The event at Woodside was supposed to run dressage and show jumping yesterday and then the cross-country today. But, rains earlier this week forced a rescheduling to show jumping today and cross-country tomorrow. Chelan was kind enough to send us this report from Woodside. As always, thanks for writing this Chelan and thank you for reading.—-
Luckily the footing dries quickly
From Chelan:
I had a little chat with Robert Kellerhouse. I wanted to know about why he chooses to do the CIC format running over two days (dressage and SJ Friday) and the XC Saturday. The Galway Downs CIC held in the spring adopted this format for the first time in 2010, and, since this is the first FEI for Woodside in over a decade, it’s the first time here.
Robert mentioned two reasons–first we need to understand that the CIC and CCI are two different competitions. CIC’s are often a qualifier for riders for a CCI. Robert had done his homework, and knew exactly how many of the CIC3* riders needed this event to qualify, and who had already qualified. He knows because those sort of details are interesting to him, and he understands how important it is that his two events offering CIC’s provide two opportunities for riders on the West coast to achieve those qualifying results. As a rider who is using this CIC as a qualifying competition, I am grateful to have this event to ride at.
[Woodside Scores]
The format of SJ before XC means that only one jog is required this weekend. Bearing in mind the qualifying aspect of a CIC, if a horse has a tiny soundness issue caused by say a stone bruise XC, there is no issue of jogging the next day. Clearly a CCI is a totally different animal, which Robert is very aware of. In that case, we need two jogs and the chips fall where they may.
The second issue is one that Robert truly understands-how to attract (and KEEP) sponsors, make them happy and create an ‘event’ atmosphere at a competition. While the parties and hoopla at an FEI is not the sole reason we attend these things, it does create and additional air of excitement, which is an opportunity to make the sponsors feel appreciated and special. The idea for Woodside WAS that SJ happens in a white tent overlooking the ring, with VIP tables, etc on Friday night.
My sad picture of the view overlooking San Francisco bay does NOT do this view justice… Saturday XC is in reverse order with a big award ceremony at the Saturday night party. This two day format is run at many CIC’s in the UK and AUS, and as I said Robert adopted it at Galway in the spring of 2010. I have to admit I did think it was a little weird, which is why I wanted to get the full explanation. Personally, I think it makes a lot of sense.
The other thing I wanted information on was the footing. I was happy that they chose to alter the time table, and run SJ Saturday and XC Sunday. The rain earlier this week was relentless! This change messed with EVERYONE involved in the running of this event, but apart from extra drinking in the office on Friday night, you would never know it. The staff continued to be their usual cheerful, helpful selves.
The galloping track
I walked Friday and Saturday at about noon both days. The difference in 24 hours was remarkable. It is about 70 degrees F, or 21 C, during the day and so perfect for drying the footing out. Yesterday the boys turned (harrowed) the footing, to allow the under surface to get some sun. Then today it will get turned again, and rolled. By tomorrow it will be dusty in spots! For those that have never ridden in California, we ride on a prepared surface–about 12-15 feet wide paths take you to every jump. We do not go off the paths! Why, would you–the paths are beautiful footing and the best tracks.
Robert told me he is so lucky to have the opportunity to run events at this site. Glad he sees it that way, and happy to ride here!
