une 30, 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE CANCELLATION OF THE 2020 YOUNG RIDER BENEFIT HORSE TRIALS
We are sad and disappointed to announce the cancellation of the 2020 Area VII Young Rider Benefit Horse Trials.
After lengthy discussions, the Organizing Committee and the Area VII Council reached this decision in light of the announcement by the Washington State Governor on Saturday, June 27th, that due to the increasing levels of COVID-19 throughout the state, the phased reopening that was progressing well in various counties (including where we run the event) would be paused immediately. At this time, the state has not announced an estimated date by which the reopening process might be resumed.
We wanted so badly to be able to host this event for everyone this year and as you’ve seen from our photos, some fabulous new jumps have been built - thanks to some generous donors and our building budget. We will be able to jump these new fences next year along with enjoying other exciting improvements in process!
The safety and health of our competitors, volunteers, organizers and supporters is our priority. And of course, we cannot run an event if the state government won’t allow it.
By cancelling at this time. we will be able to minimize our financial loss (so we will be able to run the event next year!) and refund everyone’s entry fees to the greatest extent possible.
For refunds, the omnibus states: Refunds: Competition cancellation - Split after expenses.
If you paid your entry by check, we will shred your check. If you paid with your credit card via xentry, we may need to withhold a small handling fee (depending on our actual costs), TBD. Our goal is to provide as close to complete refunds as possible under the circumstances.
We are so very sorry to have to cancel, but we are thankful that the timing of the governor’s announcement provided us with just enough notice to be able to make this painful decision to cancel early enough to avoid a major loss to the event, as well as a loss of entry fees to the competitors.
Again, we hope to be able to provide full or close to full refunds to the competitors. Although the event will sustain a small loss as a result, we feel this is the right thing to do under the circumstances and we will be able to return with a fantastic event next year.
Thank you everyone for your support. Stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing you next year!