Harrisburg and Washington Will Be at... Tampa.

[initiate1987]

The Ocala Jockey Club just announced the cancellation of their November event, which was an Olympic qualifier and selection trial, as well as the 4* national championships. The president cited increasing cases as the reason. At least someone is being smart.

[Xctrygirl]

@initiate1987

The Ocala Jockey Club just announced the cancellation of their November event, which was an Olympic qualifier and selection trial, as well as the 4* national championships. The president cited increasing cases as the reason. At least someone is being smart.

And held OUTDOORS.

I will state on the record again… WHY do we NEED points and end of year championships this year?? Can’t we all just do our own thing and hope that 21 is more normal. Why do we need a year end championship in THIS year??? (And no discipline is excluded from my thoughts on this) Show if you can and want to, but don’t make it more than because you want to.

Em

[LilRanger]

@TooManyBays

There are people who rely on these shows to make their living. I feel sorry for the communities around these venues that rely on the income to survive.

They canceled the fairs near me. Makes sense, as we are almost to August and cases are still high, and a fair would certainly Be a good place for spreading the virus. However, those food vendors who sell corn dogs and elephant ears rely on those fairs. They make their whole income for the year in the span of a few months. These people will lose their homes and their businesses. I wonder how many equestrians won’t make it out of this financially.

I hear you, and where I am, the fair is cancelled, but the food vendors are now selling fair food online! so you can get those turkey legs and funnel cakes delivered right to your door! Which I think is a great idea!

[2DogsFarm]

Around here Fair vendors are doing food trucks at places like TSC parking lots.
I haven’t seen my Must Haves: corndogs & root beer float. But I have Hope 🙏

[trubandloki]

@2DogsFarm

Around here Fair vendors are doing food trucks at places like TSC parking lots.
I haven’t seen my Must Haves: corndogs & root beer float. But I have Hope 🙏

Something about a corn dog at the fair is so much better than any other corn dog you can get. Yum!

[AAHunterGal]

Someone on FB made the astute point that the release specifically called out the new events “meeting the requirements of the sponsors.” These events are happening because people still want to make money at the larger expense of the greater good.

[JenEM]

@Xctrygirl

And held OUTDOORS.

I will state on the record again… WHY do we NEED points and end of year championships this year?? Can’t we all just do our own thing and hope that 21 is more normal. Why do we need a year end championship in THIS year??? (And no discipline is excluded from my thoughts on this) Show if you can and want to, but don’t make it more than because you want to.

Em

I don’t have an issue with awarding points and National and Zone awards for the year. If people are out showing, I don’t see anything wrong with them getting points for it.

But holding large, national gatherings that require people and horses to fly across the country in the current environment seems unnecessarily risky to me. And yes—that goes across disciplines, I wouldn’t want to attend AECs or USDF Nationals, either, even if they were only a short haul for me personally.

[vxf111]

If you don’t count infections, hospitalizations, or deaths, Florida is doing GREAT in managing Covid. So it makes TOTAL SENSE to move the show there. /s

[AffirmedHope]

I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I imagine Florida will be shut down by the end of September and these will be cancelled anyway.

[Xctrygirl]

@JenEM

I don’t have an issue with awarding points and National and Zone awards for the year. If people are out showing, I don’t see anything wrong with them getting points for it.

But holding large, national gatherings that require people and horses to fly across the country in the current environment seems unnecessarily risky to me. And yes—that goes across disciplines, I wouldn’t want to attend AECs or USDF Nationals, either, even if they were only a short haul for me personally.

I flounder a bit on this one. Here’s why… COVID is taking a toll on people’s norms. Be it time in the saddle, compensation from employment, having employment at all and in a broader sense, the ability and comfort level to show when many of us have at risk conditions.

That said I know there are EPIC stories of overcoming adversity happening and in progress. I just don’t believe that even our (Not even close to level) playing field is at all balanced this year.

If it were about showing for your own desires and with no points, no year ends, no championships and no value beyond enjoyment it would be a lot easier to allow folks to decide their own risks, financial decisions and hopefully relax as a competitive rider. And taking away year end awards might help center people as to why they show at all. And we might be able to improve the people who do show and their mindsets of gratefulness to have a life where they can show.

In the absence of this, or going back to normal times before, we see now and saw before people pushing themselves, their horses, to meet goals that may not be 100% based in good decision making.

Horse people aren’t exactly known to make the best decisions if there’s a ribbon and a trophy at the end of the day (Cough: Andy Kocher)

With regard to the points question… I mean… if I chose (as I have) to stay home and not show much this year because I am an ‘at risk’ person and the magazines print out the point winners from all the zones etc, 1) I think good for them that they have a healthier wallet and body from me, and 2) I’m a touch pissy about the thought because these folks prioritized showing in a time where it wouldn’t hurt (AND COULD HELP) if we all stayed home and really tried to think about all of the country instead of all of my zone. But again, this is my opinion that I will own and I am fine if I am alone in these thoughts.

