My contribution. Dear Mr. Balch, I'm writing to add my voice to the many who are upset about the driving selection process, or lack thereof, in which no pairs were deemed 'good enough' to represent the US at the World Pairs Championship. The sacrifices and talents of the drivers and owners aside, the way it was handled by the committee is just another reason why the USAE needs to take over the team selection asap. While it's risky to comment on a process I didn't watch unfold, it appears to add to the many examples of how the USET has abdicated any vestige of responsible leadership to the American Equine Community. Every time a horseman is insulted and treated badly it reflects on all of us and does nothing to maintain and nurture a healthy industry. It only adds to the mistaken perception that horse sports are elitist and arbitrary. I sincerely hope that a solution to this situation will be forthcoming. Anne Councill @40 year AHSA/USAE member #5108, American Driving Society licensed official Driving in Birch Hollow Stewartstown, PA 17363 Anne Councill Driving in Birch Hollow Stewartstown, PA 17363 717 993 8956 Cell 717 880 3840 _________________________________________________________ To Unsubscribe, change to Digest or Vacation mode go to: http://www.drivingpairs.com/dpmem.html `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````