AERC (AERC I) has no influence at the
FEI level. But USEF uses the AERC program to choose a squad, to qualify
individual who want to compete on the squad, to sanction USEF rides for
members who want to compete in FEI rides at the National level and uses AERC
rules as the foundation for their CEI rides. Other than Championship
rides, what FEI rides in the US are held with only FEI sanctioning? It
seems that USEF needs the AERC program and organization to even have an
endurance program. So even though AERC I is not recognized by FEI, it
seems that IF AERC are going to provide the FEI recognized body in the US
(USEF) with an entire endurance program, AERC should have more influence in
policy and decision making in USEF (not FEI).
I am in the camp that believes
that USEF should develop their own endurance program. Ride managers that
want to co sanction rides should continue to do so and AERC riders that want to
ride international should have a dual membership much like AERC riders that do
CTR join NATRC. I just think it is crazy at this point that USEF uses the
AERC program, rides on the reputation of AERC and their members, demands
membership in AERC and AERC I for potential squad members or FEI riders, yet
does not give AERC and more specifically AERC I an official voice in policy and
decision making process. There is nothing in place that would prevent USEF
from enacting policy that is completely contrary to AERC and what AERC stands
for yet the entire USEF National program and championship program is tied
directly to AERC. The door only swings one way. This needs to change
by either what John suggests, becoming more closely tied to USEF so the door
will swing both ways or with what others have suggested, which is to get
AERC completely out. Right now, we seem to be intrinsically involved or
tied to USEF by what I have written above and we actually have a committee that
is dedicated to FEI riding yet we have no voice in the process when it
comes to endurance decisions USEF makes. It is obvious from the criticism
(just from this list) made in the last few years that AERC is taking the brunt
of the negative comments and press NOT the USEF. Either we cut the tie to
USEF and have them stand behind the choices they make OR we become more involved
so we actually have a say in the decisions made. It is crazy to be the
fall guy for USEF decisions in which AERC has no say.
First, every one should realize that the WEG and like FEI competitions
are not, nor ever will be influenced by anything the AERC does or suggests.
The USEF is the NGB and the only entity that speaks for endurance on an
international level concerning the USA. AERC-I has no voice in the matter AERC
has no voice in the matter. AERC does not set the qualification criteria nor
does it have a voice in setting the team selection criteria. These
are the sole acts of the USEF.
