Image courtesy of Morven Park Horse Trials.
This is the 46th year of horse trials at Morven Park, and like so much of 2020, it is not what any of us had planned or hoped for. Course building was underway for Morven Park’s first CCI4*L, with an exciting new course designed by Michael Etherington-Smith, and a CCI2*YH-S and CCI3*YH-S to showcase up-and-coming equine talent.
This would have been the first time a CCI4*-L course was offered at Morven Park, which was sure to attract Olympic competitors and hopefuls. Park staff were anticipating a record number of competitors, volunteers, and officials to attend from around the United States and other countries.
With COVID-19 restrictions in Virginia limiting event attendance to 1,000 participants, Morven Park made the difficult decision to cancel the FEI levels and concentrate on hosting a great event for the National levels, Novice through Advanced.
“We really did not want to cancel this event,” says Morven Park Executive Director (and former amateur event rider) Sheryl Williams. “Running five National levels instead of 11 National and FEI levels allows us to stay within the mandated limits and still achieve our goal to provide an outstanding eventing experience for our equestrian community.”
While no spectators will be allowed on the property for the event, all of the action will be covered here on Eventing Nation through the weekend. Our team will be working in conjunction with the photography team headed up by Erin Gilmore and Shannon Brinkman to bring you up-to-date information on the action as it happens.
Morven Park wishes to thank the volunteers, competitors, and supporters that are making this year’s Fall Horse Trials possible! Equestrian Center sponsors B&D Builders, LLC, SmartPak, Coat Defense, and Total Equine Veterinary Associates are joined by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, a Horse Trials GOLD sponsor for 2020.
COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines and all competitor information is available at MorvenPark.org/HorseTrials.
Morven Park Fall H.T.: [Website] [Entry Status/Ride Times] [Show Photographer] [Volunteer] [EN’s Coverage]
