SUGGESTIONS

Ramey Peticolas-Stroud (ramey@wvi.com)
Thu, 05 Dec 1996 15:42:58 +0000

Teddy, You wrote:
"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."

Thank you for your thoughts. I also feel that such
qualifications should apply to all. At the WEG and past ROC's foreign
riders with little experience could be placed on leased horses which had
a minimal milage base and/or had NEVER started or completed a 100 mile
event.

In my opinion, this situation is potentially more dangerous to
the horse and to our sport than the mere offering of big prizes. So
everyone, please consider the following suggestion:

AT ANY EVENT WHERE AN AERC STEWARD IS REQUIRED, ALSO REQUIRE THAT:

1. All horses must meet minimum milage qualifications (with any rider).
2. All riders must meet minimum milage qualifications (on any horses).
3. All horses/riders must have a minimum number of miles
together.

Sound familiar? It is our current AERC Championship Series
concept expanded to include minimum rider experience. I do not
currently have an opinion on actual milages, but I do think that 50/75
mile ride experience alone does not adequately prepare one for 100's.

Thanks for listening.
Ramey