> Fault: 1) The Nutramax company and rep for not knowing the sport.
I haven't seen any indication that they don't know the sport, maybe just
unaware of the strong feelings towards "professionalism vs. amateurism"
that a number of riders have. I donate money to the Amazon rainforest
without knowing how the natives feel about how the money is spent,
doesn't make the contribution any less worthwhile.
> Damage: Nutramax gets an undeserved bad name for trying to do some good while
> gaining market share
I think a number of posts have been listed agreeing that Nutramax is not
evil and they haven't done anything wrong in offering the money, and in
fact, should be commended for their support. I was under the impression
we appreciated the company's "gift", we just thought it could be more
wisely channelled?
> VTCs big plans in shambles. This is damage that cannot be repaired.
I don't see any damage having been done to need repair. Sanctioning has
not been granted or denied, Board is aware of concerns and
reservations by the members, ride has not been cancelled, no horses have
been harmed, no placements or potential entries have yet been affected.
Spotting potential problems before it becomes a problem is, in itself, a
solution. I see this as a very positive thing with many workable
solutions that benefit everyone.
However, it can be
> soothed with the $30K going in a different direction.
Agreed!
2) Set up
> guidelines for sponsor participation.
Agreed, undoubtedly will be addressed in the future by Board and
membership.
3) Ensure that the governing body is
> responsive to participants' needs,
Maybe I'm being pie-in-the-sky, but I always thought our Board did a
pretty good job of being responsive and trying to be sensible about
things. I would expect them to be sensible about this, too.
then support governing body by not
> participating in unsanctioned events.
I would agree with that, although not sure how sanctioning affects
international rides---I'm not the caliber to compete at those levels, so
easy for me to agree to do something I do anyway.
Anyway, just my two cents as usual.
Susan Evans