yes, I've been following along with this new also. I'm new to ridecamp but have been studying endurance for years. Due to finances and family responsibilities right now I can't ride go to rides as much as I like. As far as the international level, I am also concerned. AERC respects the horse partner and supports the care and well being of the horse. These other countries seem to just think their horses are commodities or something. I feel strongly that this is wrong and very tragic. I also agree that as an endurance sport community we very well could be labeled by these uncaring participants and countries. I say I am also proud of our American team, the Vets, the crews etc. We should stand firm and stand by them as they try to retain the majorities values and concerns. Just my opinion. I enjoy these conversations very much and have increased my own knowledge ten fold. So in a nutshell, lets remember who does most of the work for us and takes care of us. Our partners-our horses! kathie in Auburn ----- Original Message ----- From: SandyDSA@xxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, September 25, 2002 8:17 AM To: rkld.stewart@xxxxxxx; ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: [RC] IntNewsGroup: Jerez WEG Endurance Postride Report In a message dated 9/25/2002 8:03:00 AM Pacific Standard Time, rkld.stewart@xxxxxxx writes:
In all equestrian events, the horse must be considered paramount.
The well being of the horse shall be above the demands of breeders, trainers, riders, owners, dealers, organizers, sponsors, or officials.If the two dead horses could speak, how would they rate our concern for the standards that this code requires? Who speaks for the horse?
I am most proud of the USA team. I think they upheld the highest ideals for endurance riding under extremely difficult and trying circumstances. They not only talk the talk – they walk the walk. Only a few can make this claim from the 2002 Jerez Endurance WEG.
Don't know how many of you got this full post but suffice it to say that the very reason some of us oppose VEHEMENTLY any outside organization with International interests directing or even affecting the workings of AERC in thsi country are speleld out right in thie WEG results. Dane, thank you for supporting what many people have felt for a while - that the International community of endurance is being twisted into a "sport" that favors thrill, speed and reward rather than the glory of the sport - and the care of the partner - the horse. Only 4 vetgates - the last being what, nearly the distance ridden with TWO in a standard 50 miler?
For one example among many, the organizing committee and the Toulouse Group placed pressure on the Technical Delegate (Dr. Hallvard Sommerseth) through senior FEI officials to accept 4 vetgates with a trot-by (within the FEI rules) instead of the 5 vetgates that was preferred. (Not a single member of the veterinary commission was in favor of 4 vetgates and all felt that the trot by examination was next to worthless for metabolic assessment).
The 4th phase was particularly difficult. It was 39 km long (24.3 miles) late in the ride (beginning at 63 miles), in the mud.
IS anyone else troubled by the above?
It is incumbent on us to stand firm against this kind of abuse otherwise we are as guilty as those who knocked off those horses for their own thrill. AERC has a bit of an independent, renegade streak - we LIKE our rides the way WE like them. Let's keep it that way - not to be swayed by foreign countries who do not hold the same values.
wow.
san
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