Being Kristin's Region 9 Advanced Young Rider's coordinator I am intimately aware of all the disappointing details that went into the attempts to get this overturned. I have over $200.00 worth of phone bills as a result. Fact is, while the Wasemiller's did know that the VS test was necessary as others did, including myself, what we didn't realize was that the test had to be sent to Ames, Iowa only. It all began when I received an e-mail from USDF reminding us of the test in question, and that it had to be sent to Ames. As I understand several regions Young competitors were also under the impression to use their local labs. It wasn't until their Vets. were handed the special Lab Forms, faxed to us from USDF that they (vets) realized this was a much more official type of testing and only then did they send it to AMES.

My phone calls and desperate attempts began after a panic call from the Wasemiller's, stating their test was positive for the antibodies. Then, the wild pursuit of qualified individuals to intervene here lead me not only to the official FEI Vet. panel, the Ames, Iowa lab, but, the government of the United States of America, the USDA, Dr. Cordez in Washington, DC. Working along with Beth Wood of USDF, I acted as the intercessory for the USDF at this point. It is amazing how something such as this, that can impact in a very Negative way the entire community of competitive Horse Showing, not only FEI dressage, but, the future of a very talent FEI horse. Such as the Wasemiller's. You will be interested in the conversation between myself and Dr. Cordez of the USDA. This is not over and the impact of "VS Issue" could possibly forever damage the system. There were mistakes in making and setting the criterion, in my opinion, and others, as to the way the edicts were written and requirements and interpretation of the testing methods and their non-specifics on reporting as such. Now, we are into political boarders and who does what when it suits them. The governments of other countries my view this as did the NAYRC site organizers and some others, as a "chicken little" mentality.

Please contact me for further discussion.

Best Regards,

Sandy
DocLiLLy@aol.com
Sandra F. Marx, DC
Region 9 Advanced Young Rider's Coordinator
AHSA TD