Classic Eventing Nation

Entries Open for Stable View’s First Virtual Dressage Competition

By on Mar 31, 2020 1:30 pm -

Photo courtesy of Stable View.

Looking to stay sharp while competitions are on hold? Stable View has just the thing for you. They’ve announced a new virtual dressage show series.

All you need is a video of your test to enter. Licensed judges will review the rides and provide feedback. Ribbons and $100 will be awarded to the top three winners for each test.

Only the first ten entries will be accepted for the class. To enter, email a link to your video to [email protected].

Here’s the rules:

  • The test must be ridden from start to finish in one video.
  • Please follow your local guidelines or restrictions regarding social distancing.
  • Classes are open to professionals, amateurs and junior riders.
  • Dress and turnout is optional, show attire not required.
  • Test callers are permitted.
  • Upload your video to Youtube with your name, your horse’s name, and the test you are riding.

Week 1

Tests: USDF Training Test 3 or USDF First Level Test 3
Judges: Sue Smithson (S) and Debbie Rodriguez (S)
Submission Deadline: April 6

Week 2

Tests: USEA Novice A and USEA Training A
Judges: Amanda Miller (R) and Janis Linnan (S)
Submission Deadline: April 13

Week 3

Tests: USDF Training Level 1 and USEA Beginner Novice A
Judges: TBD and TBD
Submission Deadline: April 20

Canceled/Postponed Events: Virginia H.T., Groton House Farm H.T., Intercollegiate Eventing Championships

By on Mar 31, 2020 11:52 am -

Two more events have announced cancellations or postponements today due to conditions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Both Virginia Horse Trials and Groton House Farms will not run their previously scheduled events:

Virginia Horse Trials (May 21-24, 2020 in Lexington, VA):

Following an order issued by Governor of Virginia declaring a ban on all gatherings of 10 or more people and stay-at-home orders, Virginia Horse Trials has announced the postponement of its May horse trials, scheduled to run May 21-24. The event will now look to move the event to July, if possible. The organizing team issued the following statement:

Following the Executive Order of the Governor of Virginia yesterday banning gatherings of greater than 10 people until 10th June 2020, and in the best interests of everyone’s health and safety, it is with great regret we have to announce that we will not be able to run Virginia Horse Trials on 21-24th May 2020.

It is our intention to work with USEF, FEI and Virginia Horse Center to find a new date in July if possible to run the event. It is likely that it will run during the week as we have so many events already running at the weekends however we will be as flexible as possible in finding a solution.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your support and I hope that during these unknown times everyone stays safe,” said VHT Organizer Andy Bowles. “We look forward to seeing you once we get through this.”

Groton House Farms Horse Trials (June 6 and June 21 in South Hamilton, MS):

The situation with the Coronavirus definitely seems to be escalating and will not be over soon. This leads to the clear, yet disappointing reality that after 40+ years GHF 2020 will not be able to run this year. This will also include the Spring Two-phase and the Summer Classic.
We can now focus on getting through this crisis and looking forward to GHF 2021 with renewed energy and enthusiasm !
Stay well everyone!
Intercollegiate Eventing Championships (May 16-17 at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, GA):
The USEA has announced the cancellation of its Intercollegiate Eventing Championships, which were scheduled to be held May 16-17 alongside Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials. At this time, Chattahoochee Hills’ May event is still scheduled to run.

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) is disappointed to announce that due to COVID-19, the 2020 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships on May 16-17 at Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials are canceled.

“I am so very sorry for the students, especially the seniors, who have been looking forward to the Championships. They have worked incredibly hard all year to train and fundraise, but in the interest of a level playing field, I believe this is the right decision. I urge our students now to remember the spirit of the intercollegiate program and show their utmost camaraderie and friendship during this difficult time for our sport, our community, and our world. We will come back from this better than ever,” said the USEA Intercollegiate Committee Chair Leslie Threlkeld.

