Well thank you for your answer and also thank you for confirming that there was a discussion about it.
For the rest of your post… so you would expect that Professionals who are eligible to enter would choose not to start in this division.
Now I a wonder why you would have that opinion??? Why shouldn’t they? They have the same right to enter then you.
Who makes the decision about who can enter??
I always thought it’s determined by the rules who is allowed to ride in that division.
And obviously this pro wasn’t even good enough to be in the top of the division, so why the worries???
My opinion is based on the fact that I am a simple person without any influence also I am not a fan of the USEF Amateur/Pro rule at all.
So nothing about this incident makes me want to support the opinion that pros should simply not enter just because they are pros…
BTW there was the same discussion last year already.
And I believe some more people supported the idea that that particular pro who entered last year should maybe not have done it, because she used to be ranked internationally.
Obviously this years situation was very different.
I do not understand why this is so hard to grasp. The FEI is the international governing body. The USEF only applies to riders in the US. (It’s in the name FYI). So if the FEI is running a class it’s run under their rules. NOT USEF rules. It’s like going to an AQHA show and wondering why they aren’t following USEF rules.
There is no inconsistency with the rule. It is two entirely separate organizations.
As far as reciprocity goes I would assume the certain violations are violations under the USEF as well. Violate one you violate both.
The horse world is bigger than Wellington or the US. I would suggest, riding at National level classes if the FEI rules are not something you agree with. That way there, you know you are only riding against people with day jobs outside of the horse world.
All that being said, I hope you were happy with your ride.
Of course, then the OP would have be sure that the “real amateurs” in those classes actually have day jobs outside of the horse world and aren’t simply wealthy people who love dressage and are fortunate to be able to afford great horses and great training. Maybe USEF should add AA classes for different income levels. Wouldn’t that be great? Then I wouldn’t have to compete against lucky people. I love it!
No “flame suit” needed. What “violations” are you speaking of ?
You seem woefully uneducated about how horse sport is governed and an internet forum is really not the place to learn the basics about the structure of your National Federations (USEF) and the FEI.
Ask your trainer to educate you about the differences between International and National sport. It’s rather surprising that you are showing at this level and are this unaware.
Like every system of governance the USEF and FEI take some time and effort to understand. You can either pay someone to instruct you (trainer?) or read the rules for yourself. They are available online.
Or you can just complain and look silly. Your choice.
I guess because people really like to get their 50 cent ribbon as a reward for all the blood, sweat, tears and money they put into it. I know I do. But we all know the placings don’t necessarily reflect ability of the horse or rider. I’ve won classes with crappy rides, just because everyone else happened to have a crappier ride than me that day. I’ve ridden the best test of my life and only come third, because two other people rode better tests.
It’s a nice marketing thing to be able to say a horse won such and such a class or was champion at x level but beyond that, who cares? As buyers the first thing we all do is go look up the scores anyway.
Puh-leese. You weren’t merely “wondering” or “interested” in our opinions -unless they meshed with yours. You jumped on here, all in a tizzy to highlight your perception of HD’s “poor sportsmanship”, lack of self-respect, and questionable sales tactics. After you got your $0.50 ribbon in a pretty color, you come back pretending to be ok with it. :uhoh:
As far as HD and MM competing in the CDIAM - neither placed at the top of the ribbons. This was the first CDI for MM, but she was still thrilled with her experience and the opportunity she had to show.
“…to take advantage of the inconsistency in the FEI rule to actually compete…” This phrase says it all OP. After 10 pages of people telling you what the rules are, you STILL don’t know the rules. There is absolutely NOTHING “inconsistent” in the FEI rule. It’s not at all the same as the USEF rule. Big effing deal. Grow up. If you want to compete at that level, learn the bloody rules and shut up.
But would the ribbon have been a “better” colour had the USEF pros not been in the class? Sadly I think that’s all this thread boils down to. I believe the OP might be happier sticking to the FEI classes at national shows. And that’s certainly an option. Despite her comments to the contrary, nobody is “making” anyone compete against USEF pros.
This is strictly just me, but looking at the scores in the class, if I win a class with less than 60% I’m not happy and/or it serves as a wake up call about where and how much I can improve. That blue ribbon with those scores mean diddly to me. It means I was the best garbage out of garbage. Obviously HD laid down a respectable test but it’s not like she was in the 70s and everyone else was low to mid 60s.
That is assuming the OP was one of the bottom two. I find it appalling and very unsportsmanlike like that she refuses to say how she did after the first post and the back tracking post. Just petty.
funny my trainer has no problem with the rule and she is actually an international rider…this was a petty thread you started She defended Karen when that came up. She is confident enough in her own ability to not worry about others I guess.
Exactly! I was in Wellington all season, and Heidi’s status was not the topic du jour on the showgrounds. In fact for the most part it was a drama-free season.
The FEI rule isn’t inconsistent. The USEF rule is inconsistent with basically most of the rest of the FEI nations who, if they even have separate amateur and open divisions, will base that on rider level/skill and not on how people earn a living.
