First public outing since lock-down started in March! With lots of rules in place to keep us all safe (all the rules are at the end of this blog – just for posterity). We had pre-entered the 85 and 90 classes.
It was cold, windy and just a bit miserable, a real change to the recent hot spell we’ve been having! Adam Botham was the warm up coach, and Michael Jones has told me to tell him that I need to get on the centre line of the jump – so we could get a quick start on the warm up! Adam was great, he was very complimentary of Nash and said he was a nice type with a good positive outlook and a nice jump – said he would make a nice (light) worker…. We’ll see!
Anyway, one thing he did say which really helped was to ensure that I had enough canter coming out of the corner, but that I didn’t chase – I need a ‘handful’ towards the fence – that Nash was into the bridle, but not rushing and pulling. That imagery really helped me.
I was really pleased with Nash’s round in the 85cm class, despite being a bit spooky – the wind was howling and the spectators trailer was rattling. He settled really well and we got on with the job. One mistake from me (=) one fence down. Nash tried really hard and really enjoyed himself.
Short rest and back in for the 90. A lovely clear round – I was absolutely thrilled! No rushing or pulling and a nice smooth rhythm. No prize giving or placings as this is just a training show. But went home very happy with our efforts!
THE RULES
The Show Day & Parking
• On arrival at the show, all entries will be checked at the gate. No admittance to anyone not on the start list. No exception.
• Parking attendant will be allocated a parking slot marked out in accordance with social distancing regulations (minimum of 5m between each slot)
• Tacking up must take place within your designated parking area.
• Riders may be accompanied by one other person and one additional person for every additional horse entered.
Practice Arena
• We will have two warm up arena due to social distancing. Pre warm up will be a mown roped off grass arena next to the lorry park. Riders will then be asked to move across to the outdoor surfaced warmup.
• Pre warm up on grass will have a maximum of four riders at one time. Surfaced warm up arena will have a maximum of three riders warming up at any one time.
• Riders should maintain a distance of five horse lengths apart from other competitors at all times.
• The warm up will be monitored by a steward/marshal to ensure that all riders adhere to these restrictions at all times.
• This steward/marshal will be available to help riders with practice fences.
• No spectators or grooms are allowed to access the warm up area.
The Competition
• One competitor to be in the ring at any one time.
• Designated cool down area will be provided. Practice arena not to be used for cool down.
• Return to designated parking area to untack and load up prior to leaving the show
• No prize-giving will take place results will be posted online where applicable.
• Prize money via electronic banking where applicable.
Venue
• Hand sanitiser available at key contact points around the venue.
• Catering we will be offering a takeaway service. We have created a one way system to access the café. With an outdoor eating area. Food may not be consumed in an indoor environment.
• Cleaning on show day Onley Grounds will have a COVID-19 cleaning marshal onsite for duration of the show.
• Toilets will have enhanced sanitising / hand sanitiser / soap alongside hot running water and handtowels. No hand driers or reusable towels allowed.
• All Onley Grounds staff will be provided with suitable barrier wear for all personnel.
It is essential that the government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic around social distancing are strictly adhered to for the successful continuation of equestrian sports.