Barbara, My respect for Becky came in Rome at
the first WEC in 86 when she as the NA Champion and the European Champion got
into a head to head and the EC DNF and Becky came in last in the late nite to
earn the USA a Team Silver. I saw all the wins she had and never really
knew her but from that moment on i had the utmost respect for Becky Hart and
still do to this day. ts
I think that's a great idea, Tom...the team effort
concept. And I agree that it makes a different contest that way. I
remember in an FEI ride in Holland (?) when Becky Hart could not continue to
race, so she slowed down and walked (on foot) in order to help her team
finish. I may have the details wrong, but I do remember that this
consistently winning rider sacrificing her personal wishes for the needs of
her team. Pretty impressive. The team concept could easily be used
in any AERC ride, based only on the ride manager's plan for the day; or it
could become part of the AERC program.
I'm old enought to know that i never raced in
AERC or FEI. The best i ever did was a 2nd and BC and i was happy w/
that even if i didn't 'win'.
This discussion has been ongoing for years and
i doubt it will ever stop until AERC-International is evolved into FEI and
away from AERC. The costs, the hassles of passports and the stress of
competing is enough to turn me off in my old age.
What i really like about FEI that i wish AERC
would consider is the Team Standings. There is a differrent mind set
in that in that you first have to finish to help the team.
Strategy plays more into the game than just going hell bent for
leather, and well i just like the whole concept.
In AERC i have seen people race for t-shirts
and bragging rights. In AERC i have seen people race to the point both
horses are forever done for the sport never to be seen again for a first to
finish.
So FEI may not be my cup of tea anymore but
i've sure seen enough in AERC to not be in a position the call
the FEI kettle black. They outright call it a race so there can be no
misunderstanding of what to expect. With AERC there are the racers and
and the plodders and the ones just going to finish and the ones just trying
it out.
So, i'll sum up my position again. AERC
and FEI are different parts of the same sport and need to find their own
space to grow and mature seperately. tom sites
