I believe the majority of AERC membership subscribes to the "have fun"
philosophy and are not in favor of large cash prizes as awards. The
negatives far outweigh any positives that may occur as a spin off from
large financial awards at rides. I think there is more than a subtle
difference between large "value" awards such as trailers, etc. and actual
cash. At races such as the ROC the top awards have much material value,
but very few of the competitors ride with the award in mind...finishing
the race with a sound horse is what most of us view as a "real award".
But when cash, in large amounts, is offered...then I have to think we are
opening a very dangerous, difficult to control Pandora's Box. Many of
the reasons have been mentioned, and I am certain there are many others
that make this a bad idea for AERC.
If there is a need or desire by some to have cash awards at endurance
rides, then let it occur with FEI-International Endurance Rides. Leave
the American Endurance Ride Conference to us "amateurs" who can compete
with the best of them, but are here to have fun.