Rick Stewart DVM stated that:
<< I respectfully submit that you, sir, are commenting
on a subject you know nothing about>>
Certainly I would expect nothing less from the
Chef d' Equip for the USA Equine Endurance
Team than to come to the blind defense of the
process he is such an important part of.
I agree that I probably know little about the subject
but I would ask, Who does? Other than the few
currently running the system. The entire selection
process is based on a subjective criteria
dependent on personal opinions and done in a
totally secret and unaccountable basis. Why is it
that the opinion of each selector is not made public
as well as their voting record and the minutes of
the selection meeting process?
So long as the process is carried out in the current
fashion without full disclosure the only ones
"knowledgeable" of the subject are those running it .
Furthermore, the lack of disclosure limits the
"education" of the rest of the membership and
perpetuates a status quo regardless of its suitability
or acceptability by the membership.
The main argument I hear from you and other selectors
is that "there is no best way to select for a team"
.
I submit to you and everyone else to consider the fact
that if there is no best way to select a team then we at
least choose a way that is the most
FAIR TO ALL COMPETITORS. If we are to err
I would prefer to err on the side of fairness and
participation .
I can not accept the argument of competitors "beating
themselves to death the year of competition being
abjectly opposite to the optimum" .
This country was build on the idea of competition.
Competition is what raises the level of performance
in all of us and gives us something greater to reach for.
Competition is what makes us great not weak.
Two selected races are not going to break any world
class horse anymore than competing in any number
of exhibition rides , perhaps the ill effects will be even
less.
I personally like the Canadian idea of defining the team
1 months in advance. Regardless of which method is
used to define the team, sufficient time should be given
for all members to heal, train and peak for the competition
and for the coaches to learn the strengths and weaknesses
of each athlete. With 11 months lead time any injury that
may have occurred in the qualifying race would have ample
time to heal . This is not the case with the current system
in which nominees are expected to perform demonstration
rides until the final selection 3 months prior to the
competition.
As for getting involved, In my view, I am greatly involved by
developing an awareness and consciousness of the pitfall
in the system. I have received a lot of private
correspondence
in support of these views from members who agree but fear
subjective repercussion against them if they go against the
system. I for one have nothing to fear so I do not mind
leading the charge for the hearts and minds of the general
membership. That is where the decision should ultimately lie.
I am not taking this time attempting to change your
believes
or that of others defending the current process, you are
too
set in your opinion to accept the necessary changes.
In closing I would like to borrow from the words of a famous
poet and submit to you and the others that....
COMPETITION MAKES LEGENDS .
LEGENDS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF.
WHEN LEGENDS DIE THERE ARE NO LONGER DREAMS
AND WHEN DREAMS DIE THERE IS NO LONGER
GREATNESS...
With regards and still sincerely wishing you
success in Dubai,
Carlos Crespo
Florida
Keeping the Dream
Alive
Events