 To stay abreast of the most recent updates to the equestrian competition schedule during the coronavirus pandemic, follow this continuously updated post.

Balancing College and Eventing: A Success Story from the University of Louisville

By on Mar 31, 2020 11:00 am -

Paige Thompson is a 22-year-old two-star eventer who co-founded the University of Louisville Eventing Team in the spring of 2017. A graduating senior this spring, she was recently named the 2020 Robert G. Lawrence award winner by the UofL Equine Industry Program. The story of how she managed competing two upper-level horses while managing the team and keeping up an impressive GPA is nothing short of inspiring — and we hope it inspires other aspiring student equestrians! Learn more about the USEA’s Intercollegiate Eventing Program here. 

Paige Thompson and Wreckless of Zipping (Cole). Photo by Xpress Foto.

In the fall of 2016 I arrived in Louisville, Kentucky with my two horses Cole and Mikey. After getting them settled into their new beautiful farm, my parents helped me move into my new dorm at the University of Louisville.

From a young age I always knew I wanted a career with horses, however my parents had also made it very clear that I was expected to receive a college education. When looking at schools, UofL quickly became my top choice. UofL has the unique Equine Industry Program, which allows students to receive a full bachelor’s degree in equine business.

On top of that, I knew the event trainer Lauren Ferguson was local to the area. I had met Lauren during high school when I was involved in the Area VIII Young Rider Program. She was extremely helpful during camps and clinics, so I knew she would offer my horses and I a great program to be a part of. Being able to continue competing my horses while going to school was a part of the deal with my parents.

There was never a question of selling the horses when it came time to go to college.  I am extremely lucky to have great parents that support my riding, but they have always had one condition: school comes first.

Paige Thompson and Magic Mike (Mikey). Photo by Lori Thompson.

The transition to college is a notoriously difficult one. However, I found that having my horses there with me from the beginning made it easier. I did not know anyone going into UofL, so being able to have a safe familiar place to go to everyday was extremely helpful. Since I got my first horse Cole at the age of 11, I have been going out to the barn everyday to ride and take care of him. So for me, making time to get out to the barn everyday was easy, it was a priority. In fact, I found that the more open-structured class schedule of college was a breath of fresh air.

As equestrians, most of us learn time management skills from young age, and college is the time to put those skills to use. Throughout my four years here, I did my best to schedule my classes as close together as possible so I would be able to spend all morning at the barn and all afternoon on campus, or vice versa. Additionally, I would try to schedule my classes all on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Mondays/Wednesdays in order to miss minimal class when it came time to travel to events on the weekends.

I was grateful to be welcomed into the Lauren Ferguson Event Team, which was filled with friendly faces; however I needed to get to know my fellow UofL students better. There was one thing missing from UofL when I came here: an eventing team. I decided there was no reason why this school shouldn’t have one, it is surrounded by event barns, and we have a hunt seat team, western team, saddle seat team, and polo team, so why not eventing?

The Equine Industry Program is a fairly small program, which made it easy to get to know everyone in it. Through my equine classes I knew of a few other girls who were into eventing, so I decided to reach out to them to see if they would be interested in helping me start an eventing team.

Paige Thompson and Wreckless of Zipping (Cole). Photo by Lori Thompson.

After some hard work establishing ourselves as a recognized student organization (or club) with UofL, we started the Louisville Eventing Team in the spring of 2017. Our new team started out small with just four members my freshman year, but now at the end of my senior year we are up to twelve and continuing to grow. I have served as President of the team throughout my time here, and have been extremely proud to see how much it has grown in such a short period of time.

We have worked to bring two more intercollegiate events to Area VIII, hosting challenges at both Spring Bay H.T. and Flying Cross Farm H.T. Last spring we went to our first Intercollegiate Championships at Chatt Hills in May and placed 6th out of 22 teams. The Louisville Eventing Team is made up of a great group of hardworking girls who have become some of my closest friends. I know they will continue to do fantastic things after I graduate this spring.

