West Coast Active Riders Urges Action from California Grand Prix Riders for 2006 World Equestrian Games Selections
Equestrian News Release
Also- WCAR Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations Team Updates
San Diego, CA- May 13- West Coast Active Riders (WCAR) executive director, Gabriella Salick, is urging all California grand prix riders and 2006 World Equestrian Games (WEG) contenders to be aware of the selection procedures and voice their opinions on how the procedure should pertain to West Coast riders.
After meeting with the US Equestrian Federation High Performance Committee for Show Jumping and the USEF Eligible Athletes Committee, a proposed selection procedure for the 2006 WEG was drafted. There will be no formal trials held, but a special computer list will be implemented. A “Short List” of ten riders will be selected from this list to compete on one of two European tours next year, which will narrow the field down to the four riders to compete at the WEG.
However, this list is under debate on what competitions should be included for consideration. West Coast riders will potentially only have five opportunities after the first of the year to be on the list if only FEI rated competitions are considered. This is compared to the nine competitions that are offered on the East Coast. The East Coast also has eight major FEI grand prix competitions in the fall of 2005, while the West Coast has five.
Renowned trainer George Morris stated that if he were to become Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. team, he would commit to spending time in Indio next winter observing West Coast riders. This is a great step forward for California riders and their quest to represent the United States in major international competition.
However, Salick stated, “I think we need to seriously stand behind a selection procedure that makes West Coast riders eligible for more than just a (possible) subjective slot. If the WEG Computer List includes only FEI classes, and we have eight fewer FEI classes than on the East Coast, it’s going to be quite difficult for West Coasters to be candidates for the WEG Short List.”
Salick is urging all riders to state their opinions and read the selection procedures that were drafted. Please call her at 917-743-5527 or email at gssalick@aol.com for further information as soon as possible. Salick reminded WCAR members, “Let’s get our voices heard and most importantly, contribute to selecting a medal winning team in a way that is democratic and fair. Remember, no decisions have been made about any of these factors yet, so your input can go a long way!”
In other WCAR news, selections trials continue for those who want to represent the U.S. and WCAR in the Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations competition. Three trials have been held so far, with the fourth and final trial being held this weekend at the Showpark Ranch and Coast Tournament in Del Mar, CA.
In the 1.10 meter trials, two horse and rider combinations stand out. Richard Neal and Swish have only had one rail down for four faults and Aimee Primm and Riley have been clear in the last two trials and stand with five faults from the first round. Richard Neal is also leading in the 1.20m trials with three clear rounds on Sbrutsch. Rachel Kummer and Lunas have only four faults from the third trial, and Tammy Chipko and Good Time Charlie stand in third with eight faults. Two riders are tied with twelve faults in the 1.30m; Julie Hancock and Playboy and Crystal Hickey and Bolero. Lauren Hester and Oxford stand alone at the top of the standings in the 1.40m division.
The top four riders from each height division will be given a $1500 travel stipend from WCAR to travel and compete in the WCAR Spruce Meadows Prix de Nations Team competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on July 6.
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