ShowBiz Feature World Cup Qualifiers


North American League Winners Celebrate while


Controversy Swirls by Kathy Hobstetter W


hile World Cup Qualifiers for the North American


Western League started way last summer in Canada, the qualifiers have come home to Southern California this fall. Having to travel to Canada to start the quest for points is impossible for most Grand Prix riders as it would force a decision between what works for their entire barn and livelihood, or what works for a specific horse or two seeking points. While that is a personal decision, only a few trainers/riders have the luxury of leaving the United States and Mexico to travel into Canada for most of the summer months. That said, the impact on the Western League has


taken its toll, but mostly in the morale of the riders when it comes to their interest in the actual World Cup process. The spark and excitement that used to drive the entire country to a point just short of frenzy when the qualifiers were in process, has now been replaced by a bit of apathy, frustration and disinterest in the World Cup. Riders are just a bit short of frustrated, and mak- ing choices about where and when to show has had an almost devastating result on our high performance sport here. At the same time, record low numbers of entries also


make it a pressing issue with managers as they decide the best format for their shows and which classes to offer. Spending more money for FEI classes, with far


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