The 2020 USEA Area 1 Championships, originally scheduled to take place at the GMHA September H.T. (Sept. 12-13 in South Woodstock, Vermont), have been postponed to the GMHA Spring Horse Trials in June of 2021.
Suzanne Adams, Area 1 Chair, issued the following explanation on behalf of the Area I Council in a newsletter this afternoon:
First let’s celebrate that Area 1 has kicked off our season and the first three events went off without a hitch. Everyone at the shows respected the USEF/USEA COVID-19 guidelines — social distancing, mask wearing while not riding and I suspect that we all are experts at washing our hands. I look forward to continuing the season with more competitions and continued health for all.
But let’s all agree that we are in a new normal and things are not quite the same. Cross-border travel restrictions, health concerns and a limited season made the Area 1 Council and GMHA, our Championship host venue, consider the logistics of holding the Area 1 Championships at the GMHA September Horse Trials.
After surveying our membership (thanks to all respondents and to Amy Winnen for conducting the survey), we knew that there was interest and desire for the Area to hold Championships as well a many who were cautious/reluctant to attend because of COVID-19.
With the support of GMHA, it was recommended and approved to postpone running the 2020 Area 1 Championships until the GMHA Spring Horse Trials in 2021. Let me explain:
If you qualified for the 2020 Area 1 Championships (qualifying period 8/6/19 – 8/25/20), you will have the opportunity to compete for the Area 1 Championships at the GMHA Spring Horse Trials in June of 2021.
If you qualify for the 2021 Area 1 Championships (qualifying period 8/26/20 – opening day of 2021 GMHA Fall Horse Trials), you will be able to compete at the 2021 GMHA Fall Horse Trials.
Yes, there is a potential that you could qualify and compete at 2 Championship events in 2021. Good for you!
Also included in the newsletter:
- Updates on the National Adult Team Championships at the AEC and the Regional Adult Team Challenge at Town Hill Horse Trials
- Updates for Area 1 Young Riders
You can view a calendar of remaining USEA Area 1 events in 2020 here. Visit the Area I website here.
