[QUOTE=Long Spot;4105940]
Sadly, I don’t think even a website is proof enough for the USEF. Though I’d certainly take a screen shot of it immediately. Since you’ve chatted with her, it might mysteriously go bye bye.
The stories I have heard from people who have filed complaints and paid the fee to do so (it’s not cheap) is that they have been asked to require proof in the form of copies of cashed checks, reciepts for services rendered etc.
If you can’t provide that, you will usually lose your complaint and lose the money you spent to file. You really might have better luck printing out a copy of the screen shot of her web page and as someone suggested, drop it in an envelope to the steward and office staff for the next show with a note suggesting they look at the classes this pro is entered in.
I’m shocked at her reasoning that because she teaches kids, the lessons don’t really count. That’s a very interesting converstation she’s having with herself to make it ok in her own mind.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do on this, whether it’s try to make a stand or back away. I’d understand both decisions.[/QUOTE]
The website in itself is sufficient proof. No need to provide copies of checks.
“Advertising professional services such as training or giving lessons by way of
business cards, print ads, or internet.”
The fee to file a protest is $200. However it may not even be necessary to go that route. Simply have a conversation with the steward,TD or show management. If you do need to pay the fee you get it back if your claim is upheld.
If you look at the monthly USEF hearing committee reports you will see that recently there are 2-3 cases each month involving Pros who showed as Ammie’s and have been fined or suspended or both.
Recently someone was fined and the proof was simply that the daughter of a pro showed a horse belonging to a client of the mother and the mother was listed as the trainer for the horse. A violation for sure but in that case the proof was just the results records from the show.
Rather than rely on ‘stories’ others have heard you might want to call USEF and ask what’s the best way to proceed.
Just as we expect the medical community to help keep their people in line, so should we. Not becoming a police force but if we see an infraction that is obvious, not speculation or jealousy, we should report it. Sometimes being brought to the attention of a steward or TD is enough to stop the person and a protest need not be filed. If you do feel the need to say something, be sure of your facts.