MARLBOROUGH HT ?

[pologirl27]

[QUOTE=Winding Down;8323621]
Who says they have to design courses to prevent stops? Falls, yes. When over 20% of the xc runs end in horse or rider falls, then there are potential safety concerns. Ultimately, that involves the course designer. Or am I mistaken. [/QUOTE]

But falls are often connected to stops. And it can be silly, like Highflyer falling off out of surprise. I looked back and I don’t know if it was as bad as it seems. Looking at who fell off on P and T, a lot are inexperienced pairs or people I saw looking loose in the tack in SJ (I watched a bit of SJ at those levels while waiting to ride). I heard the girl with the MR suggest that her horse’s studs got caught in his tack and made him fall. There were a higher number of falls compared to last year, but only one seems to have been serious (and I don’t think she left in an ambulance either, just down for a while).

The ground was very hard and I understand the Ws, probably people not wanting to run. I was very glad my horse has pads in front, I think it made a huge difference! Overall I think they did a really nice job of keeping things running, course looked great, volunteers helpful and free cookies abundant!

[Highflyer]

Just to add, I took a green horse back the next day and did the unrecognized 2’3 division, which I thought was a really nice, low-key starter course. Plus there was a photographer there, giant ribbons, and nice prizes. So while it was not the weekend I hoped for, I think it’s a great event and will hopefully be back.

[Duckz]

[QUOTE=SophieGirl23;8324177]
I already filled out my evaluation form but forgot to note one issue I had. Is there a way you guys can keep motorized vehicles out of the warm-up areas? There was one particular trainer riding around on her motor-bike that nearly hit me and my horse twice. No exaggeration. She was darting around on that thing and drove right out in front of me in the stadium warm-up. Never looked where she was going just drove directly in front of a moving horse. The stadium steward and I were shocked at her inability to pay attention.[/QUOTE]

I was the steward, and yes, I will put a sign up next year prohibiting unauthorized motor vehicles from the warm up areas. We need the scoring golf cart in there but no reason for situations like the one you experienced. Your horse was a champ handling that!!

@Highflyer;8324718

Just to add, I took a green horse back the next day and did the unrecognized 2’3 division, which I thought was a really nice, low-key starter course. Plus there was a photographer there, giant ribbons, and nice prizes. So while it was not the weekend I hoped for, I think it’s a great event and will hopefully be back.

Thank you Highflyer, we look forward to seeing you again! I’m sorry your recognized day did not go as planned! I’ll pass on the ribbon and prize kudos to Rachel, she handles awards.

@pologirl27;8324601

The ground was very hard and I understand the Ws, probably people not wanting to run. I was very glad my horse has pads in front, I think it made a huge difference! Overall I think they did a really nice job of keeping things running, course looked great, volunteers helpful and free cookies abundant!

When we say “come to the dark side, we have beer and cookies” we aren’t kidding :winkgrin:

[SophieGirl23]

Thanks Duckz! I mostly mention it because she went whizzing past me up at XC as well, still not paying attention. At least we motor-bike proofed my horse this weekend