Photo credit: Taylor Rains/Phelps Media Group
Spring is here! Bluebirds and juncos are flocking to the Northeast, along with supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. The concentrated sunlight is melting snow and ice, and the bitter winds are changing into soft breezes. Sadly, though, the stubborn virus that has ravaged the world is sticking around, continuing to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. And, as it did last year, the virus is dashing the hopes of equestrians and event sponsors for a more normal season of horse shows, steeplechases and timber races.
Bound by COVID-related protocols, though, the shows must—and will—go on. Some shows will be virtual. Some will be live. All will proceed in the menacing shadow of the pandemic.
The USEF is requiring all sanctioned shows to follow strict safety procedures. In most cases for the early Spring events, there will be fewer spectators—or no spectators at all. Additionally, face masks are mandatory for everyone—staff, officials, volunteers, service providers and participants. Social distancing—minimum six feet—is also mandatory. There are also rules for stabling horses, and for handling the arrival and departure of horses to limit contact between people. The rules are detailed, comprehensive and insistent reminders of the pandemic’s toll on virtually every aspect of life.
But There Will Be Competition!
Even as organizations wrestle with new rules and the ongoing pandemic, they’ve proved that resilience and flexibility are part of the equestrian world’s DNA. Consider these upcoming races and shows:
- April 4, beginning at 11 a.m. Brandywine Hills Point to Point, benefits Brandywine Red Clay Alliance (BRC). There will be no spectators for this 78th running of the Brandywine Hills Point to Point. All competitors are required to provide proof of a negative COVID test. Even though there will be no spectators, there will be raffles! To find out more about how to contribute and support BRC, check out the BRC website: www.brandywineredclay.org Click on Programs and Events.
- April 8-11, Equine Affaire, in Columbus, OH. This event will be totally virtual. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect each and every one of us, our surroundings, and our businesses. Infection numbers continue to increase and while there is hope that the pandemic will begin to subside in 2021, we sadly share that Equine Affaire in Ohio…will not take place as an ‘in person’ event.” The virtual event will be free, and will include shopping, educational programs, interviews, virtual horse and rider competitions and more. Visitors can access the programming beginning at 9:00 a.m. on April 8. To get information about how to access Equine Affaire, check the website: www.equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/virtual-event/
- April 11, My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase, in Monkton, MD. Limited tickets for spectators. Ticket holders from the canceled 2020 race were given the opportunity to purchase tickets for this year’s race. After March 15, tickets became available to the general public on a first come, first served basis. My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase has marked the beginning of the Maryland Timber Racing season since 1902. For more information about My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase, and to learn more about its 119-year history, check out their website: www.manorraces.com
- April 17, Grand National Steeplechase, in Reisterstown, MD. The 118th running of the Grand National Steeplechase will limit the number of spectators. Race organizers note that the situation is in flux and it’s possible that Baltimore County and the State of Maryland may change regulations closer to race day. “As such, all communication concerning ticket availability, attendance and race terms and conditions is subject to change. Further updates will be posted on the race website as more information becomes available.” The website is: www.grandnationalsteeplechase.com
- April 24, Maryland Hunt Cup, in Reisterstown, MD. The 124th running of “Maryland’s Timber Tradition” will limit the number of spectators. “In these unprecedented times, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the health of our greater community, volunteers, supporters and participants is of paramount concern. We are currently planning on running the 124th Maryland Hunt Cup, with or without spectators. Regulations and restrictions are changing constantly,” said the note on their website. They urge people interested in securing tickets to check their website on April 1, when ticket sales may resume. General parking passes and patron passes are unavailable for 2021. To stay abreast of ticket availability, check the website at: www.marylandhuntcup.com
- May 8, Willowdale Steeplechase, in Chester County, PA. Race organizers have decided to limit the number of people on the property this year, so there will be no general admission attendance or race-day activities where crowds might gather. There will be a limited number of Private Party Paddocks available on a first come, first served basis. Up to six people are permitted in each Private Party Paddock, which will include a 10 ft. x 10 ft. tent, and an eight-foot table. The Willowdale Steeplechase benefits the Stroud Water Research Center and the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. “The Willowdale Steeplechase helps to further the stewardship of our natural resources and educate the next generation of large animal veterinarians.” To find out more, or to support the beneficiary organizations, check the website at: www.willowdalesteeplechase.org
- May 15, Radnor Hunt Races in Chester County, PA. The 90th edition of this Chester County race will continue the tradition of raising money for the Brandywine Conservancy. This Race for Open Space will be somewhat circumscribed by COVID-19. “The safety and well-being of our spectators, competitors, officials and volunteers is our top priority. Due to COVID-19, our planning decisions are being guided by government mandates and public health guidelines and will require some changes to the event.” Attendance will be limited, and ticket sales opened in stages. The first group of individuals eligible for tickets were those who rolled their 2020 ticket purchases over for this year’s event. The next group of tickets will be offered to individuals who purchased tickets in 2020 and received refunds. The general public will be able to purchase the remaining tickets, beginning on April 1. To learn more about the Radnor Hunt Races or the Radnor Hunt, check the website: www.brandywine.org/conservancy/events/radnor-hunt-races
- May 30, Winterthur Point to Point in New Castle County, DE. This 43-year tradition across the rolling hills of Winterthur, normally held the weekend before Mother’s Day, will also likely change more than its date in 2021. The organizers are waiting for approvals of their plans from the State of Delaware. “We hope to have a very safe and fun-filled event again this May. Please understand that large gatherings require exceptional care in planning.” They’ll be releasing more information about ticket sales, etc., and will post updated information on their website: www.winterthur.org/exhibitions-events/events/point-to-point-steeplechase/
- May 27-June 6, Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, the great-grandparent of today’s multi-breed horse shows. Started as a one-day show in 1898, the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair hosts rising stars, superstars and the superstars of tomorrow. And over the years, this legendary horse show has raised more than $16 million for Bryn Mawr Hospital. Advance ticket sales began in March, and there are numerous logistical issues to ensure that the Horse Show conforms to the USEF rules. With nearly two months to go before horses and trainers and riders—not to mention spectators—arrive in Devon, the picture might change dramatically. To stay on top of any changes, check the website: www.devonhorseshow.net
Few will miss the pandemic cliches that have permeated the media and conversations among co-workers, friends and family. “An abundance of caution.” “Social distancing.” “Mask up.” “We’re in this together!” “New normal.” And the dreaded “pivot.” Looking ahead to the somewhat abbreviated or altered traditions that have historically brought equestrians and horse lovers together in a joyful community focused on competition and the arrival of Spring, it’s useful to look at Spring 2021 as a true rebirth. Next year may surely be different—closer to what everyone once enjoyed without giving much thought to the richness of the experience.