News that a limited number of spectators from the general public will be allowed under new Covid protocols at U.S. Equestrian Federation-licensed shows starting May 3 did not come in time to save the 2021 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair.
In addition, an April 16 statement from the show noted the venue’s 17-acre footprint doesn’t allow for proper social distancing during the pandemic.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to have long lasting negative effects despite social distancing guidelines and recent vaccination efforts. With many factors beyond capacity limits, the social distancing protocols for such an intimate venue would have continued to prevent the success of the show regardless of the increase in allowed participation,” read the statement.
“The decision to cancel was overwhelmingly embraced by our local community as the right choice in these uncertain times. The DHSCF believes in protecting the health and safety of their entire community and does not believe this is possible with the venue’s structural limitations.
“The DHSCF is unlike any other horse show in the country. Although many other horse shows are able to operate under restricted conditions, the Board of Directors realizes that it cannot sacrifice the less recognizable parts of its event to run something that will be largely unrecognizable and that only a few can participate in. The complicated mechanics of putting on an event of Devon’s size was put on hold based on months of conversations with USEF. There is not enough time to resume preparations based on the adjusted timeline of USEF. As previously stated, the cancellation decision was made only after significant evaluation of the far-reaching operational and financial implications.
A view of the country fair at Devon.
Wayne Grafton, chairman of the show, said last Saturday that even if he had gotten word then on allowing spectators to attend, it would be too late, given all the work necessary to enable the show and fair to run at their iconic venue on Philadelphia’s Main Line. He explained the show couldn’t be held without the revenue-producing fair aend vice-versa.
Read that story here
Devon Horse Show Chairman Wayne Grafton.
USEF and Devon had been in talks for months over when fans would be welcome, and how many could be on the grounds. USEF originally said it was “optimistic” about lifting restrictions as of mid-May on spectators from the general public, who were banned under Covid protocols starting June 1,2020.
But for Devon, set to start its 11-day run on May 27, mid-May was far too late to plan. Wayne said Devon will celebrate its 125th anniversary a year late in 2022. This summer’s Brandywine show, which does not depend on spectators, is going ahead, as is the Devon Fall Classic in September and another special event in the fall.
Never an organization to miss a bet, the World Equestrian Center folks are offering a Devon alternative at their Ohio facility.
“With the cancellation of the iconic Devon Horse Show, World Equestrian Center is making plans to offer a special opportunity for Devon 2021 exhibitors. Pending sanctioning body approval, WEC will host an invitational horse show featuring classes, prize money and special events tailored just for you, exclusively at our Ohio venue from May 27-June 6, 2021.
“In the event that Devon is able to move forward with their show, we would suspend these plans,” said a statement from WEC. Those interested in learning more can contact TJ Campbell at tj.campbell@wec.net or (352) 857-4572.
Dr. Mark Hart, the USEF’s chief medical officer, said spectator protocols for federation-licensed shows are being finalized and new measures “along with any other pertinent updates in the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan” will be revealed April 20.
That is the day before the Land Rover Kentucky 5-star Three-Day Event is set to start. The competition was cancelled because organizers said they couldn’t run it without 50 percent of their usual spectators. But a grassroots fund raising effort from competitors and other supporters cancelled the cancellation, though riders galloping along the cross-country course will have to run without being cheered by their fans.
In terms of numbers starting May 3, 40 percent of the ticketed spectator capacity will be allowed at USEF-licensed outdoor venues that operate with a ticketed gate. The alternative is a maximum of 400 spectators for competitions that do not ticket spectators, whichever is greater. Indoors, a maximum of 30 percent of the ticketed spectator capacity will be allowed, or a maximum of 300 spectators for competitions that do not ticket spectators, whichever is greater. The percentages and numbers apply on a daily basis.
Spectators will still have to wear face masks and social distance. Sponsors, participants, competition staff, support personnel, volunteers, and service providers are not included in the spectator capacity numbers. Meanwhile, the USEF’s definition of sponsors has been expanded to include individual persons or business entities that have an agreement in place with the competition to provide goods, services, or financial support integral to the sustainability of a competition.
“We will continue to carefully monitor conditions and regularly consult with health authorities with the goal of being able to provide additional updates in the coming weeks and months that will further ease restrictions without endangering the health and safety of competitors,” Dr. Hart said.
