COTH Pony Finals Article

[Potato]

I sent this letter to the governor of Kentucky today. I doubt it will even be read, but I feel better having done it.

Mr. Beshear,

First I would like to sincerely thank you for your incredible governing in challenging times. You have made extremely difficult decisions, where you are bound to undergo scrutiny and criticism no matter what you decide.

I would like to bring to your attention the matter of the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP). Like your mother and sister in law, I am a competitive equestrian and enjoy the luxury and privilege of competing horses. However, there are multiple events at the KHP in August that will draw thousands of out of state tourists to Lexington.

In particular, the USEF Pony Finals held August 4-11 and the American Eventing Championships (AEC) held from August 25-30. An average of 600 ponies attend Pony Finals each year, and accounting for one child per pony, one parent, grooms, support staff/trainers, I estimate that at least 1600 people will be attending. At the AEC in 2019, there were 925 horses, not including support personnel and family visiting from almost every state in the US, all converging in Lexington KY.

Both the Pony Finals and AEC are destination events for many riders, and people from both coasts will travel to KY to compete. There will be people from Florida, Arizona, and other hot spot states attending. This is guaranteed.

The KHP has posted that they will be requiring safety procedures such as masks and temperature checks, but this does not account for the strain that thousands of tourists will put on other systems in Lexington such as hotels and restaurants. Through your governing, KY has remained as safe as possible, and has not become a COVID-19 hotspot. However, with this many tourists coming to Lexington, I fear that Kentucky will see a significant spike in infections.

Please consider the threat that these horse shows have on Lexington. Not being able to compete in a horse show is disappointing, but losing loved ones is devastating and permanent.

Dr. _____ _______

[MorganSercu]

An amiable acquaintance of mine died of COVID 19 this past week.

I am so sorry for your loss, @skydy

[skydy]

Thank you @Peggy and @MorganSercu.

He was a lifelong friend of a good friend of mine and an acquaintance to me, whom I met every once in a while at social gatherings (back when we were gathering socially).

I’ll always remember him at breakfast, the morning after the wedding of our mutual friend. We were in a restaurant seated next to each other in a party of about 16 people.
It was one of those occasions when everyone laughed until they were exhausted. A very good day it was. I’ll remember him as he was that day, laughing.

It’s a shame that we can’t get together to give him a proper send off, but it wouldn’t be wise under the circumstances.

[NaturallyHappy]

@Potato

I sent this letter to the governor of Kentucky today. I doubt it will even be read, but I feel better having done it.

Mr. Beshear,

First I would like to sincerely thank you for your incredible governing in challenging times. You have made extremely difficult decisions, where you are bound to undergo scrutiny and criticism no matter what you decide.

I would like to bring to your attention the matter of the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP). Like your mother and sister in law, I am a competitive equestrian and enjoy the luxury and privilege of competing horses. However, there are multiple events at the KHP in August that will draw thousands of out of state tourists to Lexington.

In particular, the USEF Pony Finals held August 4-11 and the American Eventing Championships (AEC) held from August 25-30. An average of 600 ponies attend Pony Finals each year, and accounting for one child per pony, one parent, grooms, support staff/trainers, I estimate that at least 1600 people will be attending. At the AEC in 2019, there were 925 horses, not including support personnel and family visiting from almost every state in the US, all converging in Lexington KY.

Both the Pony Finals and AEC are destination events for many riders, and people from both coasts will travel to KY to compete. There will be people from Florida, Arizona, and other hot spot states attending. This is guaranteed.

The KHP has posted that they will be requiring safety procedures such as masks and temperature checks, but this does not account for the strain that thousands of tourists will put on other systems in Lexington such as hotels and restaurants. Through your governing, KY has remained as safe as possible, and has not become a COVID-19 hotspot. However, with this many tourists coming to Lexington, I fear that Kentucky will see a significant spike in infections.

Please consider the threat that these horse shows have on Lexington. Not being able to compete in a horse show is disappointing, but losing loved ones is devastating and permanent.

Dr. _____ _______

This is a great letter. I, too, am sad for you@skydy

[Jersey_Fresh]

Beshear just announced no gatherings of more than 10 people, but it sounds like most businesses and events are exempt.it will be interesting to see what happens.

