Just wondering what everyone is thinking regarding USEF’s plan for next year? Do you think they will add another junior year for all of the junior riders? The cancellation of Pony Finals was predicted, especially with a show that huge during our current state, but still quite a shock. Unfortunate thing is that many riders outgrew their ponies this year, so even if a reschedule were to happen, it would be a mess and many of this year’s riders and ponies would not be there.
Also curious about everyone’s thoughts on indoors.
Not trying to start anything, just wanting to start a little discussion and hear everyone’s thoughts. 
I imagine nothing will change for next year unless the pandemic is still going on. I don’t think qualifications will carry over, but that’s just my guess. I don’t think the “indoor” shows will happen. But, I don’t think any large competition that draws competitors from all over the country should happen. Very sad for horse show officials and those who’s paychecks depend on shows.
3 Likes
USEF doesn’t know what’s happening tomorrow Next year???
13 Likes
I think they should call it a wash for this year. Close the qualifications lists for the finals right now and run 2020 finals sometime later next year, separate of the 2021 season. Then you don’t have to add a junior year but those aging out still get to compete one final time.
7 Likes
Just watched a live town hall. Sounds like no adjustments for next year. Ushja says they’re voting tonight on derby and incentive finals
1 Like
Does that vote include Junior Hunter Finals or is that a USEF decision?
Literally was just coming to say the same thing
I think they said end of the week for a decision on junior hunter finals. It’s a USEF decision.
I’m aware. We are all aware.
Apologies if I caused a stir, just asking for everyone’s opinions. And I agree. It is hard to know what they will even do tomorrow, so you’re right.
We are all in extremely uncertain times right now; just looking for some comfort in some further guesses as to what might happen.
Thank you for your time, I appreciate your opinion.
I’m pretty sure the USEF executive committee already decided about juniors - no extension for next year. It was buried in a statement over a month ago about Covid protocols.
2 Likes
IMHO USEF is currently in the same mode my college was for awhile on the spring. Not knowing what was going to happen. Waiting to see what others did. Saying we were going to be hybrid with labs on ground. The next day saying everyone online. Putting technology in classrooms in a seemingly random fashion (e.g. in a lab used for a relatively small number of sections) so that faculty could come on campus to record lectures. Then a month or so later telling faculty they couldn’t come to campus on a regular basis. Letting students drop without a W, then giving a cutoff date, and later letting people drop after the semester ended.
I think I now know how those saintly amateur horses feel when being ridden to a single oxer on a long approach by someone who keeps changing their mind.
11 Likes
Just like everything else, there won’t be an extension for juniors or changes to qualifying shows. There are too many parts for extending the age - you’d have to look at pony rider ages, Young Rider ages, etc. Unfortunately our juniors are learning that sometimes life just isn’t fair to everyone.
2 Likes
Just like everything else - except Green Hunters. We lucky green owners had a reinstatement/waiver option. I had to fill out a form and pay $50 and limit the heights at any competitions starting June 1. Sure, I lost my incentive nomination fees, but it gave me a chance to salvage his crucial first competition year. Now that the green finals are canceled, I’m especially glad I chose this option.
So, I took it and switched to dressage for the rest of the year where most of the competitors are adults, you have scheduled ride times so you know when to be there, and there is plenty of social distancing. This allowed me to keep my trainer going so she would have income from shows and it took us in a new direction which has been a fun segue.
It’s a shame they didn’t give the kids the same treatment as the greens. But sadly, I know of some families who won’t’ have the funds to do this next year, anyway, even if they did extend it. It’s been a tough year.
2 Likes