Em

[MHM]

More information:

https://horsesport.com/due-south/cooperation-saves-us-shows-north-american-indoor-circuit/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Equestrian+at+the+Olympics+|+US+Indoor+Shows+Saved+|+CCI5*L+at+Pau+|+Jordan+Coyle+s+Hot+Streak&utm_campaign=HS-Enewsletter2020-Friday+July+24&fbclid=IwAR2Ud9CxPJWGAIl1yiyhbMKsJxsqsg6gxZpfvxC0KPPD1J45CW_vBDZennw

[LexInVA]

@"A"HunterGal

Someone on FB made the astute point that the release specifically called out the new events “meeting the requirements of the sponsors.” These events are happening because people still want to make money at the larger expense of the greater good.

There are sponsor conflicts depending on the venues that are available for both shows to use and that’s why Tampa was selected, as it is neutral ground, as far as both shows and their sponsors are concerned. That’s what is meant by meeting the requirements of the sponsors. These shows are likely happening in Florida because the “Who-Is-Who” have been quarantined in the Southeast region, in places like Southern Pines and Aiken, outside of the COVID hotspot where Wellington/Palm Beach is, within driving distance of the venue or could very easily be in Florida anyway, when the shows are scheduled.

[TooManyBays]

@LilRanger

I hear you, and where I am, the fair is cancelled, but the food vendors are now selling fair food online! so you can get those turkey legs and funnel cakes delivered right to your door! Which I think is a great idea!

There is no way they are making their normal income on that though. How to you send BBQ, Indian food, etc through the mail and reach the customer base the fair does? Plus, so many things depend on those fairs; 4H kids who make money for upcoming college, sellers who sell products like jams, sauces, etc, the hotels nearby who rely on the major income every fall. I never used to think about these things, but I had a neighbor who made a large chunk of her income at the fair.

It is the same with horse shows. How many people are swimming with their heads barely above the water through this? How many equestrian businesses are going to close? Next year, when the only shows going on are mega box shows, will equestrians have the common sense to realize it was because their favorite mom and pop shows couldn’t make it without the help they didn’t give?

When your local U pick nursery doesn’t open next year?
when the locally owned restaurants close?
when the farmers markets have three stands instead of 30?
When local stores, many of whom weren’t allowed to be open for months, don’t make it?
When the wineries and breweries shut their doors?

I find it shameful. I see people flocking to Walmart and Home Depot, as if the virus doesn’t live there, but ignoring the local places. News flash: Walmart will survive the pandemic. Will your local tack store?

[CHT]

@TooManyBays this is a good argument for a Universal Income or Pandemic subsidy program (such as CERB or the wage subsidy programs in Canada). This is not a good reason to hold a sports event that encourages people to travel from far away to a Covid hotspot.

The economy won’t recover until people feel safe to go out, and that there ability to work is more secure (you can’t work if you are sick with Covid for 60 days).

I know the local 4H cattle sales have had very high support.
We have drive through “Fair Food” events where you can pick up your favourite fair food from the comfort and safety of your car.
Farmers markets (locally) have received astounding support.

I didn’t understand your comment about “mom and pop shows” though: I think most would agree that staying home and showing locally would be a much safer activity vs these national shows, so if anything they should be receiving more support shouldn’t they (if National Shows were closed).

[TooManyBays]

@CHT

@TooManyBays this is a good argument for a Universal Income or Pandemic subsidy program (such as CERB or the wage subsidy programs in Canada). This is not a good reason to hold a sports event that encourages people to travel from far away to a Covid hotspot.

The economy won’t recover until people feel safe to go out, and that there ability to work is more secure (you can’t work if you are sick with Covid for 60 days).

I know the local 4H cattle sales have had very high support.
We have drive through “Fair Food” events where you can pick up your favourite fair food from the comfort and safety of your car.
Farmers markets (locally) have received astounding support.

I didn’t understand your comment about “mom and pop shows” though: I think most would agree that staying home and showing locally would be a much safer activity vs these national shows, so if anything they should be receiving more support shouldn’t they (if National Shows were closed).

And when will they feel safe? This is going to be going on for a long, long time. I wish it wasn’t, but the USA has prolonged the virus here in numerous ways and we are still 6+ months out from a vaccine. How do homeless people socially distance and wash their hands?

I’m glad locally to you there has been some support. There hasn’t been that here. It still isn’t enough to support these businesses. If you are used to make 100k a year, and this year you make 25k, you are going to be hurting. You may lose your home, your cars, your business.
At least near me, local shows have not been receiving support. The last show I went to had ten competitors total. People are not showing. Now for local shows, it may not seem to be this huge effect; the show grounds don’t make money, the judge doesn’t get paid, the show secretary doesn’t get paid, the food vendor can’t sell food, the local trainers can’t make their show money, their grooms don’t get tips.
Local rated shows to me have been suffering too; I see people complain on Facebook that the only rated shows near us are big box shows like Tryon , HITS, or WEC but they don’t put their money where their mouth is.
At larger shows trickle down is a huge deal. And that’s what I see here with these shows not being held in their original locations, or being canceled. Now it’s feed suppliers, hotels, jump rental, stall rental, food vendors, farriers, local cafes, that don’t get paid. If it’s cancelled; throw in the judges, show staff, venues, prize list designers, course designers, printing shops, footing suppliers, etc.
That is hard on so many businesses that we don’t even think about. It has this huge trickle down effect that will really hurt the horse community long term.