Paige Thompson and Wreckless of Zipping (Cole). Photo by Lori Thompson.

Now I was managing a team, competing two upper level horses, and maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Do not get me wrong, this is not easy. My trainer Lauren experienced the many mental breakdowns I would have at the barn when I was feeling overwhelmed. She would always do a great job of calming me down, reassuring me I was doing my best juggling everything.

Sometimes I would feel as though I wasn’t spending enough time with my horses, and other times I would feel like I hadn’t been focusing on my school work enough. When I do something, I want to do it well, which caused me to put a lot of pressure on myself both as a student and a rider. But as I learned throughout college, everything is a balance.

It is important to stick to a schedule for your horses, however it can become flexible when all of a sudden there’s a paper due tomorrow that you forgot about. I have learned is that it is okay to break down sometimes, but cry about it and then move on. Dwelling on how much you have to do isn’t going to help you get it done.

Paige Thompson and Magic Mike (Mikey). Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

My time in school with my horses has had many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. There were times where I felt completely defeated like when both Cole and Mikey sustained soft tissue injuries at the same time. However, I learned that I was surrounded by great people who were there to help me through anything. Lauren gave me the ride on her horse Slewdelu in order to keep me in the show ring, and I was able to compete him for two years up through the CCI2*-L level.

My fantastic vet Dr. Laura Werner helped me rehab my horses in order to come back better than ever. Cole went on to do two more CCI2*-Ls, and we competed in our first Intermediate horse trial last fall. Mikey made a strong comeback at the Intercollegiate Championships last May, and both horses had top five finishes at the 2019 AECs. All the patience, hard work, and stress become worth it in those moments.

With school I was recently named the 2020 Robert G. Lawrence award winner by the UofL Equine Industry Program. This award recognizes the top senior in the program, and is based on GPA, performance in equine classes, and is voted on by the equine faculty. I am extremely grateful for my college experience and all of the valuable lessons I have learned both inside and outside of the classroom.

For anyone questioning whether or not they should ride during college, I want them to know it is very doable, especially when surrounded by supportive friends and barn family. The USEA’s intercollegiate eventing program provides a great opportunity to get involved in a fun riding team atmosphere, while still supporting education. Even if your school doesn’t have an eventing team, you can start one or just enjoy your college experience with your horse by your side.

Paige Thompson with Slewdelu (Slick) and Wreckless of Zipping (Cole). Photo by Lori Thompson.

Learn more about the USEA’s Intercollegiate Eventing Program here. 

Handling Social Distancing and Horses: How Equestrians Can Safely Make the Most of It

By on Mar 31, 2020 9:01 am -

This time of social distancing and quarantine can feel scary, confusing, and strange – but it’s also important to adhere to these measures in order to keep yourself and those that you love and care about safe and healthy.

By self-quarantining, we are able to help protect ourselves and others from the coronavirus, and it allows us to help “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 cases. However, self-quarantining can also lead to a far lesser problem: boredom. And a serious one for many equestrians facing cancelled shows, events, and lessons: financial loss.

In order to help combat both of these, we’ve compiled a list of five ways to help you safely make the most of this time.

1. Spend quality time with your horse(s). – If you keep your horse at home or if your boarding facility is still allowing visitors, take advantage of the extra time to ride, get outside in the sunshine, love on, groom, and care for your horse.

There is currently no evidence that horses can spread or contract CO-VID19, which Palm Beach Equine Clinic explains further in this blog post.

