The A-rated show at Duncraven two weeks ago. I noticed that Woodedge, be held on the same weekend was canceled, which is what originally made me wonder about the show in question. (Also, Gardnertown ran the past two weekends.)
Hmm. That’s interesting. It was definitely a topic of conversation in that Zone 2 zoom meeting in the last week or two, and they were discussing the different restrictions in the different states, and even in different parts of New York State. I wonder if something changed since then.
Southern California. Shows are running, though not in Los Angeles county, via the professional sport exemption. This is despite our multi-county area being on ”lockdown.” As far as I know there have been no shows in L.A. County since March.
I suspect that the deeper pockets of the USEF rated show organizers provided them with the capital needed to meet government Covid rules, when compared to local or county shows. A few OC county shows have run, but not like usual and it seemed to take them longer to get rolling. There have also been a number of higher-end schooling events or shows; some are open and some only by invitation.
In order to stay at a hotel during the recent Thermal shows people had to sight some sort of thing citing an exemption for professional sports. People are able to stay in hotels as part of their permitted business so that would get trainers in but not necessarily clients.
I’m going to assume that professional sports somehow includes horse shows bc at least some professionals compete.
Interesting. I did not get a chance to listen to this zoom - are these recorded? It is a bit discouraging to me that it seems like USEF has these rules they make a big deal out of to ensure people are safe doing an arguably non-essential activity (yes I understand people make their living working horse shows but this is a 3 week pause in PA and what I am referring to) and they don’t even bother to make sure they are being followed! I think risk can be mitigated during showing to a certain degree (especially when outside at something like a 1 day show where you can trailer in) but during a time of year when lots of people are getting together with family (ill advised or not) maybe it’s best we don’t all gather INSIDE at a show.
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They were recorded, but I don’t know if they are available on demand for people who were not signed up for the sessions in advance.
You could check Vimeo under USHJA Annual Meeting.
Some shows have continued in NJ, both USEF rated and non-rated. It seems to be venue by venue/management by management. I suppose it could be due to how much they can move the show outside, but I suspect it’s more guided by who cares about following state-wide mandates and who doesn’t.
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the FAQ’s on the PA.gov page for the temporary orders make it pretty clear that no competitions should be happening until Jan 4th whether inside or outside.
See here: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Targeted-Mitigation-FAQ.aspx
But yes, there is that “professional” exception that is unclear how it applies to equestrian sports.
COVID restrictions vary by state. I doubt we will see USEF issue a universal policy that over-rides or conflicts with individual state mandates.
In the case of NY and Gardnertown, Governor Cuomo has established certain thresholds. When a region of the state passes certain thresholds such as ICU capacity or lack thereof, specific activities are restricted. Gardnertown is in a region of NYS that allows activities which include horse shows. At least for now.
Having said that, earlier in 2020, some shows did cancel their events even though they were permitted to be held. I am aware of at least one show that decided they didn’t want to risk the liability. I’m aware of another show that cancelled their event because the pre-entry numbers were too low. In summary, the cancellation of a horse show isn’t always because state policy won’t permit the show to be held.
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I’m not a legal expert, but I did read in the link it was stated “Facilities that host events are required to apply the gathering limits to each discreet event space.”
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Pages/Guidance/Targeted-Mitigation-FAQ.aspx
One could interpret this to mean, if you have a discreet area such as a parking lot, you could have 50 people in that parking lot. If you have a discreet area for indoor schooling, you could have 10 people in the schooling area. If you have a discreet area outside the indoor arena where show attendees can social distance while they wait their turn for time in the schooling area, you could have 50 people in that area. If you have a discreet area for the show office, you could have 10 people in that area and so on.
If the show management is requiring attendees to leave the horse show grounds as soon as they complete their classes, one can see how it is possible to keep the total number of people at the discreet “gathering event spaces” to a relative minimum and comply with the state mandate.
I have no idea if this is what is happening at the shows you reference, but I could envision how a show management could adopt certain policies that would technically comply with the “no gatherings of more than 10 people inside and 50 people outside” in each discreet event area.
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Yes, but that is only when you are gathering for a purpose that is approved. Otherwise, a restaurant could remain open and say "well, I only have 10 people in the kitchen and 10 in the dining room. And believe me, I fully realize plenty of restaurants have not closed at all and are ignoring the temporary orders.
I think the “no competition” part is pretty darn clear. But the “professional” part adds a new layer apparently open to interpretation. So maybe they can have shows but only hold “pro” divisions? We all know that won’t happen and the order expires in about a week anyway…but one would think USEF might actually get involved…oh wait…
I’m not in PA, so please forgive me if I’m not grasping the situation, but from what I can read, “in person dining” is specifically prohibited during the “pause period” in PA. Whereas non-prohibited activities are subject to the 10 people indoors, 50 people outdoors restriction. Ergo, horse shows would be allowed if they observe the 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors rule.
Maybe I am missing a key piece of information. TIA for any correction/clarification.
Yes I think you are correct that the 10 people/50 people rule applies. But the show at Swan Lake today is running over the next four days with over 10 people entered in several of the divisions…so there will be over 10 exhibitors alone in the indoor at times, not even counting whoever runs the gate, the judges, trainers, etc. There is no way this isn’t violating the rule and it’s completely ridiculous that USEF can’t be bothered to double check that shows are compliant before they start if that’s what is printed in their COVID action plan.
So, so upsetting. COVID rates in Riverside (where Thermal is) are sky high, there’s no ICU availability and they…added a new preview week to the Desert Circuit. What are we even thinking?! Ugh.
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Clients stay in RV’s and Airbnb or VRBO properties. They can also stay at casinos that have lodging as they are not bound by State orders. The Riverside County Sheriff will not be enforcing COVID orders, so I doubt any hotel will be penalized for allowing non-essential guests.
People from my barn who showed at Thermal earlier this month had to sign a paper stating that their lodging was associated with a permitted professional sport activity. Didn’t seem to be a big deal at all. So, not restricted to non-hotel options. Does seem that an RV would be a bit safer for both the exhibitors and the local community.
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Why are the casinos not bound by the same rules?
In California, many casinos are owned/operated by American Indian tribes. I assume that is what is meant when it is said that the casinos are not bound by state orders.
I’m sure others on COTH can correct me or elaborate.
Ah, I see. Thanks.
Tribal sovereignty. . As a result of these laws, a state’s regulation of tribal activities-including casinos-generally is limited to what is authorized under (1) federal law and (2) federally approved agreements between tribes and a state.
Via https://lao.ca.gov/2007/tribal_casinos/tribal_casinos_020207.aspx
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It is not just about spreading the virus. It is about adding burden to the the ICU and other hospital resources. I hope nobody falls off and needs serious ER or other additional resources. We no longer schedule any orthopedic procedures (including spine repair or trauma/fracture) if it is determined that the patient can survive without surgery. I work at a large regional hospital (7 states feed into it).
EVERY major surgical procedure, elective, emergent, or emergency, requires an ICU bed to be available because all of the things that go wrong during a procedure. Additionally, those OR staff who would normally staff a case are now in the ICUs managing COVID patients.
Imagine if you fell off and fractured your neck, arm, or leg but was not paralyzed or otherwise compromised. At this point you would be braced etc. and told to go home.
I can not imagine the level of stupidity of a horse show running without realizing that their customers would be severely hurt and there was no local life sustaining capabilities. (I am a certified USEA Safety Coordinator). The liability to the show becomes immense.
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