I don’t think there are too many people worried about there not being any year end awards or points. I DO think there are a lot of people worried that this pandemic will ruin many businesses, families, and people who depend on the horse show world to survive.
Great for you if you can sit at home and wait out the virus. But the rest of us? We can’t. And we don’t know if we are going to make it through without your help.

[paw]

How can it be Washington National without Hunt Night?

Seriously, hold the damn show if you must. But don’t call it Penn Nat’l or Washington Nat’l, because it won’t be.

[poltroon]

@TooManyBays

And when will they feel safe? This is going to be going on for a long, long time. I wish it wasn’t, but the USA has prolonged the virus here in numerous ways and we are still 6+ months out from a vaccine. How do homeless people socially distance and wash their hands?

I’m glad locally to you there has been some support. There hasn’t been that here. It still isn’t enough to support these businesses. If you are used to make 100k a year, and this year you make 25k, you are going to be hurting. You may lose your home, your cars, your business.
At least near me, local shows have not been receiving support. The last show I went to had ten competitors total. People are not showing. Now for local shows, it may not seem to be this huge effect; the show grounds don’t make money, the judge doesn’t get paid, the show secretary doesn’t get paid, the food vendor can’t sell food, the local trainers can’t make their show money, their grooms don’t get tips.
Local rated shows to me have been suffering too; I see people complain on Facebook that the only rated shows near us are big box shows like Tryon , HITS, or WEC but they don’t put their money where their mouth is.
At larger shows trickle down is a huge deal. And that’s what I see here with these shows not being held in their original locations, or being canceled. Now it’s feed suppliers, hotels, jump rental, stall rental, food vendors, farriers, local cafes, that don’t get paid. If it’s cancelled; throw in the judges, show staff, venues, prize list designers, course designers, printing shops, footing suppliers, etc.
That is hard on so many businesses that we don’t even think about. It has this huge trickle down effect that will really hurt the horse community long term.

I don’t think there are too many people worried about there not being any year end awards or points. I DO think there are a lot of people worried that this pandemic will ruin many businesses, families, and people who depend on the horse show world to survive.
Great for you if you can sit at home and wait out the virus. But the rest of us? We can’t. And we don’t know if we are going to make it through without your help.

There are examples both current and through history of how to handle a virus to minimize impacts on your economy. I am not aware of a single one that has been more successful by staying open and letting people get sick with a deadly and dangerous disease.

If we had the collective discipline to stop spreading disease for 4-8 weeks, we’d be done now. It would have helped to have accurate and plentiful testing available back in January. Or March. Or April. Plentiful supplies of 50-cent N95 masks sure would have helped too.

I get the pain you’re talking about, which is why a universal pandemic income is so important - to let people pay their bills while this plays out. Every unpaid bill ripples through the economy. But we don’t make it better by letting, or forcing, people to get sick. Yes, the longer it goes on, the more economic damage it does.

As you say, people aren’t showing. They won’t as long as they risk death or long term sickness to show. They don’t want to be sick; they can’t afford to lose their job by becoming sick. Many are facing economic uncertainty in their own jobs, even people who normally consider their jobs very secure, and they’re conserving cash.

Holding the shows is not how you fix the very real problem. Every day with a record with a record number of new cases only makes this worse.

[TooManyBays]

@poltroon

There are examples both current and through history of how to handle a virus to minimize impacts on your economy. I am not aware of a single one that has been more successful by staying open and letting people get sick with a deadly and dangerous disease.

If we had the collective discipline to stop spreading disease for 4-8 weeks, we’d be done now. It would have helped to have accurate and plentiful testing available back in January. Or March. Or April. Plentiful supplies of 50-cent N95 masks sure would have helped too.

I get the pain you’re talking about, which is why a universal pandemic income is so important - to let people pay their bills while this plays out. Every unpaid bill ripples through the economy. But we don’t make it better by letting, or forcing, people to get sick. Yes, the longer it goes on, the more economic damage it does.

As you say, people aren’t showing. They won’t as long as they risk death or long term sickness to show. They don’t want to be sick; they can’t afford to lose their job by becoming sick. Many are facing economic uncertainty in their own jobs, even people who normally consider their jobs very secure, and they’re conserving cash.

Holding the shows is not how you fix the very real problem. Every day with a record with a record number of new cases only makes this worse.

Well, IMO the United States (and some other places) really f—-ed up in the beginning. There were so many things that should have been done that weren’t. But now, the virus is here are like it or not the majority of us are going to get it. Our precautions now are like trying to save the titanic with a bucket; maybe doing a little, but it isn’t going to stop the ship from going under.
If we had been more proactive at the beginning then maybe we could have stopped this virus. But we weren’t.

So instead of a large majority of our local businesses suffering AND we still all get the virus anyways, maybe we tell people to wear a mask, and use hand sanitizer, and social distance, but go out. Live your life. Support businesses.
Anyone who says that we can stop this virus is lying. We can only slow it. But, chances are, you WILL get it.