Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

> Frank, unless things have changed since we last dual-sanctioned a ride,
> AERC did not have a steward...only FEI.  I think the various more
> stringent rules, along with someone to make sure they aren't broken
> (stewards) was/is part of the reason some of the AERC membership
> did/does not like the influence of FEI in this country.  I know that
> several years ago when I was on the board, there was a lot of balking
> about becoming involved with FEI rules in AERC rides.  Quite likely the
> opposition has changed a great deal since then.  I can understand why
> some riders still don't like the FEI influence.  I had hoped that the
> two entities could be kept completely separate, but it appears that
> hasn't been the case.  Having stewards and stringent rules certainly
> levels the playing field and attempts to keep things fair, but some
> riders would still prefer the older, more relaxed way of conducting
> rides.  In short, some riders aren't so competitive that they fuss if
> someone appears to take advantage of the laxity of rules.  I would be
> interested in others' thoughts on this.
Barbara, I don't see the FEI rules/officials as being so much in the way
of the relaxation as being there as a learning experience for the riders
who aspire to participate in FEI.  Most of the stuff doesn't even impinge
on the AERC riders--the weighing, the tack checks, etc.  But the USA has
been at a disadvantage in international competition because we DON'T go
through some of this rigamarole at AERC rides, so it is intimidating to
our riders once they get there.  Also, officials need to learn how to
officiate--and they need a training ground as well.

Some of the added things (the vet boxes, etc.) that apply to both groups
actually make the ride run MORE smoothly, if done properly, and I've heard
many AERC riders comment about how they appreciate the increased
efficiency at vet checks, because they can get through faster than they
can at many AERC rides.  If this is a problem at a given ride, don't blame
FEI--it is simply a management snafu, and needs to be worked out at a
management level.

Heidi



=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=