A certain person or persons may hate me for saying this.....I had, after last
years pre-ride of WEG, written a letter to Dr. Gillespie and sent copies to a
great many others (50 in all) expressing not just my concerns, but that of a
great deal of the riders who attended. It was NOT well received, but, in the
long run, a good deal of the issues discussed were remedied. I opened my
mouth then and inserted my foot and don't mind doing it again..........
I felt at the time (and still do now in light of Valerie wishing to excuse
foreign riders from qualifications) that it was not in the best interest of
the sport to allow horses AND/OR riders who were not adeqautely qualified to
compete at WEG or in any other competition where the stakes are high. Many
of you already know that there were MANY (not the majority) riders and horses
who, in MY opinion as well as that of others, were not adequately ready for
this level of competition.
Be it for the glory of the organizing committee or the sake of the future
publicity of this sport to "attract" or make it possible for so many to
compete is only ONE of the reasons I feel we need stricter controls not only
on the quality, price and qualtity of prizes, but on the eligability of those
competing. There were a good many of our "grass roots" competitors who
leased out horses - partly for the money, partly just to be part of the WEG.
Most had good intentions and aspirations. Many had a wonderful experience. I
am DEEPLY sorry to hear that some did not.
Although I realize there are risks in this sport, I feel very strongly that
these risks CAN and SHOULD be minimized when it come to competitions like
WEG. This was not and never will be a place for the "backyard" rider to
bring his horse to to "get his feet wet".
I would personally feel a great deal better about our entering the FEI world
if we could avoid such tragedies...no matter what the cause.
Teddy