COMMENTS TO THE AERC BOD FROM THE AERC SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE Almost one year ago to the day the AERC Sponsorship Committee began the process of developing the AERC NOTICE TO FEI MOTION that pointed out AERCs desire for FEI to put its house in order when it came to the issues of Equine Welfare, Cheating, Drug Violations, Fair Enforcement of its Own Rules, and Transparency in the Reporting of Catastrophic Injuries. The opinions expressed on social media by regular AERC Members was instrumental in shaping the BODs final opinion and showed your voices were being heard. As a follow up, below is a letter I sent to the BOD with only a few minor changes: Interesting information and comments on ridecamp from the below Merri Melde posting: If you’re not aware, or, to make you all aware, Meydan (a company owned by Shaikh Mohammed) has approached Endurance Great Britain, proposing a “Sponsorship Arrangement”. “The package proposed [would provide] EGB with a large but undisclosed sum of money to support EGB while also providing new ride opportunities in Great Britain.” (And if you’re not aware, Shaikh Mohammed’s privately owned Euston Park has been the site of many - often closed, ‘invitation only’ - 3*** 120-km and 160-km endurance races over the years.) EGB has asked its members to vote on it. A couple of people have written to the EGB board a letter which was reprinted in Horse-Canada, criticizing the deal: news.endurance.net/2014/12/great-britain-meydan-sponsorship-deal.html Money/sponsorship is an attractive proposition to organizations who desperately need it, to keep going, attract new members, etc. EGB says this sponsorship package would be part of their “long term strategy and vision to enable more people and horses at all levels to enjoy the sport of endurance to the highest standard of excellence.” Sounds familiar, and sounds attractive all around. It surely wouldn’t happen in this country (I’m talking Meydan or the equivalent approaching USEF, or - gasp - AERC), but, what if it happened? *********************************************************************** Coinciding with the above sponsorship offer, I received the following information The Endurance GB forum is the only place EGB members can read the No lobbys side to the Meydan sponsorship deal, as well as being a place for debate on less controversial and/or practical topics. It is a closed forum and only full EGB members can access it. Recently, debates have become very emotive. Now a group have launched this petition to get the whole forum closed down. I guess you grow to like the idea of censorship if you spend too much time in the company of people from repressive regimes. *********************************************************************** The timing is interesting with AERCs upcoming deadline of January, 2015 decision per the AERC NOTICE TO FEI MOTION. The AERC Sponsorship Committee has been in contact with the Swiss Federation and have touched base with Meg Sleeper of AERC-I to keep abreast of changes. AERC-I is actively investigating and will report back to the BOD. As it currently stands, Sponsorship Committee would be in favor of extending the deadline from January 1, 2015 to September 1, 2015 to allow FEI more time to put in place on the ground what they have put on paper. It appears there are still problems (which should be expected when a change in culture is taking place), including the ringer controversy, as well as a representative from Region VII asked for relief from the new rules and potential enforcement by FEI a the recently held FEI GA Meeting. As best Sponsorship Committee understands the situation, there hasnt been enough time to see how FEI actually handles potential problems that may arise including those in the problem Region VII. So, its seems prudent to Sponsorship Committee to keep AERCs options on the table while allowing FEI more time to show verifiable proof of measurable progress. If anyone thinks AERCs motion didnt really accomplish anything I will be happy to share comments from European federations that will show otherwise. It was a bold position and the AERCs action was much appreciated by many federations. It showed leadership, gave federations thruout the world confidence that AERC backed their stands, and proved AERCs position on equine welfare is more than something on paper. Randy Eiland
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:00:08 +0000
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