Angie’s ideas got me thinking…. A hypothetical
story came to me after reading the idea of horses on the short list changing
hands after vs before leaving. I have participated in (as a volunteer)
two WECs and three Pan Ams, so I have a bit of knowledge regarding the financial
and emotional burden as well as the level of gamble involved. Therefore my
story does not carry names or blame. Only an idea. When making rules,
generally history is studied and possible outcomes are thought up as ideas upon
which to base precedent.
Here it is: What if (love those words “what if”)
we had 16 horse/rider teams on the short list two months away from the
WEC. All had been training and traveling (as usual). Through all of
the normal process six of the 16 teams had to pull out (lameness, other health
issues, family issues, work – whatever). That leaves 10
teams. Unbeknown to each other six of the riders were approached by
individuals wanting to purchase their horses. Without discussing it (and
for excellent reasons of their own – remember no blame and no judgement)
four of the six that were approached chose to sell their horses prior to the
event. That would leave exactly six horses. That is four on the
team and two individual to send to the WEC. It is rare to arrive at the
site and get to ride day without at least one horse having an issue.
After all of the preparation it would be possible to start the WEC with less
than a full team.
Likely the rule that Tom S. mentioned would have some merit
in not letting the team get to this point. I haven’t looked up the
rules relating to our riders. Another reason that this is a story and not
a prediction. Just food for thought – or for attack.;-))
