[RC] Pres. Cup for Jnrs & Yr /AERc & FEI - Richard Sacks
Well, this is going to be an interesting situation. In 2010, the FEI
WEG is going to be held in Kentucky (that is in the United States for the
geographically impaired). One way to affect the FEI is to refuse to participate
in this event or even protest at the event. With the TV coverage the FEI would
have to take note despite UAE money because of the TV money they might loose. On
the flip side, doing this would give endurance a black eye that I am sure we
don't want. I am sure that the USA chef d'equipe and USA riders would say that
they wouldn't perform the way the did at the Jnr/Yr race, but then we might not
show well on our own turf against the UAE riders and horses (some of the horses
are currently being trained in KY at stables they own). Regardless of whether
AERC disassociates itself from FEI prior to that time, endurance will be
represented by what goes on at that event. Perhaps just the opposite is needed.
Maybe AERC should get more involved in the 2010 WEG endurance event so that it
can control what goes on. Some ideas that come to mind would be stricter drug
enforcement rules (daily testing for 2 weeks prior), tighter vetting controls,
etc. If not, just wait until PETA and the Humane society get wind of this. If
you think it is hard to keep a horse, no less put on or participate in an
endurance ride, just wait.