He also wants people who come from/return from high infection rate states like Texas, SC, Bama, etc to quarantine for 14d, but I can’t see that happening for PFs.

[CHT]

Arabian Youth finals is going on now, and yesterday I first received the update that people were really enjoying the friendly family atmosphere…followed quickly by a post that USEF had put them on notice for not complying with USEF rules for Covid 19. The show is saying they will require people who do not comply with the rules will be forced to leave the show. I can’t imagine any show organizer wanting to do that (or even how), but it sounds like USEF is serious that it will shut the show down if they don’t shape up.

[Belmont]

@CHT

Arabian Youth finals is going on now, and yesterday I first received the update that people were really enjoying the friendly family atmosphere…followed quickly by a post that USEF had put them on notice for not complying with USEF rules for Covid 19. The show is saying they will require people who do not comply with the rules will be forced to leave the show. I can’t imagine any show organizer wanting to do that (or even how), but it sounds like USEF is serious that it will shut the show down if they don’t shape up.

They won’t shut it down. They warn a couple times and then start fining. Tryon has had a few fines now. Why shut it down when they can just make more money fining people? :rolleyes:

[Jersey_Fresh]

@Potato

I sent this letter to the governor of Kentucky today. I doubt it will even be read, but I feel better having done it.

Mr. Beshear,

First I would like to sincerely thank you for your incredible governing in challenging times. You have made extremely difficult decisions, where you are bound to undergo scrutiny and criticism no matter what you decide.

I would like to bring to your attention the matter of the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP). Like your mother and sister in law, I am a competitive equestrian and enjoy the luxury and privilege of competing horses. However, there are multiple events at the KHP in August that will draw thousands of out of state tourists to Lexington.

In particular, the USEF Pony Finals held August 4-11 and the American Eventing Championships (AEC) held from August 25-30. An average of 600 ponies attend Pony Finals each year, and accounting for one child per pony, one parent, grooms, support staff/trainers, I estimate that at least 1600 people will be attending. At the AEC in 2019, there were 925 horses, not including support personnel and family visiting from almost every state in the US, all converging in Lexington KY.

Both the Pony Finals and AEC are destination events for many riders, and people from both coasts will travel to KY to compete. There will be people from Florida, Arizona, and other hot spot states attending. This is guaranteed.

The KHP has posted that they will be requiring safety procedures such as masks and temperature checks, but this does not account for the strain that thousands of tourists will put on other systems in Lexington such as hotels and restaurants. Through your governing, KY has remained as safe as possible, and has not become a COVID-19 hotspot. However, with this many tourists coming to Lexington, I fear that Kentucky will see a significant spike in infections.

Please consider the threat that these horse shows have on Lexington. Not being able to compete in a horse show is disappointing, but losing loved ones is devastating and permanent.

Dr. _____ _______

You know that Beshear’s mother and SIL are big time horse people right? He is well aware of what national events are going on at the KHP.

[Potato]

@Jersey Fresh

You know that Beshear’s mother and SIL are big time horse people right? He is well aware of what national events are going on at the KHP.

Yes I do, it even says so in my letter. I also acknowledge that I’m sure nobody will read my letter, but I do not think it is a bad idea to communicate these concerns to his office.

And as for whether or not he is aware of what national events are going on at the KHP, we don’t know this because the events are still being allowed to run. If he was truly aware that thousands of out of state people could be coming to Lexington next month, this doesn’t jive with the recommendations to cap social gatherings at 10 people and recommended 14 day quarantine from high risk states upon arrival in KY.

[Jersey_Fresh]

@Potato

Yes I do, it even says so in my letter. I also acknowledge that I’m sure nobody will read my letter, but I do not think it is a bad idea to communicate these concerns to his office.

And as for whether or not he is aware of what national events are going on at the KHP, we don’t know this because the events are still being allowed to run. If he was truly aware that thousands of out of state people could be coming to Lexington next month, this doesn’t jive with the recommendations to cap social gatherings at 10 people and recommended 14 day quarantine from high risk states upon arrival in KY.

