[RC] More on the Australian solution..... - Jay Randle
Hi All
To add to my last post about what happens here in Australia (trying to answer some of the questions I have read):
It is mandatory for ALL riders (whether Novice or Open) to attend the pre-ride briefings for the Training Ride, if they are entered in the training ride! Non-attendance is grounds for disqualification.
Our system of 'penalties' includes suspension periods for horse and/or rider, disqualification of horse and/or rider, a 'points' system that tracks different kinds of problems, and riders/owners/trainers being required to attend meetings to discuss the problem.
BTW, a microchip is only required in an Open endurance horse IF they don't have an easily-readable brand. A brand is also considered to be acceptable identification of a horse, but only if it is clearly visible.
Most of our RMs are individuals, or maybe small groups of 3-7 people. I don't really know how AERC is managed, but all of our Management Committee members are volunteers. Each state here has it's own State Management Committee, which reports to AERA (an umbrella committee). Each state runs their rides independantly. Only FEI rides must have National accreditation; the individual states just accredit their own rides.
In order to enter our National Championship ride (the Tom Quilty Gold Cup over 160km), each rider must have completed a 160km prior to entry in the Quilty. This ensures that every rider at this level has previously had the experience of completing a 160km ride, therefore knowing the required level of horsemanship necessary.
And thanks, Ranelle, for the glowing recommendation, however I have never hosted Ann Hall! A pity, that! I would love to, and would also love to host anyone else from the good ol' USA who would like to visit us. So once this damn Equine Influenza epidemic is over you are most welcome to visit!!
On that note.... A group of keen endurance riders from Australia have decided to visit the US in February/March 2008, in order to see how you guys do things! We will be attending the AERC Convention in Reno, as well as a couple of California rides (Eastern Mojave and 20 Mule Team). We are also visiting Lexington KY, and would love to catch up with endurance riders there. Other points of interest include Scottsdale and the LA region.
If anyone would like to catch up with us, please let me know.
Best regards
Jay Randle SPLENDACREST ENDURANCE TRAINING www.freewebs.com/splendacrest
