barring horses, and LD

[vanhove@unavco.ucar.edu (Teresa Van Hove)]

I have not seen the EN with article on BOD over-ruling manager's right to
bar certain stallion from rides.  Does anybody have the full details? I 
don't know that I agree with this.  I looked up the rules and
3.3 states (asterics are mine for emphasis)
 An eqine which constitutes a clear danger to other equines &/or persons
may be disqualified *at any time* from competition, by the ride manager or
ride veterinarian. 

Sounds to me like this should allow refusal of entry even if it is not
including in the list of causes to refuse entry to a ride.  Rule
4.1 says 
" Cause is defined as a specific occurrence, substantiated by direct and 
corroborated evidence of, including *but not limited to* one of the following.

On proposed LD rule.  - The argument that a ride manager could hold a 24 
mile race with no controls is not very compelling.  I don't know of any
people dedicated enough to the sport of endurance to put on a sanctioned
50 or 100 mile event who would do this.  Fun rides I have seen have had
stricter veterinary controls and have usually been in addition to a sanctioned
LD, 50, and sometimes 75 or 100 mile ride.  If the fun rides were held the
next day it would not be feasible to have a vet looking at these horses.

It is a different issue than charging a non-member fee for LD rides, I like
having some $ incentive (I would have preferred a $5 non-member fee + a trial
membership option) for LD riders to join AERC.  If these 2 things are lumped into
one question to vote on I think that reflects poor planning by the BOD.

What would have helped me take better care of my horse when I started,
before I joined AERC would have been the handbook.  Perhaps this could be
offered for sale (cheaply) to beginners?  It is on the web now so it is
available free to those who have internet access and printers; I think it
would be wonderful if it was available to everyone. 

Teresa