2. Implement new cleaning and social distancing protocols at the barn in order to allow operations to safely continue. – While we do advise spending as much time with your horse as possible during this time, we also recommend only doing it safely. Now isn’t the time to organize a trail ride with 10 of your barn friends or to plan a clinic since your spring horse show was cancelled. Instead, whether you’re a barn owner, boarder, or lesson student, it’s important to implement or follow some important new protocols.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Adhere to the CDC’s recommended six to nine feet of social distancing between you and others. That means limiting riding close together and not stopping to chat closely in the tack room or barn aisle. For barn owners or trainers continuing to provide lessons, Tara Swersie from Event Clinics recommends scheduling 15-minute blocks between lessons to help limit the number of people present at any time.
  • Along the same vein, group lessons should be limited to no more than four people – and possibly fewer depending on the size of the ring.
  • Clean and sanitize! Wherever you can, try to greatly reduce the number of shared items or surfaces such as whiteboard markers, pitchforks, and brooms. For places where it’s more difficult to reduce common contact, such as door knobs, crossties, light switches, or stall doors, incorporate frequent sanitization of these surfaces into your daily routine.

3. Try a new workout. – While going to the public gym isn’t advised (and currently in most areas isn’t allowed), there’s no reason not to work on your fitness during this time. Many fitness trainers and programs are currently offering free or greatly discounted online workouts, and YouTube workouts – like this Yoga For Equestrians routine with Yoga With Adriene – are always a great option.

If yoga is your thing (or if you’d like to try to make it your thing during self-quarantine), Yoga With Adriene has a great, free 30-day program, and CorePower is offering free yoga on demand.

If yoga isn’t your thing, Les Mills is also offering a 30-day free trial of all workouts on demand, like the program’s popular Body Pump class.

Here are a few easy-to-try-at-home CrossFit workout ideas, and the Fit Equestrian has programs specifically tailored to riders available for purchase here. The US Equestrian Learning Center even has a few workout videos!

BarnManager is a cloud-based software solution that provides horse owners and managers with the tools they need to streamline and simplify their daily management responsibilities. The program offers digitized record keeping for the many facets of horse care and has developed intuitive and simple business tools to make small business management accessible and easy. Want more daily news, tips, and motivation from BarnManager? Follow on Instagram here and like on Facebook here!

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Mar 31, 2020 12:01 am -

Who needs a bridle? Photo by Jane Allen.

Quarantine seemed like the perfect opportunity to try something new, so I’ve ditched my bridle. At first, I did it like a fun party trick, but now I’m really exciting about using this to help strengthen my other aids and my relationship with my horse. All was well when I first started in the area. I (mostly) had breaks and could turn. Next, I introduced hacking around the farm, and he was cool with that too. When I threw some cross rails into the mix, I wasn’t sure what Justin would think. Would I get bucked off? Thankfully not the case yesterday. What new things are you guys trying this spring? Let us know.

Tuesday News:

US Equestrian is now offering Fan Memberships at $20. Fan Membership gives access to all member benefits  including health and insurance discounts. Click here for more information.

British eventer Panda Christie is recovering from COVID-19, and wants to share her symptoms with the equestrian community. She and her family started feeling ill two weeks ago, and aside from the fevers and headaches, they all showed a loss of taste and smell. [Rider recovering from coronavirus urges others to be aware of symptoms]

The FEI has welcomed the news of new dates for the Tokyo Olympics. With the date nailed down, they report that they’re prepared to rework the international calendar due to recent cancellations. The European Championships is one event they are specifically reconsidering the dates for. [FEI President Welcomes Speedy Decision on Rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Dates]

We are sad to hear of the passing of Tricia Boone. Tricia was a tremendous supporter of the sport, and specifically Boyd Martin. She has been involved with some of his most successful horses including Blackfoot Mystery, Long Island T, Luke 140, Wabanaki and Maya. Our thoughts are with all of Tricias connections.  [Remembering Tricia Boone]

Tuesday Video: Kyle Carter taking his old friend Madison Park out for a lark.

