Below is part of Boyd's last post on his blog. With all the talk of getting young upcoming talent out there on the international stage to gain that vital experience...we now have another rider who has his pink coat who wants to close the very ranks that he was until recently very much part of. I am disappointed by his remarks. VERY short sighted thought process from Boyd.

By his reasoning I can think of a few combinations that should not have received traveling grants who have been in consideration for the Team. I can also think of quite a few in line for grants that would not be deserving. It has been made quite clear on more then a few occasions where by it was stated to some riders that they needed more international experience before even being selected for winter training squad.

Boyd....you showed up in the USA with a very average four star horse, a cute face, an accent, and big ballocks. You leap frogged over many because of the many doors opened to you by being based with Phillip who quite clearly has the ear (and wallets) of those who matter. Instead of closing ranks and complaining that you missed a month's worth of income...What about Kim, Amy, and Allison who gave up the same income streams without even getting the opportunity to compete!!????

...you would think that you would look at the bigger picture and embrace the development of the next generation, who will likely be your future team mates. Below is only part of the full entry...you might want to read the whole post for reference.



"The decision to qualify for and compete at the WEG was financially crippling because I had to walk away from months of income and leave paying the bills to Silva, who’s been grinding away while I focused on training my horse. In hindsight I think the US Federation needs to come up with a financially supporting system for the riders that dedicate their lives to performing their best at these championships. They need to work out a system that supports the riders that are doing the business at the top level, horse after horse, year after year.

The Federation spends tens of thousands of dollars in funding riders that have never done a three-star in their lives, sending them on trips overseas accompanied by an entourage of coaches, managers and selectors, which adds up to a lot of money being funded toward Young Riders having their first crack at a high level event in another country. Instead the USEF could be supporting world-class events like Rebecca Farm, Jersey Fresh, Galway Downs and Fair Hill, which for me is ten minutes down the road. Remember that Neville Bardos, who was the highest-placed horse at the WEG is a product of the Fair Hill three-day event: he placed fourth there in 2007 and won in 2009.

I feel like the strong, proven riders desperately striving to bring glory to their country at the world championship level are neglected financially in their bid to be all they can be. In my opinion, the only combinations that should receive travelling grants are the ones capable of a top-ten finish in 4-star events. Anything else can be achieved here at home at the world class events we already have! We have to learn to be champions in our own back yard before we can take on the world".

Out of curiosity, why did competing at the WEG require him to walk away from months of income? I realize they had to compete at certain competitions- AEC's etc., but I would think as a pro, he would be there with other horses and thus making money.

I am suprised that someone would publically complain about opportunities given to others, when he has been given a nice opportunity by being named to the team, and well, being given American citizenship.

Shameful since he is getting a grant to go to Pau with his other horse.