[RC] Pres. Cup for Jnrs & Yr /AERC & FEI - Richard Sacks
Maryanne from your prespective there may be a difference between endurance
riding and racing. But to the millions of neophytes who may watch this event in
person or on television in 2010, they are one and the same. AERC has a lot to
loose if the perception is negative. Individuals who own horses that are
involved in any discipline here in the US have a lot to loose if the preception
of endurance is cast in a negative light. Organizations like PETA and the Humane
Society are highly organized and well funded. It is becoming increasingly
difficult to keep horses in the US. Look at the example of the NYC carriage
horses. The legislation proposed to eliminate them is supported by both PETA and
the Humane Society. They would freak out if they ever attended an endurance
"RIDE", no less race, here in the US. You are right that USEF and FEI control
the the WEG. That is exactly my point. That is why AERC needs to be highly
involved. The record and reputation of both FEI & USEF is less than stellar
in many respects. This is not just a concern of language. It is a concern on
what impact FEI & USEF have on my individual rights as a horse owner and an
endurance rider. I think it is better to be proactive now (2 years out) rather
than reactive when the s**t hits the fan 2 years from now. Otherwise someone
will say "This was discussed 2 years ago, look it up in the RideCamp archives.
How come nothing was done about it?"