Posted by Kyle Carter on Thursday, March 26, 2020

Equestrian Canada Suspends Sanctioned Events Through June 1

By on Mar 30, 2020 5:58 pm -

Photo via Wikimedia Commons

In its most recent update during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Equestrian Canada has announced that it will continue to suspend sanctioned events through June 1, 2020. Any competitions that are run during this time period will not serve as points accumulators or qualifiers, nor will riders achieve any ranking movement as a result of competing.

“All EC sanctioned competitions are suspended until June 1, 2020. For competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, qualification or rankings towards any EC awards program or team selection, and there will be no posting of results starting March 16, 2020. EC will continue to monitor the state of the pandemic and asses the need for further extensions to the suspension timeline.

EC also strongly recommends that equestrians refrain from participating in or attending competition during this time.”

This continued suspension follows other precautionary measures taken by Equestrian Canada, including the cancellation of all meetings and programs. The federation has also encouraged Canadians outside of the country to return home with the horses in order to avoid border closures and other complications; many Canadian riders, however, permanently base in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

[Equestrian Canada Statement on Coronavirus (COVID-19)]

Monday Video from CLM DWN: A Virtual Lesson with Beezie Madden

By on Mar 30, 2020 5:00 pm -

We can always learn a lot from our friends in other equestrian disciplines, particularly if that friend is a  our-time Olympian and four-time medalist in show jumping.

We’ve been enjoying Beezie Madden‘s The Madden Method videos here on Eventing Nation, and we’re delighted that Beezie is now inviting us to virtually sit in on some of the lessons she teaches. Beezie has long been a proponent of good flatwork and dressage basics as the best foundation for work over fences. If you’re missing lessoning on your own horse, which I’m sure you are, then take a peek into this group lesson which focuses on seat and hip angle on the flat and over cavalettis.

Of note: The lesson participants are members of Beezie’s crew who all have similar housing conditions. They are following applicable state and federal guidelines for social distancing.

Today is the Final Day to Apply for the 2020 Wilton Fair International Grant

By on Mar 30, 2020 3:30 pm -

Woodge Fulton and Captain Jack. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

Developing international talent continues to be a top priority for the eventing community, and it was the vision of David and Cheryl Lenaburg that brought the Wilton Fair Grant to life. A donation of $1,000,000 was made, earmarked for grants to be given out each year to riders who have not yet ridden for a senior team.

Owners of Wilton Fair for David O’Connor, the Lenaburgs watched as David’s then-blooming career flourished — he would go on to partner with “Wilbur” to win Rolex Kentucky in 1990, among numerous other career highlights. Truly, opportunity presented often opens the doors to change a rider’s life. And so, Wilton Fair’s legacy lives on, the grant born as a way to continue providing those opportunities to deserving and talented riders.

Today (March 30) is the final day to apply for the 2020 Wilton Fair International Grant. In order to apply, riders must meet the following criteria:

  • The Wilton Fair International Grant is available to U.S. citizens through the year of their 27th birthday.
  • Riders must not have ridden on an international senior team.
  • Applications are invited from riders competing successfully at the CCI4* level and above.
  • Applicants must be willing and able to apprentice with an approved rider/trainer in Europe within 12 months of receiving the grant.
  • Riders who have already trained overseas for an extended period of time are ineligible.
  • Must submit a Declaration of Interest by March 30.

If awarded, the Wilton Fair International Grant must be used to offset training, travel, living, and stabling costs. Ongoing reports on progress and how the grant is being used will also be required from the recipient.

The Declaration of Interest is the first step in the application process, which is followed by interviews should the applicant be moved forward. The decision will be made by the USEA Foundation along with recommendations from the United States Equestrian Emerging Athletes Group.

Best of luck to all applicants!

[USEA: Now Accepting Applications for the 2020 Wilton Fair International Grant]

Road to the Thoroughbred Makeover: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

By on Mar 30, 2020 2:00 pm -

For 616 accepted trainers, the journey to the Retired Racehorse Project’s 2020 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, has begun! The 2020 event will take place at Oct. 7-10 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Between now and then, five eventing trainers will be blogging their journeys, including their triumphs and their heartbreaks, successes and failures, for Eventing Nation readers. Today, we’re checking in with trainer Kristal Gessler. You can read her first RRP blog here.

