I know it's long, letter written to Event organizer.
Responce not so nice.
But some of you either do Event or have in the past;

It is with sincere sadness and regret that a letter such as this should ever have to be written.

But as we all know "All good things must come to an end"

On April 11 2009 the Marlborough Horse Trials held an unrecognized event @ Roseryville State Park in Maryland.

Through reasoning unfathomable to me offered a Leadline division. How such an idea was not only presented but accepted and implemented will remain a mystery to most of us. Fortunately most of the MCTA members had more sense than the organizing committee and the division only received 2 entries, but more to point only 1 of those riders completed.

The sport of Eventing is a great all-round test of horse and Rider and a tremendous examination of horsemanship skills. Which at no point in time should be taken lightly or shrugged off completely.

The entry form stated that USEA rules will apply.

I have not been supplied with that version nor can I locate it on-line.

Reading briefly through both the on-line and hard copy, can only be used to make a case against offering such a division;

EV Rules;

112-Dangerous Riding

115.2-Dressage saddlery

134.2-Dressage rules,memory

134.15-Dressage intervention

138.3-Unauthorized assistance

150.1 E-Unauthorized assistance

These are only a few of the substantial list of rules set into place by the governing body, to try to keep our sport as safe as possible. A major part of keeping this inherently dangerous sport safe is knowing and obeying the rules.

There are to many small unrecognized events to try and police them all, and up until now are a wonderful, safe, needed opportunity for our little ones just starting out and the adult amateurs who do not have 3-Day aspirations.

But, it is our responsibility as Riders, Instructors,Organizers, Officials and Parents to take a stand so something so uncomprehendable and offensive does not happen again.

There has not been in the past, nor should it occur in the future a Leadline eventing division.

There are ample opportunities for these Riders through other avenues to hone and perfect their skills and be correctly and substantially prepared for the demands of the sport.

The final decision and the ultimate responsibility for participation will continue to rest with the rider.The rider must know their limits in performance and the ability of their horse.

Although, Events should take a step back and re-evaluate their own organizational structures to ensure their practices are sensible and practice good judgment, while still maintaining the traditional character of the sport.

Ginger LaBarre-Martin

LaBarre Training Center