Dear AIEC member,

A few issues have arisen during AIEC-SRNCs 2007, in different countries, which the AIEC Board would like to let you all know and advise some of you on the AIEC way of life!

1. AIEC exists to facilitate the opportunity for all members to ride and/or socialise in countries all over the world every year. We rely upon each other - each and every country - to host these events in turn. This means each of us at some stage is part of an OC and all of us are guests at other AIEC-SRNCs thanks to the host OC.

Each and every one of us is lucky to have this opportunity to experience the 'world of the horse' in the countries of our AIEC friends. However, we are also given the opportunity to experience the way of life in that country of our friends, by staying there for a few days, being given their food and drink and music and language and super parties. We experience a different culture every time we visit a Nations Cup, whether subtly different to our own country or very markedly different.

That is an exciting additional 'extra' to riding different horses, understanding different ways of training and riding and shows us not only how horses live but how the people live.

Sadly, a few AIEC members have this year decided that they are not happy with the way things are run during Nations Cups of our friends' countries. There have been complaints, both directly to the host OC, to other AIEC members and ultimately fed back to the AIEC Board, about such matters as: food, horses, timings of the day and such matters. Now, this never normally happens, is NOT part of the AIEC SPIRIT and makes us narrow minded and not open to the way of life of other members. It is a shame to see and we hope that with this reminder, that we can all move forward and remember to appreciate the efforts all OCs go to (it will likely be you one day) and to be grateful for the chance to explore other ways of life. Every country has it's 'special' ways and often countries are known for specific good and bad points. That is what makes us all different and keeps the world interesting!

I hope that is made clear and that you can make sure all your members understand the AIEC spirit, and let's fly the flag for our special community, work together and let each other know when we appreciate them, not just when things go wrong.

2. When taking part in an SRNC, any goods and personal belongings must be under your own responsibility. We advise you have expensive items under an insurance - personal or travel. If anything is lost, broken etc during an AIEC-SRNC it is not the responsibility of the OC or AIEC, only yourself.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind you once again of the AIEC way. NO member should EVER, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, have to worry about the safety and security of personal belongings during an AIEC Nations Cup. This can be difficult when the event location is also open to the local public, hence we recommend insurance and ask you to be responsible for your own things. But in a closed AIEC event, we must all know our possessions are safe and secure because we look out for each other.

What is more, the host OC, which may one day be you, should be certain that there will be no incidents (accidents happen we know) regarding the safety and respect of the location in which they host the AIEC-SRNC, whether accommodation - dormitory beds, doors, kitchens - or riding centre property, or gala property or anywhere. It is completey unacceptable for any of us to damage property or upset others when visiting a competition.

3. It is essential that every rider and supporter has medical insurance to cover them whilst away at an SRNC, to cover any incident during travel or the event.

We acknowledge the negative tone of this announcement but make no apology for this, as although the instigators of all above points have been very insignificant in comparison to the 98% positive aspects to the year so far, we wish to prevent any further upset or disrespect to each other.

To lighten the note, we thank each and every one of you for your continued AIEC spirit and we look forward to a very positive, fun, competitive and social rest of 2007 and of course, to the future. We look forward to seeing all of you very soon.

Best wishes,
AIEC Board