> By your email, I can see that you likely won't be
entering the FEI part of > the ride nor likely be doing any international
competition soon. Is that > fair to say, or am I being presumptuous?
Not presumptuous, correct
> HOWEVER, cavalry riding on the FEI and international
level would neatly > address some of the issues that have cropped up (crew
vehicles running > beside the horses and "jockeys") and level the playing
field.
I totally agree. But isn't there another
approach to allowing crewing, such as narrowly defined, allowable
assistance?
. I'd bet on the cavalry smarts of the U.S. candidates for the
WEC against > whomever the rest of the world has. It would also make
endurance riding as > an Olympic sport a lot more appealing to some of
us. >
No argument there...
> Because, as you say: > > ... if I ever had
the horse who could "go for it", I have no doubt that I > > would be
recruiting the best crew I could find.
And if that crew had narrowly defined
parameters within which the horse could be made safer and better cared for, what
could be the harm? And how would that detract from the effort? >
> Why? Because the best crew will help your horse win.
Absolutely! And the crew is a legitimate part of
the "team". Look at (god forgive) a boxing match. The fighter uses a manager and
trainer and water boy (or whatever they are called) to keep him standing as long
as possible and hopefully that fighter's team along with his ability will enable
him to prevail.
If the glory all went > to the horse, I'd have no
problem with that. But at the FEI and > international level, it seems the
glory goes to the rider.
it seems to me that the rider should be allowed to >
demonstrate supreme horse knowledge and horse management ability at that >
level.
And wouldn't a good crew, working within well
defined limits assist the rider to do just that?
I'd cheer loudly for anyone from any country who did a 100
cavalry > style. Wow! And to win an all-cavalry style event? Wouldn't that
just be the > ultimate?
No argument there.....
(And good luck with your ride schedule this
year).
