  I think that those who agree
Mac> with the new qualifications didn't see any point in writing or expressing their view.

Mac> Perhaps with the proposal just announced and put in front of the board at the convention later this week, this has changed.  Those of us who agree with the new stiffer qualifications need to
Mac> speak up and let you know that.  Thanks for your time and consideration,


Mac> Kathy Myers
Mac> AERC #14992
Mac> Santa Fe, NM
Mac> magnumsmom@aol.com