Kristal is from Rexford, NY, and operates her business, Kristal Clear Equestrian, a new sport horse training facility specializing in restarting OTTBs, out of Burnt Hills, NY. This will be her second year competing in the Makeover — last year she finished 6th in eventing with her 4-year-old Prolific. This year she returns with Fraternal (barn name “Romeo”), a Godolphin-bred 2017 17-hand Thoroughbred gelding (Into Mischief  x Sister State, by A.P. Indy). Here is Kristal with her latest update:

Our daily groundwork sessions. Photo courtesy of Kristal Gessler.

In a world that has been completely turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic, I am one of many equestrian businesses that is now operating on a skeleton crew. As we are doing our very best to continue operations and training schedules as normal as possible, trying to cram everything into one day has proven to be exhausting and we are seriously missing our barn family/clients. But that’s enough of the doom and gloom we have all been bombarded with over the last few weeks. We are all in the same boat and just need to buckle down and get through this so we can get back to our normal lives/routines and competitions.

I introduced Fraternal (“Romeo”), my 2020 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover hopeful, to you in my last post. Fraternal enjoyed 60 days of turnout with a few buddies to let down and grow up a bit. During those 60 days, Fraternal enjoyed his weekly PEMF therapy sessions, chiropractic, and of course a new pedicure for his new career.

Fraternal quickly became the barn favorite because of his charming demeanor and never-ending antics. If there is anything even remotely edible and left within reach you can guarantee it will be in his stall/paddock. If you walk by his stall without acknowledging him you can be sure that a tantrum will incur until he receives the attention that he believes he is entitled to. Don’t even try to eat something in front of him as he believes whatever you are eating he must have (just like a toddler) and will consume whatever it is you have.

Fraternal is a barn favorite. Photo by Kristal Gessler.

I can’t even count the the times I’ve walked out to his paddock to find all the PVC drainage poles completely rearranged like a game of pick-up sticks, or better yet see him running around with them in his mouth like he is playing fetch. He is absolutely a giant toddler on four legs, but he keeps us all laughing and smiling every day.

After 60 days of leisure, the December 1 deadline approached and we were ready to start a workout regimen. Fraternal and I spent a lot of time on the ground establishing a connection and boundaries. Fraternal is everything a 3 year old should be: goofy, exuberant, opinionated, curious, talented, and just plain full of life.

Fraternal took to his new career like a fish to water. He soaked up everything like a sponge, working over cavaletti, through water, over small logs, ponying along with the more seasoned horses, assisting in lessons, and soon mastered the ground work like a seasoned pro.

We then moved on to working under saddle. As with most young OTTBs, during his first few rides he was a bit tense and unsure of what was going to be asked of him. As the days went on and he grew accustomed to his routine and what was expected, he slowly began to settle in and relax.

Body conditioning: top photo March 2020, bottom photo October 2019.

As with all of my young horses, desensitizing plays a huge role in my training. I want to set them up for success in any situation that may arise, so to prepare them for this I do my best to create situations and stimuli they may come upon at any of our competitions. Being an eventer and aiming to compete in eventing at the Makeover, there is a lot that Fraternal needs to become accustomed to seeing.

Fraternal has shown us that he is more of the sensitive type, as he is reactive to all noises and goings on around him. This means I am going to have to be even more diligent about desensitizing him to everything possible. Many of our training sessions have included me riding him while someone is walking/running around with an umbrella, flag, tarp, etc., encouraging him to ignore what is going on and try to only focus on me and what I’m asking.

As most of you know, asking this of a young horse can be extremely challenging. “Slow and steady” was our motto and after a few sessions I had his complete attention even when there was complete chaos going on around us.

