Re: Who pays?

["Susan Brehm" <RockingB@worldnet.att.net>]

I've been following this thread, trying to keep an open mind
and see both sides of the issue (non-member fee).  I'm a
newbie to this sport, and I mean a true newbie.  However, I
felt like it was important to support the sanctioning
organization so I joined AERC.

I have not studied in detail the beginnings of AERC, but my
overall impression is that it was started as a sanctioning
body in order to enforce safety for the horses.  There were
endurance rides before AERC, and there were also many horses
who died in the effort.

If AERC sanctions an event and their representatives
discover that the ride management is not following the
accepted rules for safety (for everyone concerned) then they
pull their sanction before the ride actually starts.  I know
that if I attend an AERC sanctioned ride I can expect rules
for safety to be fully enforced, especially appropriate
veterinary care for my horse.  To say that a non-member
receives *nothing* for their non-member fee is a little
unfair.  Without AERC I believe the quality of these events
would not be maintained.  While it would be possible for
another organization to fulfill this same function it would
not be flawless either.

SusanB
AERC #M20087


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