April 2021 Issue

Page 24 April 2021 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN (Continued on page 29) By Suzanne Bush Spring is here! Bluebirds and juncos are flocking to the Northeast, along with supplies of COVID-19 vaccines. The concen- trated 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 pro- tocols, 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 Light at the End of the Tunnel: Shows, Events Carefully Resume spectators at all. Additionally, face masks are mandatory for every- one—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 de- tailed, comprehensive and insistent reminders of the pandemic’s toll on virtually every aspect of life. But There Will Be Competition! Even as organizations wres- tle with new rules and the ongo- ing 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, EquineAffaire , in Columbus, OH. This event will be totally virtual. “The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect each and every one of us, our surround- ings, 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. onApril 8. To get infor- mation about how to access Equine Affaire, check the website: www. https://equineaffaire.com/events/ ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general- information/virtual-event/ • April 11, My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase , in Monk- ton, MD. Limited tickets for spectators. Ticket holders from the canceled 2020 race were given the opportunity to pur- chase 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 Steeple- chase, 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 concern- ing 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, vol- unteers, supporters and partici- pants 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 Stee- plechase , 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 activi- ties 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 Pennsyl- vania New Bolton Center. “The The pandemic canceled the 2020 Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, but the show is scheduled to return for its 125 th running May 27 to June 6, 2021. In this file photo from 2019, McLain Ward is shown winning the Sapphire Grand Prix at Devon on Clinta. Photo credit: Taylor Rains, Phelps Media Group