The event is also the North American Championship and the USA riders are entered as regional teams.
Horse/riders that are not qualified for the 100 (3*) can still enter the 75 (2*) - they still have to be qualified for this - but to do so only have to have completed a 50 (1*) so it is more inclusive). There are a lot of people, especially foreign countries (e.g. UAE) that want to 'test' the course, and having a 75 mile distance makes this possible for more riders.
Steph
On Oct 9, 2009, at 12:50 PM, Tom Sites wrote:
Hello Mary, You asked "Anyone know why " all 30 of the USA entrants are entered in the 100 and the UAE is entered in the 75, and so far no one has offered a response. Being far from the loop, i can only come up with my own viewpoints.
# 1 Why are the USA's 30 riders entered in the 100?
Because the USA still has an open playing field for the 2010 WEC and to play that game you have to go the 100. 75 is only 3/4's of the way and they are all competing for a slot. They are all trying to do the best they can to qualify.
# 2 Why is the UAE all entered in the 75?
I think because the Shiek just got back from his hand slap by his wife who happens to be the head of FEI, he wants to make a statement and he thought since the race for the 100 was going to be so competitive he would just try the 3/4 pole and make a sweep because there was so much competition at the WEC 100 level and their Team is already known.