The social restriction is mostly things like house parties and BBQs. Most other businesses are exempt-and I believe he is well aware and allowing these horse shows to fall under the business/organization body exemptions. I basically just laughed when I heard it because it really means nothing…

No one coming here will follow the recommendations for quarantine-why would they? They’ll be here a few days, then leave and be long home before any impact on KY. I live near the major shopping area where they all stay and it’s concerning to me that they will be in the stores and restaurants. I wish the KHP was somewhere else in the state for once in my life.

It’s a mess and seems like the horse world is turning a blind eye to this pandemic.

[Potato]

@Jersey Fresh

No one coming here will follow the recommendations for quarantine-why would they? They’ll be here a few days, then leave and be long home before any impact on KY. I live near the major shopping area where they all stay and it’s concerning to me that they will be in the stores and restaurants. I wish the KHP was somewhere else in the state for once in my life.

It’s a mess and seems like the horse world is turning a blind eye to this pandemic.

I couldn’t agree more! I live just a few miles from the KHP. Yikes.

[snaffle1987]

You can have a horse show and follow the rules and operate in a very safe manner. but it requires everyone at the show to play a part. it can be done. But are people willing to step up and do it; that is the issue. Plenty of horse shows happening across the country right now, big and small, who are doing very well and exhibitors are doing their part.

Those travelling to PF or any show should be doing their part and at least wear a mask when you go out in public in the general area surrounding the show. If the masks and 6ft social distancing work; shouldn’t be a problem should it?

[skydy]

@snaffle1987

You can have a horse show and follow the rules and operate in a very safe manner. but it requires everyone at the show to play a part. it can be done. But are people willing to step up and do it; that is the issue. Plenty of horse shows happening across the country right now, big and small, who are doing very well and exhibitors are doing their part.

Those travelling to PF or any show should be doing their part and at least wear a mask when you go out in public in the general area surrounding the show. If the masks and 6ft social distancing work; shouldn’t be a problem should it?

In a perfect world it shouldn’t. Unfortunately the world is not perfect. People often don’t do the wise thing and thousands are sick, hospitalized and dying because of it.

You have no real idea how “well” horse shows are doing. States have nowhere near the contact tracing ability in place that is needed to slow down the spread of the virus. Especially with people traveling between states, the delay in obtaining test results is making testing almost useless in the context of containing the virus . Add to that the fact of asymptomatic transmission and how little is known about COVID and children, and having Pony Finals is obviously an irresponsible and reckless decision.

[skydy]

@Jersey Fresh

Beshear just announced no gatherings of more than 10 people, but it sounds like most businesses and events are exempt.it will be interesting to see what happens.

He also wants people who come from/return from high infection rate states like Texas, SC, Bama, etc to quarantine for 14d, but I can’t see that happening for PFs.

It will be interesting to see if Bill Moroney and USEF will pass the quarantine advice on to USEF members that plan to attend Pony Finals in time for them to comply.

[CHT]

@snaffle1987

You can have a horse show and follow the rules and operate in a very safe manner. but it requires everyone at the show to play a part. it can be done. But are people willing to step up and do it; that is the issue. Plenty of horse shows happening across the country right now, big and small, who are doing very well and exhibitors are doing their part.

Those travelling to PF or any show should be doing their part and at least wear a mask when you go out in public in the general area surrounding the show. If the masks and 6ft social distancing work; shouldn’t be a problem should it?

We are seeing riders using gaiters instead of masks, and riders not understanding how to properly handle masks when they take them on and off. It seems that much of it is just a show of compliance rather than putting the effort in to actually stopping the spread and reducing risk…so are they really doing their part in an effective manner? I am not against showing, I am just baffled by the national shows and that people want to travel right now. it’s an interesting difference between our countries. Of course it is too early to know what was best and what are the real risks. Probably safer at the horse show than back in a classroom.

[atl_hunter]

@CHT

We are seeing riders using gaiters instead of masks, and riders not understanding how to properly handle masks when they take them on and off. It seems that much of it is just a show of compliance rather than putting the effort in to actually stopping the spread and reducing risk…so are they really doing their part in an effective manner? I am not against showing, I am just baffled by the national shows and that people want to travel right now. it’s an interesting difference between our countries. Of course it is too early to know what was best and what are the real risks. Probably safer at the horse show than back in a classroom.

