Think of the best, most well-organized 100-miler
you ever did that cost $150 or less to enter. I can think of
several. The question here with this FEI issue is “why aren’t
these rides less expensive?” But more importantly… CAN they
be? When you get right down to it? It’s not just the actual FEI
event …it’s the qualifying rides as well. It’s the
qualifying rides especially.
Why are they so expensive, and
CAN they be less expensive?
The present system seems designed to
ensure that many good “middle income” riders with good horses are
effectively eliminated from the pool before they can even set foot on the
trail. I’d be curious to know what these amazing entry fees go
towards… 10% management, 15% vets, 75% prestige?? If that’s
not the case, somebody set me straight. If the large FEI entry fee is
actually going towards paying a multitude of FEI fees in conjunction with the qualifying
ride, that’s about as annoying as my phone company… which seems to insert
a fee or a tax for every little thing on my monthly bill (once my annoyance has
finally reached a certain level, I’m going to forego the phone altogether
and start sending smoke signals like in the old, old days).
Think of the best, most well-organized
100-miler you ever did that cost $150 or less to enter. It would seem
logical that an FEI qualifier, especially, shouldn’t be any more than
this… especially considering the fact that the rider is also having to foot
other large FEI expenses apart from the entry as well… namely, an equine
passport. I bet if the issue were voted on by ridecampers right now, most
of them would state that they found $600 entry fees to be a bit… well...
startling. I have to admit that I do!
Enduringly,
“EnduroGal”
(Baskhari, RIP – Platinum J )
From:
ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of stephanie teeter Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009
8:10 PM To: ridecamp Alexandria Subject: Re: [RC] FEI entry fees
I don't know what Ft Howes entries were, but the Fandango was $150 for
just AERC, $275 for AERC/FEI for the 100 mile (CEI***) entry. I was able to pay
the bills, but only because there was a good turnout (for Idaho) since everybody needed to qualify
their horses according to the new rules.
It's incredibly expensive to host FEI rides - and to participate in
USEF and FEI events. Between the expense and the hassle and the flat-ish
courses that the riders need/want...it just isn't anything that interests me anymore.
I'm even finding it hard to drum up the interest in reporting on the big
races. They are dominated by big money players over-seas and between the
horse sales, trainers, owners, prize monies and sponsors it feels more like the
flat track racing industry than the sport of endurance. It's not so bad here in
the USA
and probably never will be - at least I hope not!
