Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Don't be sorry.  Great post.  Thanks.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Steph Teeter" <stephteeter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2005 8:48 PM
Subject: [RC] FEI/AERC


> A couple more comments - (just in case my previous words get too twisted in
> the Ridecamp crusher.)
>
> FEI exists as a regulatory body for International level competition. It 
> did
> not create the sport, it merely exists in order to keep the sport fair and
> even so that Nations can compete under the same rules, with equal
> opportunity. FEI has rules that are almost identical to AERC.
>
> Organizations are run by individuals, and individuals can and do screw up,
> in addition to doing great things. In my opinion (speculation and hearsay
> for the most part) some individuals screwed up at the WEC and did not 
> follow
> FEI procedures. They should be called on this, and I think this step is
> being taken. Regarding the drug ruling, there are lawsuits and protests
> still going on, it ain't over yet. And I personally feel that it could 
> have
> been a drugged horse, OR it could have been tampered samples. I honestly
> wouldn't be surpised either way. There are really high stakes over there,
> guys working for guys working for guys all trying to get ahead and/or save
> their necks.
>
> But this is a very extreme case - most of the rest of the FEI world is
> chugging along nice and orderly. We've had some very straight, well-run
> PAC's in the US. The PAC in Pinamar was wonderful, a very nice example of 
> an
> International championship event. Argentina has a very strong 'national
> level' sport - they play by the rules, and their PAC event was very well
> run.
>
> I do believe that a strong local/regional/national organization is the 
> best
> way to keep the integrity of the sport strong - at the International 
> level.
>
> FEI rules clearly state that no drugs are allowed in competition. The rest
> is up to the individuals that form the committees and listen to the legal
> advice and make the rulings.
>
> One of my goals as a ride manager has been to achieve peaceful coexistence
> between the 'regular' riders, the heart of the sport, and those that 
> aspire
> to International competition. And sometimes they're the same people, and
> sometimes goals change when you get lucky with an exceptional horse. There
> are some really great things about doing International riding - eveybody 
> has
> to find their personal balance between horsemanship and competitiveness, 
> but
> it can be good, and it can make us proud of our friends when it is done
> well.
>
> I hate to see people trying to split our sport and polarize the 
> membership,
> and it seems to be an undercurrent in our country as well - a divided
> population is much easier bait for the politicians. (this is probably a
> little dramatic for Ridecamap... :) But I hate to see some of the 
> arguments
> being put forth, trying to get folks stirred up for a revolution?
>
> Steph
>
> (I'll probably be sorry I spoke up...)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

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