It’s not really a surprise.
With so much uncertainty about restarting the economy in the midst of the pandemic, the U.S. Equestrian Federation has extended its previous deadline for resuming competitions, training camps, clinics and other activities from May 3 to May 31.
As USEF CEO Bill Moroney explained the reason for the extension in his memo to members, in several states, “it appears” that restrictions such as the “stay-at-home” orders put in place by Governors are making a difference. While he noted federal, state and local governments are discussing plans for re-opening the environment, it won’t happen overnight.
This would have been cross-country day at the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star, but all we have are memories from last year, like Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg at the Head of the Lake. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
As Bill mentioned, reopening likely will involve a gradual easing of restrictions over several weeks, which may vary greatly state-to-state, as well as within the states themselves. That could result in a staggered regional start-up for competitions.
“The success of these plans is predicated on a mindful and responsible approach to easing restrictions while also maintaining best practices that we have all learned and adopted in order to reduce exposure to and transmission of the COVID-19 virus,” his statement said.
“Once USEF competitions resume, we must all continue to support and maintain these best practices as part of our daily activities to help prevent further disruptions to our lives.”
When the suspension expires, competitions must comply with requirements issued by USEF for operating sport horse competitions in this environment. USEF has been developing competition protocols for safely operating competitions and mitigating the risks associated with COVID-19. Once that is finalized, the protocols will be provided to competition organizers, along with other risk mitigation tools. In addition, all the information will be accessible to everyone on the USEF website.
It was just a year ago tomorrow that we watched Oliver Townend win Land Rover Kentucky. We should be at the Kentucky Horse Park this weekend, but instead, well, you know. (Photo © 2019 by Nancy Jaffer)
USEF also has been working on amendments to qualification and selection processes for USEF-owned and named events (such as the Pony Finals) as well as how USEF Horse of the Year awards and ranking lists are calculated. The federation has started announcing modifications that “will make the process as fair as possible for all participants, despite the disruption to the competition year and the likelihood of a staggered regional start-up.”
Granting exemptions to the junior competitor age restrictions, equine age restrictions and equine eligibility restrictions based on competitive experience are under discussion, but USEF states it is still too early to make definitive conclusions on these issues.
Many show organizers had hoped to resume competition during May. Let’s hope they can do it in June. This affects everyone from the grand prix and double A level down the line.
Cathy Brogan, regional supervisor for the New Jersey Region of the U.S. Pony Club, said a dressage show set for May 31 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, cross-country fun day and U.S. Eventing Association horse trials have been called off due to this announcement.
“Everything planned for this year will have to be canceled,” she said, noting this will also include WOW camp for 2020, although she said local Pony Clubs may do something on their own later this year. But even that remains to be seen.
“So 2020 will go down in history as the year that wasn’t–for the horse world–graduations, both high school and colleges–sad, but something we all are stuck with accepting.”
