Why did the AERC Board of Directors recently adopt a policy stating that your
photo will not be printed in AERC News unless you are wearing a helmet.
At this point in time AERC does NOT require members to wear helmets at rides
so why discriminate against a portion of the membership when it comes to
photos in a magazine that is supported and read by the membership. Non
helmet wearing members ARE supporting the publication AERC News with their
dues.
Why didn't the board ask for input from the membership? I would feel a lot
better about this if there was a vote and 51% of the members wanted this
policy.
I don't buy the idea that from a PR point of view or public perception of
endurance riding (such as the ideal endurance rider would wear a helmet)
because if the public went to a ride they would see several riders riding
with out helmets. It is very deceptive if this is the reasoning for this
policy.
If it is because we are striving for an ideal? or something like that we had
better watch out because ideally you shouldn't be overwight and ride a horse
& ideally you should be an superior horseman etc. etc.
If it is for newcomers to the sport - They will go to their first ride and
see several riders (and in my region many successful riders. And by
successful I not only mean Top 10 and winners - as not to offend anyone) are
riding without helmets.
PLEASE - Do not write back with safety reasons - I acknowledge the safety
issues involved and that is not what I am confused about. I want to know
why a portion of the membership (which is following AERC policy & rules & is
paying their dues) is being discriminated against.
DISCLAIMER: I am not trying to offend, S***Stir, annoy or anything else. If
I offend anyone by this question I apologize.