May Newsletter
Hello Area VII Eventers,
May kicks off our competition season in Area VII with our first horse trials of the year in Rainier, WA on May 7-9th at Northwest Equestrian Center’s Mother’s Day Gala. Hopefully many of you had the opportunity this spring to get some schooling in and participate in the many camps and clinics last month. Here is the opportunity to put into action those things you tuned up in the schooling, camps or clinics. If you haven’t already, be sure to update your annual membership with the national association.
Our Second event is just a couple weeks later at Happ’s Horse Trials in Ethel WA May 22-23rd. Listening to the rider’s feedback, many changes have occurred over the winter here that are worth checking out. Their new course designer, Denis Glaccum, has made several improvements that should put a fresh new feel to the courses, and if all goes according the plans in the near future he will be designing a preliminary course there as well.
Entries for Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, WA opened on April 27th. Entries for the Inavale Farm Horse Trials and Gallops Saddlery Classic Training Thee Day (at Inavale Farm) in Philomath, OR open on May 11th. The 34th Annual Whidbey Island Pony Club Horse Trials outside of Whidbey Island, WA entries open on May 25th.
In seeking brilliant and relevant ideas for the newsletter I received a wonderful suggestion from Maggie. “How about you do an article on what competitors should do if they have a problem, complaint etc. at an event?” I refer to Eventing Rule 118 Inquiries, Protests and Appeals.
As everyone knows it is a lot of work to put on a USEA recognized competition, and occasionally things don’t always go according to plans. It may be helpful to know once the event starts, the President of the Ground Jury is in charge of the event, supported by the Technical Delegate. These two are supported by the event Organizer(s) and their staff who are supported by the volunteers. This is helpful in identifying who you need to go to for assistance. Please treat the volunteers nicely when they are asked to carry out the request of the Ground Jury – they are just the messenger.
Before the competition starts, if you have questions about courses, obstacles, timelines, etc. bring them to the attention of the Rider Representative (names should be posted at the secretary office, bulletin board or show program). These individuals have an obligation to meet with the officials and share the rider’s perspective and concerns before the event begins. Inquires about scheduling or stabling should go to the secretary/stabling manager and event organizer(s).
At every event there are many resources to assist individuals who have a “problem, complaint, etc.” First off, the officials are there to assist the competitors as much as to assist the organizers, and one should not be intimidated by them even if they have judged and competed in Olympic competitions. This is all the more reason to rub elbows with them; maybe some of their wisdom will rub off. If you are still a little intimidated ask the appointed rider representative to assist you or an experienced coach. Don’t forget to read your rule book, this is always helpful.
For general “Inquiries” about perceived irregularities or mis-scoring EV Rule 118 indicates you may address members of the Organizing Committee, the Ground Jury or the Technical Delegate. However if there is really a problem that demands action, you will want to file a protest. This must be done in writing, signed and accompanied by a $100 deposit (payable to the organizing committee) and addressed to the President of the Ground Jury. See EV rule 118 for the time limits listed for specific protests and inquiries. Once the protest has been filed the rule dictates how it is to be handled and the procedure for an appeal.
In all the years of organizing I don’t remember anyone putting down a Franklin at our event to demand action; but I hear it does occasionally happen. After the event there are additional opportunities to provide feedback through the event evaluation form, judges evaluation form, verbal or written communication with the organizer(s) or area council members. I am always happy to visit with anyone that may have constructive solutions for improving the next event. Please send in your event evaluation forms – in 2009 I think we received less than a dozen evaluation forms from over 2,500 starters.
Any suggestions for Brilliant and Relevant newsletter topics for June’s newsletter please shoot them my direction – Luigi@areavii.org
Have fun and ride safe.
Luigi
Young Rider Report:
On April 3-4 we held our third annual YR spring camp at Tulipsprings Farm in Kennewick. Riders received instruction from Jonathan Elliot and Jean Moyer. It was a fun and educational experience for all.
We are planning YR completion ribbons and socials at several Area VII events this year, so stay tuned for more details. Our annual summer camp is being held June 29-July 2, 2010 at Aspen Farms. Space is limited to stabling availability, so be sure to get your registration in early. All campers must be members of USEA and Area VII YR Program, so don't forget to renew your membership this year.
It's not too early to look for sponsors for the YR program. The sponsorship funds will support camps, clinics, and team events such as NAJYRC. Start thinking of and asking potential donors to consider a tax deductible donation. Forms are available on the website.
Thanks,
Erin
Adult Rider Report:
Spring Fling Derby
If it is raining sideways it must be Spring Fling time!. We like to offer a true test of the resilience of Area VII eventers with our Derby and clinics! This Derby has become very popular despite our ability to pick the weekends with the worst weather. Proving we are, in fact, a very tough bunch in the NW. After all, you do have to compete in all conditions so might as well find out if your horse will come out of his stall in adverse conditions to perform a brilliant dressage test with his butt to the wind at a low key, no pressure, fun event.
Organized by the fabulous Janice Bryant and her brilliant secretary extraordinaire, Lou Leslie, the Spring Fling Derby not only raises funds for the Adult Rider program but is a great contribution to the eventing calendar. Every year we seem to attract more newbies to our wonderful sport. It offers such a great atmosphere to emphasize success. Seeing an adult amateur so nervous at the beginning then beaming as she crosses the finish line makes all the work worthwhile. Children successfully getting around at their first show, young horses getting a world of experiences and confidence on the hunter pace course as well as seasoned pros tuning up their campaigners. That is what the Derby is all about. Great prizes and even cash were given out. Results and photos will be on the website.
The Easter egg hunt on Sunday was a huge success. Look around the water jump at NWEC during the Mothers Day event - you might find an odd one left behind- but doubtful!
Joanna Herrigstad designed fun challenging courses, taught some lessons, judged and much much more! John Camlin braved rain sleet and hail to teach the hardy groups. There really were too many folks to thank individually for the success of this weekend. The volunteers were awesome sometimes having to stand out in the worst weather Mother Nature could throw at us. Only in eventing will you find so may willing to step up and help. I hope you all know how much it was appreciated and had fun giving back. It is what makes this a fabulous sport to be involved in.
Adult Rider Report.
Thank you to every member that pitched in to make the Derby a huge success. Please keep track of your volunteer hours. You should have received a form from me to use to log your hours. There will be a drawing for a special prize from the names of those who submit the forms at the end of the year. The more hours you have helped the more chances at winning you will have. More details TBA. Volunteering is it's own reward - but a little extra doesn't hurt!.
You also should be keeping track of your results for the Derby High Point Award. This is for any Area Derbies you attend- jumping or eventing.
Thinking ahead to your plans for the coming show season. Please consider participating in either of the AR sponsored team competitions. Unfortunately they are both on the same weekend- August 13-15th. This just couldn't be helped. There is the Adult Team Challenge at Woodside in CA. and the Pacific NW Canadian - American Team Challenge at Campbell Valley, just across the border near Langley BC. to choose from. Please contact me if you are interested in either events. Both are great fun to attend and we need a strong showing from Area VII.
Remember to sign up for teams at NWEC and Happs these results will be used for year end awards.
Maggie Rikard Adult Rider Coordinator magsnags@aol.com
Maggie
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