Re: [RC] Another Ramification of New COC Requirement - Beth Walker
As far as I can see (being an occasional LD rider with no interest in FEI competition) the whole thing is political, and being skewed by folks that are more interested in the "race" than in the "endurance".? Otherwise, the rules would make more sense.
?? ?-- the rules would not prevent the host country from entering its own horses.
?? ?-- not emphasize flat, fast courses with good footing.
?? ?-- not discriminate against 'technical' courses with longer finishing times.
I've got no problem with tightening requirements so that the field is fairly small, and is a sample of the best horses currently competing.? However,?it sounds to me as if that is so much rhetoric, masking the political game playing.? After all, when local conditions are extreme, the host country can be assumed to have a home field advantage unless a team moves their horses over ahead of time in order to condition them on the local terrain and conditions.? Guess in this case, they decided it would be easier and cheaper just to change the rules....
In a message dated 4/26/2007 10:02:30 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, FXLivestock@xxxxxxx writes:
Did I read correctly that the 10.40 COC must be earned within 12 months of the closing date for WEC nominations?? Does this mean that many of the rides in early 2007 will not count toward the new COC requirement and horses that have already earned a 10.40 COC this year at FITS and Get R Done may not count and those horses will have to requalify.?
?
There certainly may be a scramble in late 2007 and early 2008 to find suitable rides to finish in 10.20?and ideal weather to qualify within the 12 months.? Realistically, in one ride season, how many 100 mile rides are there in the entire US that can be finished in 10.20?? All it would take is some unusual weather conditions at one of these rides to keep several riders/horses from qualifying.? Because of the short time frame, they may not have another opportunity to try again or would have to travel across the US for another opportunity.?
?
and what part of this serves the best interest of the horse again?
