1. Valerie feels that money is creeping into this sport already. FEI is
already set-up to accomodate this. The European rides already have money
prizes and many riders (teams) count on this to be able to continue in
training and competition. We already have problems funding our teams for the
North American championships (USET covers us for the World).
2. Valerie feels that by doing a 200% job on a ride such as the one her group
is offering will set a precedence and give a good light to the future. She
has secured the best veterinarians and is assuring all the all controls
possible and necessary will be in place. One of the controls is requiring
qualifications to enter.
3. I have known Valerie for 20 years and know her to have a good deal of
integrity and have seen her grow to be one of the best spokespersons for this
sport. But, IN MY OPINION, Valerie (and others) have become detached from
the "grass-roots" air of our sport that attracts so many of us to it. That
is not to say there is not a place for money rides...I am just saying (and I
believe I speak for a great many of you) that we ALL have concerns about this
sport getting "too professional", thus ruining it in our eyes. I suggested
that Valerie try to put herself in YOUR shoes.....I also suggest that YOU put
yourself in hers. Although I still remain vehemently against cash prizes in
our sport, I must remind you all of what the ROC has done for this
sport...high dollar prizes and all....it has opened it up...there were few
100 mile rides until the ROC required them. Now we have a vast number of them
and more and more riders giving it a try AND SUCCEEDING!!! Remember, there is
a place for all of us in this sport NOW ... some of us ride to finish, some
of us ride to win, some of us do it well, some do it badly..hopefully we all
learn along the way.
Teddy
"Dear AERC Board of Directors:
It seems as if I did not make myself clear about the special qualifications
sanction request for the Cosequin Challenge (formally sanctioned June 22 as
the Mouse Mountain 100).
While at the Washington National Horse Show last October, Nutramax
Laboratories, Inc. approched me about the feasibility of producing a top
quality, high profile endurance event. With lack of funding and decreased
sponsorship throughout the horse industry, I was both surprised and flattered
that a multi-million dollar corporation would want to give serious support
and publicity to our sport.
My management team and I drove to the Nutramax Corporate headquarters where
we ironed out the details of contributions and responsibilities. Nutramax
agreed to donate prizes and negotiate press and television coverage. We
would provide a well managed, challenging event controlled by top quality
veterinarians and personnel.
As the prizes and publicity in this event are substantial and upon the advice
of several veterinarians and riders that I polled, I am requesting special
qualificatuion sanctioning (rule 11.2) for the 100 mile poetion of the
Cosequin Challenge. Additionally, we will require a steward (rule 11.8). I
have spoken to Susan Kasemeyer and if the board agrees, she will act in this
capacity.
Qualification criteria is limited to horses. I am requesting a minimum of
500 lifetime miles of which two hundred must be one day 100's. To encourage
foreign participation and assure an availability of leased horses, I would
like to exempt off-continent riders on leased horses from the qualification
criteria, however, unqualified horses are ineligable for top ten placing.
Careful thought was given to structuring the prizes for top ten placing on
the 100 mile event. We discussed awarding a trailer but felt that most
competitiors already own trailers. Speaking from personal experience, it may
seem attractive to win a high dollar award like a trailer, but the reality is
--- any award trailer or high dollar prize is valued at its highest market
price. This insures that the manufacturer or donor can receive the best tax
deduction allowable. Federal law requires that all corporations must file a
1099 form for anyone it pays more than $600.00 to in a year. The winner is
responsible for federal as well as sales tax. So, a $10,000.oo trailer prize
can cost the winner (depending on their tax bracket) up to $4,000.00. And,
it's a funny thing about the government, they want CASH up front not partial
ownership in a prize.
So, the question was: How can we award significant prizes through top ten
finishers? Significant enough to justify traveling long distances to
participate, attract spectator and public interest and not burden the
recipients? The IAHA sweepstakes program has been in existence for several
years (eight I believe) paying competitors at both regional and national
levels. It has not had a negative impact or changed the rules and
regulations under which our sport is conducted. Therefore, using the IAHA
National Championship pay outs as a guideline, we determined we could award
prizes in the 100 mile division safely under a similar format.
1st $5,000.00
2nd $3,000.00
3rd $1,500.00
4th $1,200.00
decreasing down to $500.00 for 10th position.
Additionally, all finishers in the 50 and 100 mile portion will receive a
container od Cosequin, retail value $180.00. Top ten finishers will also be
awarded shirts and jackets. Champion and reserve horses in each race will
recieve appropriate embriodered blankets.
Nutramax has also encouraged us to solicit additional sponsorships and awards
to be distributed among the competitors.
Nutramax's support and generosity allows us the financial security to produce
and endurance extravaganza staffed with our most experienced veterinarians. A
televised event in which many viewers can experience the athleticism, emotion
and excitement inherent in our sport.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Virginia Trails Conservatory a non
profit organization dedicated to the preservation and maintenance of multiuse
trails.
Thank you,
Valerie Kanavy"
Please address responses to Valerie on her fax line: 540-933-6518. Someone
already suggested that she be sent an AOL diskette so she can get "on-line"
with us. How about it? TL