Safety is a big winner in new COVID event format

The Northern Showjumping Club’s competition finally got equestrian sport back on the move and what a weekend it was. However, there was one big winner in this first post-COVID event.

THE first event of the COVID-19 season has been held and equestrian sport seems to be finally on the move.

“We did it! The first show back post-COVID and what a weekend it was. Thank you to everyone who attended, huge thanks to everyone who pitched in and helped,” said event organiser, Bronwyn Shortt, of the Northern Showjumping Club’s competition.

Equestrian Victoria CEO Matthew Brown said “Equestrian Victoria has provided clubs and organising committees with a COVID-safe officer position description; a role vital to ensure events meet all necessary COVID-safe protocols, but it continues be our collective responsibility that we all play our part in ensuring we don’t put one another at risk.

“The 2020 calendar of events will be reflective of a ‘local shows for local riders’ theme to mitigate unnecessary travel by riders and to keep clubs COVID-compliant and EV will be subsidising the costs of event medical support at EV-affiliated competitions, for EV members, in a COVID-safe environment.”

The Dressage Victoria Committee has opened the calendar to accept more events over the coming period.

“We are working closely with affiliates to encourage more dates in an effort to ensure there are plenty of events to avoid disappointment for riders,” said chair, Lizzie Schimmer.

“There is a high likelihood of restricted class sizes when restrictions are eased. Equestrian Victoria is working closely with the government to ensure organisers are well informed.”

Clint Rose, chair of the EV jumping committee said, “we are delighted that competitions have begun for the jumping community in regional Victoria.

“For our metro riders who remain in a state of restriction, our thoughts are with you and we can only hope that it won’t be too long before the restrictions ease and you too can return to competitions.”

The first Horse Trials will happen at Charlton on October 25 and no doubt more will quickly follow.

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