I feel confident that there are alternatives in place for this event. I mean there are a lot of FEI shows in a lot of places across the planet that might not have service.
But again… when it can be entered in the app (most of the time) it is very helpful in tracking animals post outbreak, which in turn, is critical for reducing cases.
Just one argument as to how the pro/amateur divide is flawed. If you can make a US Team and still be considered and amateur, then…why do we have this distinction.
Not that this actually happened to me, but it could have if I’d ridden in the 3rd Level GAIGs that year. Alice won the AA division. That takes a spot at the USDF Finals. For an amateur. In that year, she probably could have also won the open division, but she chose to ride as an AA. I know this sounds like sour grapes, but the divide between pro and AA should be more than “where does your money come from”?
And for the record, scoring a 68% in a CDI, which is I think what the rule says IS a Big Damn Deal.
It does sound like sour grapes, especially when considering the actual definitions of the words professional and amateur (not just how USEF defines then).
yes - they have been using hotspots at remote venues to allow people to use the app…or you just wait til you go back to wherever you’re staying and enter the temps when you get there.
My how the horse world has changed. And the irony of this statement
I am old enough to remember when you HAD to be an amateur to be on an Olympic team, and under MUCH stricter rules than USEF/AHSA. It was a BIG DEAL when that rule was changed, and Rodney Jenkins was allowed to ride for the US team.
In the 1960s my sister, then a teenager under 18, was offered a job helping to break 2 yo race horses. Before she started she was warned: “You know this means that you will never, ever, for the rest of your life, be able to ride on an Olympic team.” (She took the job anyway.)
You should read Jimmy Wofford’s autobiography “Still Horse Crazy After All These Years” about how he “invented” the concept of a working student as a way to get around the Olympic Amateur rules.
Just saying I agree with you!! I think this whole AA Open thing is something which was artificially created by people with specific goals. it has a lot more disadvantages than advantages….
Now I bring Germany again and you are welcome to jump on me 
.
If you have a small class for a test, everybody rides against everybody. pros and AAs. If the class needs to be divided because of a big number of entries, then there are different options for the split. The class can be split up according to the ranking of the rider or into a pro or AA class. Some shows do offer tests only for AAs….
For me the German way of doing it makes more sense……and they will not switch an AA into a Pro simply because he took money for a few lessons…. In order to call yourself a Pro, you need a certification…
The nerve of them…making someone pass tests to prove knowledge and expertise before they can hang out a shingle. 
I was not an eyewitness, but it’s my impression that Bill Steinkraus accomplished everything he did with horses, including Olympic medals, while still holding down a regular job in the city.
I doubt he was punching a time clock on a 9 to 5 basis. But still.
Dr. Reiner Klimke.
The ultimate amateur.
Agree with this 100%. If you can’t hope to get a ribbon in an Open class, but you might in an AA class, then really isn’t it just a participation ribbon to begin with? Your score is your score is your score. Unless you(g) believe that the judges are easier on the ammies. I don’t. I think they judge each ride the same. So if you got a 62% in the Open Class, and therefore out of the ribbons, you would get the same 62% from the same judge in an Amateur class and potentially be in the top 5. Your score didn’t change, but you get a pretty ribbon to hang on Dobbin’s stall door. Is that really why you compete?
If this weren’t part of the equation, there would be no ribbons at all, scores would be private, and we wouldn’t call them competitions.
People like to measure themselves against their peers, not just against a measurement. It’s human nature.
It is called a competition. People are competing for placement in the classes. So, as long as it’s a competition, and there places awarded with ribbons, then yes, that’s why many people compete. What else would they be “competing” for?
If one’s only motivation is improvement and feedback, there’s absolutely no reason to pay lots of money to enter a show and get feedback from a sometimes random person who is seeing you and your horse for five to seven minutes that day. One’s trainer is a much better source for constructive feedback and motivation.
He worked for a publishing company.
I just wish USDF would follow USEF and allow those who teach Therapeutic Horsemanship to be amateurs.
My poor friend has to show open regardless of the fact this is her first year ever riding dressage just because she instructs special needs individuals on horseback.
I don’t know whether anyone has every proposed this as a rule change, but I think it could find lots of support. Propose it!
In theory I know there are shows at out of the way places, but that usually describes my sport (CDE) and so far I have always had enough signal to use the app so I’m guessing it isn’t that common
I’m not an active member right now since retiring my old man last year, so I doubt I can propose it 
Every horse is inspected for VS and the temp log and health certs are reviewed prior to unloading. The alternative was/is to cancel the USEF licensed competitions in CA and the surrounding states if they had CA horses entered. States contiguous to CA hosting USEF licensed shows could opt to not allow horses from CA to attend. USEF has a certification video & test the inspector has to pass to be the competition’s certified inspector. The certification process was created because having a vet or vet tech on grounds was impractical for all the obvious reasons. You do what you need to do to keep the wheels rolling forward.
Refresh my memory. Are these rule changes voted on by the membership, or by committees at the convention? Or by the board?
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
