It has obviously not been the best week here in Christchurch! Petrol has run out (lucky I had just filled the truck up with diesel) and I have been trying to distract myself from the constant images in the media - so I thought I would fire off a few emails....
I sent a rather terse email to Equestrain Sport New Zealand. I pointed out that:
* Dressage NZ won't allow me to ride sidesaddle - since it isn't specifically allowed under FEI rules.
*Dressage NZ won't even allow me to ride H/C, because sidesaddle is not allowed under FEI rules.
* I don't have an FEI Para-Equestrian ID card, which would document and allow my sidesaddle as my compensating aid. I need a second classification (which has to be an overseas classifier) to apply for one, and I can't see any coming to Canterbury for some time.
* I cannot compete until ESNZ sorts out the issue with the para-riders and their compensating aids, which unfortunately is destined to go to lawyers & the Human Rights Commission and could take months, if not years.
Then I played the earthquake card - I pointed out that I needed the distraction of training & competing to take my mind off what is going on around me. Rather underhand I know, but these people need a bomb under them to get them to do anything!
I got an email back within an hour saying they will look at giving me a temporary dispensation to use my sidesaddle. I will need to keep nagging at them, and probably draft it myself and then get it rubber stamped, but at least I feel like I am starting to move in the right direction :)
Excellent news!!! Like you said, sometimes you need to light a fire under them to get the job done. My fingers are crossed they come through for you and don't take forever!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for making a pest of yourself! Consider yourself a pioneer.
ReplyDeleteShame it took an earthquake to get it done, but I'm glad you're turning your frustration to something positive.