Let me start by saying that I love the USDF and every interaction I have had with them has been helpful and productive. I also love the Utah Dressage community and really appreciate the hours that they have been put into organizing this “L” Program.
However, I do not understand why the “L” Program has been organized to allow for so many people to participate in Part 1 (Sessions A/B/C) when that many people are not allowed to participate in the corresponding Part 2 (D1/D2/Final Exam)!
Yes, I am writing about this because I am one of the 5 people who signed up for Part 1 after they filled the number of slots that could continue on to Part 2. The catch is, that ALL of the Part 1 Programs are filled – making ALL of the Part 2 Programs filled with a wait list! Preference is given to people who participate in Part 1 of the same Program, so anyone in that Program that was wait listed gets priority.
So my question is this: What happens to the handful of people that are bumped from their Program’s Part 2?
Kim at the USDF was nice enough to give me all of the emails of “L” Program organizers, so I could send a group email requesting that I be put on their wait list.
After hearing back from a few, there is a chance that Arizona might be hosting two Part 2 Programs this year for their “L” candidates. A stroke of genius and total selflessness, if you ask me 🙂
If I do not get into any of the Part 2 Programs this year, I am going to have to do the unthinkable and take one for the sport: Organize a Part 2 myself! Keep your fingers crossed that you will NOT be seeing a Part 2 in Maryland with my name as organizer.
Until I hear about what Part 2, I am going to continue that whatever person thought of allowing more people into Part 1 than 2 either:
1. Secretly hates me
2. Secretly wants me to organize another Part 2
In all seriousness, I don’t really think that anyone is out to get the “L” Candidates (or me). I understand that more people want to attend the Part 1 for learning purposes, but I would like to throw out this idea:
Perhaps the numbers between those interested in just Part 1 and those interested in the whole Part 1 and 2 should be looked at – maybe make two levels of participants for Part 1: The people planning on doing the whole thing (promising them space in Part 2) and then people who just want to participate in Part 1 on its own.
Thoughts?
