Re: Facts About Cosequin Challenge

Truman Prevatt (truman.prevatt@netsrq.com)
Mon, 9 Dec 1996 11:58:37 -0400

I think we should all be happy to see Tracy Ingram's reply. I also have
confidence that the VTC can and can and will run a first class ride and
will do every thing possible to ensure the safety of the horses. While
there may be some fine tuning involved for this ride, it is really no
different in the amount of money offered at the ROC. The Kanavy's walked
off with a lot of cash (as did some other people) from the IAHA. While the
ROC prizes were not given in cash their cash value was quite large.

There are vets at can and will stand up to anyone over riding their horse -
no matter for money or ego. If you want to see some in action just go to
the OD. I am certain that they will be part of the staff for this ride.
There are a few riders (tank goodness just a few) out there who will ride
their horses into the ground for ego alone.

I am comfortable that the current AERC structure and the experienced ride
management can run this ride "without the sky falling". I do appreciate
the need for sponsors to donate prizes in order to keep the cost down on
rides. Prizes can sure eat up a ride budget. While I am philosophically
uncomfortable with large cash prizes, I am not sure $5000.00 is "a large
cash" prize. Everyone should make their opinion on this subject known to
their director. This is something that the AERC should consider in a less
charged atmosphere.

When all is said and done I believe we should have faith in the AERC and
the experienced ride management to run the Cosequin Challenge in a manner
that will be a positive reflection on endurance riding.

While it may be uncomfortable for some, we have seen an example of
"participatory democracy" which is made possible by this forum and the
evolving telecommunications technology. Up until quite recently our
society was soely solely based on representative democracy where
representatives were chosen to carry out the wishes of the masses.

I think what we see here concerning the Cosequin Challange is the
membership of the AERC wanting to take a much larger roll in the decision
and policy making process. This is not isolated to the AERC but is a
current trend - just witness the number of ballot initatives throught out
the country in the last election (in Sarasota County, FL we had 12). The
communciations are here. In fact the AERC could, if it wished take strw
polls on any subject using this forum.

I don't care to comment as to the plus and minus of this situtation - only
to comment that it will not be very pretty at times. I do, however, think
in the long run it will be positive, but it doesn't really matter it is
here to stay.

Truman

Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL