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In other words they jumpstarted as a institutionalized for profit 
industry.But then  socialism and Kings do have an advantage  in that 
respect---I'd think the Aussies who are doing well, are more  likely to be 
learned from?They are set up more like us?

> From: "Dabney Finch" <dabneyesq@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [RC]   Why the French Win--From an Insider
> Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 13:00:58 -0800
>
> A very old friend of mine (who was a very successful endurance rider) has 
> been working in the UAE as a trainer for quite a few years now.  This is 
> "cut and pasted" (with permission) from a recent email from this friend 
> about why the French seem to do so well in "our" sport:
>
> I have heard so much about and read so much about send them over and we'll 
> kick their asses, etc.
> Impossible--they are the best by far because of their system, passion for 
> learning and they are just damn good riders.  You know there is an ad on TV 
> that the only way to improve your game is go up against better
> competition--well their competition is the best. I have spent parts of 3 
> summers over the last 5 years racing in France and every year it gets 
> better.  Here's why:
>
> 1. The government supports breeders in a big way--several ride camp emails 
> say that the riders get paid, etc. Not.  They just have a great system to 
> support
> the breeders and they promote the better lines. Also they do not get into 
> pretty horse blood like we do--there is so much show stuff in  in US horses 
> that rarely holds up.
> 2. They have an advantage that to drive from one side to the other in 
> France and through mountains, longest time that takes is about 14 
> hours--with speed limits enforced
> for horse boxes and trailers.
> 3. Plus their neighbors like Spain, Italy, Belgium etc have rides that they 
> join up with.
> 4. France has an FEI ride schedule of about 30 rides plus their neighbors 
> add in about another 20 or more. FEI rides are important in that the rules 
> are not so much that different, but the horses have to stay in smallish 
> stalls
> overnight by rules and they get used to them.. In the US horses very rarely 
> are boxed and thus get nervous, tieup, etc. This is a big issue people 
> rarely talk about.
> Generally  in Europe they are boxed a lot just at the farm.
> 5.Every FEI race in France has 80-120 racers/riders.  When you start you 
> had better go hard--30 or so always do--this creates a competitive 
> environment and of course raises the level of all--horses, crew, riders, 
> etc.
> 6. Their junior program is so advanced-they make a big deal out of the 
> junior riders with big banquet ceremonys, etc.
> 7. The endurance group pays a full time person to be the chef d' 
> equipe--Pierre Cass, who alone decides who is on the team and usually a 
> year or so in advance and they really work as a team even though their 
> riders are
> strong individuals.  They mess with Pierre and they do not make the 
> team--dictators are sometimes necessary.
> 8.There is a real industry of endurance trainers, horse sales bring top 
> money from the Dubai and Abu Dhabi buyers---the French girl who won for 
> instance turned down last summer 850,000 euros, about over 1 million 
> dollars and now the horse will sell for more.  Several horses recently have 
> sold for 400-600,000 dollars.  Just good solid horses sell for 100-200,000 
> dollars.
> So you see everyone is getting in the act   Then more people leave their 
> regular jobs and just train and develop horses.  It is a circle of success. 
>  We, the USA, are too far apart and most people really do not care about 
> international racing.
> 9. Yes we pick good riders and horse combinations but we do not go to those 
> regions that have terrain comparable to up coming races.  Their chef, team
> coach, does that--we should.  We should encourage local racers to consider 
> racing and if they agree encourage them to adjust their schedules, etc with 
> the hopes of being selected.
> 10 If you are on the french team selected list and sell your horse there is 
> a 50% penalty that goes to the endurance group--buyers just raise their 
> offers.
> 11. For all the FEI races there are stables, finish line systems, 
> announcers, hospitality tents etc.  It is just like the Race of Champions 
> every race.  It simply is a cut or 2 above everything else.



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