The response you received is essentially correct. It is, however, the AERC
International Committee, specifically the Selection Committee, who is
primarily responsible for establishing the criteria for a world competition.
This is in collaboration with USET and approved by USET and
AHSA as the FEI representative in the USA. Both AHSA and USET defer to AERC
in this regard and we have worked very hard over the years to keep it that
way. The criteria has changed some (tightened up the qualifications
primarily) over the years for World Championships.
There is much more latitude in selection criteria for a NAC, however. They
too have changed from year to year but are primarily intended to promote
participation. There are less stringent minimum requirements outlined in the
AERC International Procedures, and it is up to the individual zones to
establish them in detail for a given competition. The only real difference
between the minimum for NAC and WEC at this time is the horse age (7 for NAC,
8 for WEC) and the number of competition miles required (500 for horse and
rider, NAC, 750 horse and rider WEC). Both require 200 miles as a horse and
rider team, 100 of that as a one day ride.
The minimums for NAC are published in the AERC International Procedures
handbook. I will send you a copy if you dont have one (let me know, they are
sent to all International members). The Selection Criteria for WEC are
published by USET and AHSA for a given competition. We will look into whether
it is OK to post the AERC International Procedures and the selection
procedures for this years World Championship to the Web Page and let you
know.
Sorry to make this sound so complicated, but with any rules or regulations
(especially those involving selection!!) there can be potential
misunderstanding. I hope this minimizes the potential.
Rick and Lori Stewart
E-mail from: R. K. and L. D. Stewart, 14-Nov-1996