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RE: [RC] [RC] BOD and FEI - Bob Morris

I like what Steph has to say in the post below. But there is
one factor that must be applied. The FEI is directly
comparable, in the European Union, to the AERC in the United
States. No more-no less. The countries in Europe, at this
point in history, are comparable to our states. So, there is
no problem with what is proposed, outside the Olympics and
Endurance is not an Olympic sport.

There is no reason not to consider a competition between
teams from say, the Central region and teams from France.
Yes the Central Region is geographically larger but the
population difference would be the equalizer. Hey, Owyhee
County ID could challenge Belgium! The terrain in ID would
offset the population difference. 

It would require that basic rules be established for the FEI
and the AERC but not to the degree necessary for WEC
competition.

Bob Morris
Morris Endurance Enterprises
Boise, ID 

-----Original Message-----
From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Steph
Teeter
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2007 4:23 PM
To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [RC] [RC] BOD and FEI



From: "Barbara McCrary" <bigcreekranch@xxxxxxxxxxxx>

Originally, I thought international events would be fun,
especially 
giving opportunity to meet like-minded folks from other
countries. >>

In general, International events ARE fun, and I've met many
wonderful people all around the world. I think this is what
we need to focus one.

The WEC's are totally different - just as Olympic level
eventing is different, and exclusive - so is (and should be)
the WEC different and exclusive.

I'm afraid that the WEC's are driving the sport though. At
the Int'l level the sport is growing from the top down,
fueled by the WEC-Olympic frenzy of the past decade. And by
money - mostly in the form of sales of winning horses.

It should be growing from the bottom up, at the
International level, just as it did in the US and many other
places. We have a strong endurance culture, a good sport,
and we don't want it to change.

Most of the changes (at the FEI level) are coming about
because of the WEC-Olympic frenzy. The speed qualification
imposed on the sport in an attempt to identify the
best/qualified competitors for WEC level competition has, in
my opinion, been the single most contributing factor to the
divergence of endurance riding(challenge between horse/man
and trail) and endurance racing. I think it's the worst
thing FEI has done, and now they've gone and made it worser!
10:40 is outrageous for a must do qualification. That is
just stupid enough to send me over the top.

I would love it if we (the endurance community) could simply
see Int'l as 'regular endurance' around the world. The WEC
stuff is the top of a top heavy pyramid. Most of us, around
the world, enjoy the sport for the trail, the camaraderie,
the horse, etc. really -

I think we need to start looking at non-WEC alternatives to
Int'l endurance. I'm thinking of doing another FEI ride next
year (had just about decided not
to) but making it an Invitational - bring 2 horses - one for
you, one for a friend from another country. Then the other
country can reciprocate. Ride 50 miles or 75 or 100... the
important thing is to share the experience. It probably
doesn't even have to be FEI... but it would make sense if
it's International.

thoughts?

Steph


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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!!

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Replies
[RC] [RC] BOD and FEI, Steph Teeter