I attended a USDF show this weekend. They took temperature checks at the entrance and they had officials policing the grounds for mask compliance. Now I’m not sure where you live, but I don’t see this level of compliance in all walks of my life. When I go to the grocery store, mall, etc… there is nobody to check temperatures and ensure mask compliance. The horse show is probably one of the safest places to be! Well, that and the hairdresser who is also required to take a temperature check.

It was in the mid 90’s and humid as hades at the show and we were dying in those masks, but it’s the price to pay to show a horse. I do see why people use the ventilated gaiters - I actually had one around my neck as a backup and ended up using it when the medic took my temperature and found me to be 99.9, not from COVID-19 but from overheating in my other mask. I switched to the gaiter, he rechecked my temperature after waiting a few minutes and I was good to go. I kept the mask for when I was in close proximity of others but used the gaiter when I was standing off my my own social distancing - yes, masks are still required even when nobody is anywhere near you. I highly recommend a ventilated gaiter for those times when you are self isolating at a show, nowhere near anyone, and are required to cover your face.

Now compare this show experience to when I went to the mall last weekend: I was shocked by the number of people who bothered to put a mask on but then didn’t bother to put it over their nose. Again, there is nobody there to monitor compliance as with the horse show. People had them dangling around their chins, ears, etc… whereas at the horse show they were all on in the appropriate manner. But you are right - it seems way safer at the horse show than pretty much any place I’ve been lately - especially a classroom.

Oddly enough, we did share the grounds with an AQHA show, and they had no mask policy or temperature check at all. Fortunately, there wasn’t much mingling of the exhibitors. They looked at us like we were all nuts. I’m sure we looked right back at them with the same expression.

[skydy]

@CHT

We are seeing riders using gaiters instead of masks, and riders not understanding how to properly handle masks when they take them on and off. It seems that much of it is just a show of compliance rather than putting the effort in to actually stopping the spread and reducing risk…so are they really doing their part in an effective manner? I am not against showing, I am just baffled by the national shows and that people want to travel right now. it’s an interesting difference between our countries. Of course it is too early to know what was best and what are the real risks. Probably safer at the horse show than back in a classroom.

Definitely safer than back in a classroom with no time or money to implement safeguards in the schools, however still not safe for anyone.

As you see it is very difficult for adults to wear face coverings correctly and without touching their hands to their faces repeatedly. Children are less likely to understand this, and adults “helping” them, which will most often result in the adult touching their hands to the child’s face, is a recipe for disaster.

Has USEF informed their members, who will be traveling to Kentucky to show, about the quarantine advisory? I hope so.
It will effect the AECs as well, unless USEF decides to leave it up to their membership to first find and then ignore the Governor’s recommendations, by continuing to keep those show dates.

The lack of leadership and common sense is embarrassing for the U.S. and it is causing so much damage all around. https://www.kentucky.com/news/corona…=sectiondigest
If I lived in Kentucky I would be speaking with the reporter who covers the COVID news about the lack of quarantine that will likely occur due to horse show people coming, from hot spot states, to USEF shows in Kentucky. Her contact info is there at the end of the article.

Perhaps USEF can share with the local press what they have done to inform their membership, and to encourage the quarantine plans of Pony Finals exhibitors and support people.

Or, USEF can explain that yes, they are going to have their shows and leave their membership and Kentuckians to suffer the consequences of ignoring public health advice.

[paw]

Temperature checks only catch those who are showing symptoms. COVID-19 spreads at least 2 days before people are symptomatic (if they ever do become). This whole thing is a recipe for disaster.

[JanM]

Not only can you spread before showing symptoms, or running a fever, but a lot of people with this are asymptomatic. The Pony Finals management group should consult their attorneys about the Kentucky court case saying waivers for minors are useless. The ruling was in a case with trampoline parks, and for profit, but I’m betting it could be extended to non-profits (I’m assuming Pony Finals is non-profit?). If they’re not a non-profit, then the waivers are already a joke.

[Belmont]

@paw

Temperature checks only catch those who are showing symptoms. COVID-19 spreads at least 2 days before people are symptomatic (if they ever do become). This whole thing is a recipe for disaster.

Not to mention they are only temp checking vendors & park/show employees.