We then introduced working with another horse in the ring. This has proven to be our biggest obstacle to overcome yet. As every time the other horse passes us or comes up behind us he decides it is playtime and tries to engage the other horse in a game of tag, catch me if you can or watch what I can do. Let’s just say it was a very interesting first few session with lots of laughs involved. As the days passed he became more comfortable with other horses working around him but would still throw out and antic or two just to see if I was paying attention.

Golf cart desensitizing. With our assistant Juliet trailing behind. Photo by Kristal Gessler.

Many of our days are spent just sitting on him teaching lessons so that he learns to be patient and can watch the more experienced horses jump around, hear them knock rails, listen to them galloping around, with absolutely no pressure or expectations for him. At most of our competitions there are many golf carts or mini bikes, bicycles, tractors, etc. going around the show grounds.

To help prepare him for this, we do weekly golf cart walks where he walks beside the moving golf cart, getting accustomed to all the noises that it might create. Walking alongside quietly while hearing all the noise on the road, Fraternal is quickly excitable but with a soft reminder is brought back to the correct working mindset and we can continue on.

As we work, one day at a time, we will hopefully continue to progress and begin our competition season once this virus has finally ended. For now it’s continuing on with our daily training schedule and doing the best we can in these uncertain times. Stay tuned for our monthly updates and training progress.

FEI Considering Alternative Dates for 2021 European Eventing Championships

By on Mar 30, 2020 12:00 pm -

Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke, and Cathal Daniels celebrate their individual medals at the 2019 European Eventing Championships. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Following the announcement of the new dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (July 23 to August 8, 2021), sports federations are now considering the impact the postponement will have on their own sporting calendars.

For equestrian sport, the new Olympic dates will run in conflict with the 2021 FEI European Championships, which is held every other year. Next year’s Eventing Championship is scheduled to take place in Haras du Pin, France, Aug. 11-15. The other disciplines are scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, Aug. 23-30.

When asked for date rescheduling feedback from the IOC, some federations — equestrian, as well as swimming, table tennis and triathlon — voiced a preference to hold the Olympics in the spring of 2021. While their request went unfulfilled, FEI President Ingmar De Vos praised the IOC for its swift decision-making in deciding new dates.

Today he issued the following response:

“While it was of course demoralising for everyone that the Games had to be postponed from their original dates in 2020, the decision was absolutely right in the current terrible global pandemic, but it is really good to have the new dates agreed so soon.

“The decision was taken in full consultation with all the International Federations, including the FEI, and we all had the opportunity to voice our opinions. Now, once the Covid-19 crisis is over, our athletes across both Games can get their training back on track with confidence, knowing exactly when they and their horse need to be at their peak.

“We are conscious of the fact that this has been a very complex decision for the IOC to make, with multiple factors to be taken into consideration. The athletes’ health and well-being across both Games, not just for equestrian sport, has to be the top priority, and we have all the protocols in place to protect our athletes – both human and equine – and help them to optimise their performance in the challenging climate we can expect in Tokyo.

“Of course there will be an impact on the international Calendar across all sports, and from an FEI perspective this includes four major European Championships, but we are already looking at ways we can minimise that impact. The remit for our discipline-specific task forces that are evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on the 2020 Calendar has now been expanded to cover 2021. Now we have confirmed dates for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, we need to explore possible alternatives for a number of major FEI Events, notably the European Championships in Jumping, Dressage and Para Dressage in Budapest, and the European Eventing Championships in Haras du Pin, France. This process will be started immediately.

“We need to also look at deadlines for obtaining minimum eligibility requirements and extending the deadline for registration of ownership for Olympic horses and will announce those as soon as possible, but we have had confirmation from both the IOC and IPC that National Olympic and Paralympic Committees which have been allocated Olympic or Paralympic quota places will retain them despite the postponement of the Games to next year.”

[FEI President welcomes speedy decision on rescheduled Tokyo 2020 dates]