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[RC] FEI Championships - Steph Teeter

I think some of you need to attend a World Championship and see for yourself
what it is like. There seems to be an impression that the WEC's are
demolition derbies. Yes it's faster than the back-home 100's, but likewise
the riders and horses are the elites of the sport, and the horses are
trained and prepared for the speed. There is a high level of horsemanship,
and while there are exceptions, MOST riders are riding THEIR OWN horses, and
care for their horse as well as their performance. AERC completion rates
averate 60%, yes? FEI is closer to 40 or 50%. Sorry - but if you're going to
scream about WEC 100 mile completion rates, then AERC 100's - 60% - is not a
whole lot more to brag about.

If you have seen a WEC or two and are convinced that they are bad, and bad
for the sport, that's fine.

But if you feel they are bad, and bad for the sport, but have never actually
been to one and experienced it, then you really should do so. Rather than
forming an opinion from press and chat. The host nation can make a big
difference in how WEC's are promoted and perceived, but to see the essence
of the sport one really needs to get past that - get past the Dubai vs
Lexington atmosphere and see the essence - the rules - of the sport, and
make your opinion based upon that.

Believe me, there is still a high level of camraderie and sportsmanship and
displays of personal character... it's not all about winning. Most people
have a realistic expectatation of their potential, and while a few have the
'gotta win' mentality, most countries are in the game for a chance at a Team
Medal - and there have been medals given to teams whose riders finished
towards the middle or back of the pack - the Team Medal game is about pacing
and about completion.

Steph

(I've been in the Amsterdam airport for 6 hours now, another 1 1/2 hours
before the flight to Malaysia departs... way too much time on my hands!)


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