<< AERC did NOT set the standards for FEI. WE WERE NOT THERE when most of
this was being set up..that is why FEI is a royal pain when it comes down to
it. Ask an FEI competitior what their first impression of all the
"ridiculous"
and seemingingly "unnecessary" reagulations and safeguards. This sport grew
up "grass roots" and we are used to simplicity. FEI regulations cam as a
shock and an impedence in many people's eyes.
Teddy (ask Valerie!!!) >>
Please learn from what happened between AERC and FEI. When AERC was
approached years ago to help set up FEI endurance, there was such an uproar
from the "grass roots" that AERC decided not to work with FEI (other than Jim
Bryant who saved us). We have spent the last 10 years trying to undo what
our attitude caused (they just organized it without us!).
We all agree that allowing cash prizes is dangerous. The reality, though, is
that this is going to happen with or without AERC. Please do not take your
toys and go home mad. Talk with these people and work with them to get them
to understand our ways. The AERC membership knows best how to deal with
aggressive, driven riders. Please help Cosequin learn how to acheive their
goals within the AERC framework. Money is going to enter our sport; we
should work together now to prepare for its arrival.
Mike
C. Mike Tomlinson, DVM
Tomlinson Consortium
35887 Ramada Lane
Yucaipa, CA 92399
EMail: CMikeT@AOL.com
Desk: (909)307-2369
Res.:(909)797-7372
Fax:(909)797-3880