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Re: [RC] re: 100 milers...speed vs. tradition - heidiIf all is going to coexist in the same framework it will take compromise. Both sides will have to be willing to step up to the plate and compromise. Since the international scene is smaller it will be odd man out if it is not willing to listen to the criticism. On the other hand we will all lose if somehow "international is split off." Right now I don't see a whole lot of willingness to compromise. That is the sad part. Huh?? I've seen quite a lot of compromise taking place between what FEI endurance was when the USA first got involved with it and what we have now. FEI has gone from "secure" stabling with stalls, fences, and guards at the gate to simply requiring a separate parking area for FEI-entered horses, and the "regular" AERC horses can be in that area as well provided they have proof of the influenza vaccinations per the FEI requirement. At Steph's rides, FEI horses were parked on one side of a lane, and AERC horses on the other, and you couldn't tell the difference, save for the sign directing each group to its appropriate side. FEI has taken a leaf from AERC and has relaxed their dress code--going down the trail, you can't tell an FEI rider from an AERC rider, unless the AERC rider is wearing really wild colors, or going without a helmet. Most of us in AERC are already using helmets, and many are using caged stirrups, for safety's sake. FEI just insists on it (or heeled shoes or boots, in lieu of caged stirrups). FEI is stricter about weighing in and out, and does spot checks. That doesn't inconvenience the AERC riders a bit, since they don't have to do it. There is a bit more protocol about going through vet checks. AERC riders can compromise a bit, too, and can put up with it--it usually isn't too odious. (Certainly no different than going to a different region where they just "do things" differently.) I really think that the shouting has come from a vocal minority--not from the rank and file AERC riders who go to the FEI 100s and just don't enter the FEI part. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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