Quote from Denis Glaccum
“November 3rd
Considerable concerns have been expressed over the perspective on Tamarack Farm FB. To Denny’s credit he has brought out many concerns. However, it appears that some responders are not aware of the many programs and procedures that have been implemented as well as the ongoing research and study groups here in the US and Internationally.
The fatality of a horse or rider at an event has comprehensive procedures. A Necropsy on any horse lost at an Event is performed and the report goes to Dr. Kathy Kohn who chairs the Cardiology Study. If jump related the USEF is notified IMMEDIATELY. All involved are interviewed. Jump Judges, witnesses, type of jumps with pictures and videos. All information sent to “USEF Safety Task Force” sub-committee. This committee compiles and reviews all available information and data. Their goal is to seek possible improvements to fence design, including shape, construction, presentation, how did the fall happen and what improvements can be made to prevent future falls. Similar intensive review is also done with a human fatality. There is also on- going, study at the Univ. of KY on all aspects of Jump design and construction.
Rider and Horse Safety is paramount in today’s Eventing World! Prior to the Event: All upper level events may be visited by a Course Advisor, a program sponsored jointly by the USEF and USEA. Preliminary Courses also chosen from TD and Officials report and rider input. All Advanced Courses are Inspected. Course Advisors make recommendations and if needed required improvements to the course.
Prior to the start of the Competition: (3pm prior to the first day of Competition) the TD having made their inspection of the Courses, reviews the courses with the PGJ (President of the Ground Jury). This must be done prior to the course being opened. Officials find the time to meet with the Rider Representatives who are appointed to act as liason for riders and to present concerns to the TD and PGJ. This Rider Representative Program came from an initiative of Denny’s. All competitors are encouraged to approach any official with questions and concerns.
Prior to the Competition start the TD reviews with the Organizer the Events “Safety Plan.” This plan covers all aspects of human and horse safety from a quality and quantity perspective. At a CIC there is a formal Safety Meeting with all officials participating in the meeting reviewing procedures for all aspects of horse and human safety.
At International Events a rider meeting is conducted. This affords the Organization the Officials, the Riders the opportunity to review important aspects and concerns. Competitors are encouraged to communicate.
At every event, TD’s are required to document all falls of horses or riders. All horses who fall and all riders are examined by medical staff before leaving the course. Riders can be prevented from riding additional horses. Veterinarians and medical staff are required to submit documentation on all horse and competitor’s examined and the status of any injury.
Eventing.Ireland.com has a write up on Equiratings who are leading the way with innovative data. I urge all to go on line to the USEF, USEA, Eventing Ireland, Equiratings, and the FEI and search out all the safety programs. GB has used famous race car drivers to consult about safety concerns.
During the last five years there has been and continuous to be steps forward in all of these area of concern.
More Importantly think of the impact all the members of Denny’s FB Page (62,000+) could make by writing out a ten dollar donation to the USEA earmarked to the various human, equine, and course studies all of which are underfunded. “REMEMBER YOU ARE EITHER PART OF THE PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION”.”
