Hunter Oaks Recap
Send to friendThere has been some confusion among a few disappointed competitors as to what happened last Sunday at Hunter Oaks. At the 10am rider meeting, Cindy DePorter was very clear that we would have a 90 min DELAY, not a cancellation of the event. Those that "heard" otherwise and packed up to leave missed the opportunity to complete the event. Some understandably chose to withdraw, but stayed to watch or coach others. We had a great time and I'm sorry for those who misunderstood and left too soon. We actually made the announcement to resume indoors just less than an hour following the 10am meeting and walked through all the barns 11:00 - 11:30 to make sure everyone heard the announcement.
Please see the recap below for details! And please check out the attached photos!
stadium photo credit: D&G Photography
Just saw the rainy pic someone submitted from last Sunday's Hunter Oaks Horse Trials stadium phase on Eventing Nation and wanted to share more. There is so much to appreciate about the weekend. What could have been another Combined Test turned out to be a lesson in determination and teamwork. I hope a positive message was taken away by most competitors. I know as an Organizer, I have a new appreciation for our show officials' commitment to the sport!
Friday was a lovely day. A bit warm, but 3 dressage rings and 3 horses down centerline at 8am. This was apparently just a "teaser" by Mother Nature. She had extreme weather in store for us!
XC on Saturday was VERY hot. Precautions were taken to help keep horses and riders as comfortable as possible. Jackets were waved all weekend. We went through 400 bags of ice. Our volunteers melted, but most endured with water & smoothie deliveries and competitors were able to enjoy the courses designed by John Williams. We had excellent media coverage and more spectators than ever! Hunter Oaks' Mexican Fiesta on Saturday night was well-attended by almost 200 people. Tons of door prizes & gifts donated by our vendors and twelve Raubacher Gallery's Animals to Wear saddle pads were given away!
Sunday morning was beautiful, but as soon as the I/P division finished their stadium rounds, massive dark clouds rolled covered the field. The forecast had been for "scattered showers", but this was clearly a storm. Competitors in the warm-up area were instructed to return to stabling. Everyone trotted back as winds picked up and some vendor tents blew down. We received 3.75 inches of rain in little more than an hour. The radar forecast was bleak.
This was a very unexpected situation with almost no warning, so a rider meeting was called at 10am and facts were reported by the President of the Ground Jury. There was thoughtful discussion. Our footing consultant was present and a vet shared her perspective. There was no event cancellation, but rather competitors supported the official decision to delay 90 minutes so the situation could be fully assessed. Calls were made, measurements were taken in the indoor arena, and volunteers were gathered to move fences indoors. We saw good, old-fashioned, "roll up your sleeves" hard work from officials Cindy DePorter and Cleon Wingard. The rulebook was reviewed again and again to ensure the course met proper competition standards. Although lighter rains continued, the outdoor arena was draining quickly and approx 2/3 could be used for warm-up. The officials confirmed the new plan would work and the announcement was made just prior to 11am that competition would proceed.
Prelim, Novice, Beg Novice, and Starter divisions were presented with safe and challenging courses in Hunter Oaks' indoor arena. We applaud our officials (who had also consulted with designer John Williams) for their willingness to go the extra mile with us! They pressed on without regard to personal schedules, flights, or fatigue. It would have been so much easier for everyone to load up and go home. The teamwork was really an effort to behold. . . .thank you Cindy and Cleon for your leadership and dedication to the sport!
For media footage of our event, please see www.HunterOaksFarm.com
Submitted respectfully by
Sandy Mercier - Organizer
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Cleon Wingard, Cindy DePorter, & Lori Hoos ready to officiate | 505.72 KB |
| D&G Michelle & Sir Malcolm Stadium Jumping | 67.26 KB |
| dark clouds! | 33.41 KB |
| Senor Carlos | 674.61 KB |
| Fiesta Cake | 483.63 KB |
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