The Morven Park Fall Horse Trials in Virginia Oct.2-4 has cancelled its plans to hold FEI divisions, including the CCI 4-star Long that it was offering for the first time. It will only present national divisions.
The problem with the FEI competition was, as usual these days, COVID-19 concerns, including the additional cost of safety measures. A record number of competitors, volunteers, and officials were expected to attend from around the United States and other countries. Additionally, inaugural CCI2*YH-S and CCI3*YH-S levels had been planned to showcase up-and-coming horses.
“This decision was about safety,” according to the park’s executive director, Sheryl Williams. “Running an event of this scale is difficult, but to try to host FEI levels during a global pandemic proved to be too taxing on our resources and too risky for everyone’s health. This adjusted format allows us to move forward with competition and provide a great weekend of eventing.”
In addition to the Morven Park Fall Horse Trials, the 2020 calendar has been expanded to include the Morven Park Winter Horse Trials, scheduled for November 14–15, 2020. Beginner Novice through Preliminary competition will be offered.