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[RC] Future International Races - Jeremy Olson

Yes, I did say "race". It is not a bad word, even if it is not for everyone. With all of this talk about the WEC and the interest it has generated I thought we can all discuss what will HELP make our team better!! What we really need is to have more horses and riders involved with international riding. The US has many great riders and horses and we are not even scratching the surface of our resources. It really is not that big of a step to go from AERC rides to FEI rides. Contrary to what a few people say on this forum it is a lot of fun and you can learn so much from these rides and clinics. At FEI rides we are not running like crazy at all or hurting our horses Sometimes one might try and win, but most of the time we are shooting for the 13 hour and 20 minute goal.
 
Ok, back to the reason I am posting. We NEED more riders and we NEED more good horses that come with the new riders. That is how we will compete with the countries that have hundreds of hoses, we have the resources and we can all pull together to make a better team. We need to get rid of the negative FEI stigma, we all know it is not for everyone but I for one can NEVER remember a rider who likes to race criticize another for wanting to complete!! So even if representing our country is not for you, at least do not discourage the riders who might want to try and make the team in the future. Maybe we could even ENCOURAGE those individuals who have nice horses to try and reach their potential, encourage them to go for it and see what they can do. How will you ever know if you don't try it? We might just see the USA back on the medal stand with more support from all of AERC, band together and send the best horses and riders to these events. Band together and use our resources to get back to the top. How many of us wouldn't want to say "I rode a (LD, 50 or 100) with the world champion!!". We would all be proud, just as we are of the medals won by the Olympians. Lets start making the USA Endurance team better with our support. I have heard a lot of support over the last few days on ridecamp, so the next time a few start FEI bashing lets all post again and let our voices be heard as well.
 
Lets go riding or racing, whatever the day brings. Most importantly have FUN and support those around you who may have different goals.
 
For all of you 100 milers out there, contact your regional AERC-International Rep and try and have an open mind about it. It is fun, you will meet great people and maybe make your country proud someday!!! What more is there
 
Jeremy Olson


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