It seems like the difference between the ignorant newbie - no, not all are, but many are rightly inexperienced - is that by definition we can and must expect the experienced rider to KNOW BETTER. So when an experienced or high profile rider trashes a horse or has an "incident", while not always so, it must be considered that they should know more, know better and do better than newer riders, who in my experience seem to be a bit more amenable to recommendation - not always - and there is the problem. Instead of a pletora of new rules, perhaps we need to begin at the root of the problem - punishing the deliberate and reshaping the behavior of the ignorant or unknowing. There needs to be a vehicle by which even NON-AERC members can be sanctioned, chastized or ultimately kicked out of the sport for unsavory behavior and ill treatment of their horses or behavior that detrimentally affects others. Period. JMHO.
