Important Updates For This Week’s Show

Dear Friends,

After a brief hiatus, the weekly newsletter is back again! On Saturday, Hillary’s NO SHOW was a resounding success and it was gratifying to witness the level of protocol compliance on behalf of all the exhibitors. Moving forward, at 8:00 am this morning we will be in the final stretch…48 hours and counting until the official start of the first USEF horse show since September in San Juan Capistrano!

As a result of the uptick in the California COVID-19 numbers over the past week, the County and State requirements have been made even more stringent than they were before. We are operating under the protocol requirements for “professional sports without live audiences”, and that stipulation is meant to be taken literally…no spectators! Our event will be strictly monitored by the authorities, and photographic evidence of non-essential spectators watching the action or people violating the mask policy could jeopardize the existence of the horse show. What we found at the NO SHOW was that occasionally people slipped into their old habits and unintentionally violated the social distancing and mask policy. In those instances however, all it took was a smile and a polite “nudge” to remind them of the policy and of the serious consequences to the sport if the event is shut down. It will be greatly appreciated if all of us can keep a watchful eye out for one another and make it our collective responsibility to encourage compliance.

Melissa asked if I would include the following reminders to my newsletter:

• Please remember to complete the online release for this week’s show prior to arrival.
• Also, please review and familiarize yourself with all the current protocols.
• Allow ample time for the check-in process…Each day you will receive a wristband and have your temperature checked prior to entering the facility.
• Upon arrival in your car, please have your mask on and your waiver confirmation code ready, in order to expedite the check-in procedure.
• Also as a reminder, shower trailers are not available on the grounds.
• And until further notice, braiding is optional.

Blenheim EquiSports, an equestrian event management company based in San Juan Capistrano, CA, produces events in three locations: San Juan Capistrano, Del Mar and Las Vegas, NV. The events include 19 USEF “Premier” rated hunter-jumper shows featuring five FEI CSI events, including a Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League event; the Markel Insurance 1.40m – 1.45m Jumper Series & Final, Developing Jumper Qualifiers & Championships, USHJA International & National Hunter Derbies, Pony Derby Finals, the Whitethorne Equitation Challenge, Medal Finals and more. New for 2020 – an additional four County Horse Shows sanctioned by the Orange County Horse Show Association and the Greater San Diego Hunter-Jumper Association.