Unofficial WEG Team

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From: R. K. Stewart DVM 
Email: rk-ld.stewart@usa.net

I couldn't resist commenting on Carlos
 Crespo's remarks re the WEC (World 
Endurance Championship, not WEG, World
Equestrian Games.  We are not part of 
the WEG this year).

Heidi Smith did a very admirable job 
explaining the process and offering a
opposing opinion.

I would like to add my own brief 
comments.

Mr Crespo said
 
>>The selection process is very partial to light weight riders. They are more concerned
with what the horse-rider team did in the two years prior to the competition
rather than what they can do NOW. In my opinion, it is a very distorted process.
 
Until the selection decision is taken away from the closed door, back-room,
unaccountable, horse show mentality currently in place , the team selected will always be
suspect and the wisdom of the selection will continue to be questioned.
You will not see many men in the team  either.
 
One day, I hope, the selection will be made based on an objective process determined
by the performance of the riders on specific races. Then, and only then ,
will we be able to say that the team selected is the absolute best that can
be assembled and there will not be any argument as to who deserves to be
in the team. They will have WON their place in it.<<

I have read Mr. Crespos opinions often
in the past.  I respect his opinions and he is obviously an intelligent, 
articulate man.  

However, Mr. Crespo I 
respectfully submit that you, sir, are 
commenting on a subject you know 
nothing about.  In my 15 years of
involvement in FEI competition the
subject of selection and the criteria
to use has come up regularly and often.
There is no best way to select for a
 team and Mr. Crespo's suggestion that
the riders beat themselves to death
the year of competition is abjectly 
opposite of the optimum.  The last 
thing we need is a bunch of overused, 
marginally lame horses the year of
a championship.  In fact, Canada even 
had their team chosen January one of 
this year so the riders could get on
with the task of peaking for the WEC.

The current criteria for selection
has evolved over the last 10 years with
input from several intelligent 
individuals.  It is far from the best,
but is as fair and impartial as we are 
capable at this time.  If there is some
better way, I respectfully invite Mr. 
Crespo to get involved with AERC
International and FEI competitions, 
make himself available to learn the 
process and perhaps use his 
considerable intelligence and 
enthusiasm to help improve the process
rather than take potshots from the
outside.

If you are interested, don't hesitate
to contact me and I will be glad to
suggest ways you can get started in
the education process.

R. K. Stewart DVM
Chef d' Equipe
USA Equine Endurance Team