Adrienne Sternlicht riding Benny’s Legacy to victory in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup 2019 North American League in Las Vegas. © FEI/Andrew Ryback
By Ellie Jolley
The latest international equestrian event victims to COVID-19 now include the Kentucky 3-day Event, Horses & Dreams meet Japan, and the North America League.
And closer to home, Equestrian Victoria has postponed their State Interschool Championships.
Kentucky Three-Day Event Cancelled – first time in 42 years
The Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Kentucky CSI3* Invitational Grand Prix have been cancelled.
Since it began 42 years ago, this is the first time the event has been cancelled which is a further illustration of how many aspects of life the virus is affecting.
Originally scheduled for 23-26th April, the Kentucky event plays an important role for riders preparing for Olympic selection.
And with its cancellation, the opportunities for successful campaigning in the run up to selection for many riders grow fewer as the IOC forges ahead with plans to hold the Tokyo Olympics in July.
The Equestrian Events Inc. president Mike Cooper said, “Sporting events and large public gatherings are being called off all across the country and it is with deep regret, and with the highest concern for all our patrons, that we take this step. With the recommendation by the CDC to cancel or postpone events with guests for the next eight weeks, it became apparent that this was the only acceptable course of action.”
North America League Suspends Ranking for 30 Days
North America League has suspended sanctioning of equestrian events for the next 30 days.
Now, if any NAL classes are held at events, they will not grant points or count them in league standings.
As part of this decision to restrict the spread of COVID-19, the United States Equestrian Federation has recommended that event organisers should suspend all their equestrian competitions for the next month and advises competitors to stay away from events.
In a statement the USEF said, “For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event, or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period.”
“This is a trying time for all of us and we encourage everyone to follow protocols set by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and our national federation,” said Annette Longenecker of Ryegate Show Services which produces the NAL.
Horses & Dreams meets Japan 2020 Cancelled
The highly anticipated ‘Horses & Dreams meets Japan’ event in Germany next month has been cancelled due to the on-going global pandemic.
Set for 22-26th of April in Osnabruck, the event draws more than 60,000 people but organisers say it is their socio-political responsibility to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, which is particularly transferable in large crowds.
In a statement the Horses & Dreams organisers said, “We also feel obliged to look for alternative date for our youth competition Future Champions, but we are confident that Future Champions and the first International Ludwigsburg Dressage Festival, from 24th to 27th September 2020 in front of Monrepos Castle, can take place as planned.”
Equestrian Victoria – State Championships Postponed
From 16 March, the Victorian State Government declared a State of Emergency for the next four weeks.
As a result of this decision, Equestrian Victoria has decided to postpone the Leader Equine Victorian Interschool Equestrian State Championships that were meant to be held from 2-6 April at Werribee Park.
In a statement, EV said they would retain entries and fees until a new date is announced, when refunds will be available.
However, Equestrian Victoria has advised equestrian clubs should operate as normal until otherwise advised, while maintaining good hygiene practices.
Previous event cancellations:
Key events in Australia have been cancelled or postponed, including Dressage & Jumping with the Stars, the Victorian Jumping Championships, the Australian Eventing Championships and the Sydney CDI.
In addition:
Racing takes unprecedented Coronavirus action
FEI World Cup Finals and Event Rider Masters 2020 series cancelled
Longines Global Champions Tours & GCL competitions postponed, The Dutch Masters cancelled
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