Prizes/sponsors
C.M.Newell (reshan@deyr.ultranet.com)
Tue, 3 Dec 1996 18:57:45 -0500 (EST)
There have been some excellent points made in this discussion. I
tend to agree with the general concensus that large sums of money offered
to winners is an invitation to overriding--I have seen people's judgement
blurred for "lesser" reasons--year-end mileage, etc.
But let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater here. Didn't we
recently have a big to do about AERC dues increases? We need to channel the
sponsorship money, not throw it back in the face of the sponsors. The idea
of a drawing from amongst the horses and riders completing fit to continue
has merit, as does Linda Cowles' suggestion that the corporate money go to
trails maintenance. The feds are already making a pitch for corporate
sponsorship of national parks--this could be an avenue to pursue.
However it goes, let's try not to be nasty to the Nutramax people. I
doubt their intentions are evil--product promotion isn't necessarily
bad--jeez, people selling tack, supplements, portable corrals, and HRMs
aren't treated like lepers. (nor should they be.)
--CMNewell, DVM
"The expression in a horse's eye is like a blessing on a good man's house."
--Sayied iben-el Rabil, quoting the Prophet