Macella's Corner S
by Macella O'Neill
WORKING TOGETHER
itting there in Las Vegas it was hard to believe that was the last show of the 2012 season for Diamond Mountain as well as most of the barns. It's
been a long year and the idea of starting it all over again very shortly leads me to my "wish list" of things that I think would improve our lives as we pursue our all consuming endeavor, embodying the axiom with very little rest for the wicked! My first thought, while we may be willing to spend week after week on the road
and competing, how do our horses feel about it? Much more than the physical act of jumping I believe that the stresses of travel, irregular hours, fed, water; inces- sant noise and varying surfaces and weather (and I'm sure factors I'm leaving out), really wear our horses down. Increasingly we all seem to be able to participate in
"circuits" which mitigate many of these stresses, and to a greater degree than is possible in a week long for- mat, manage the horse’s schedules. Without having to travel every Monday, they stay settled into a familiar format which is easier on them. One thing that seems easy to do in today's highly
electronic world would be for course designers in a given circuit to communicate with each other preced- ing and during the circuits. This continuity as well as maintaining diversity could really allow those of us participating to receive the maximum benefit that many of these top course designers could provide for us. Instead of one week really big courses, then small- er courses under the same specifications, it could al- low us more consistent information from which to make our decisions. What horses do we bring to each show, knowing ahead of time what to expect, would certainly help all of us. Until our sport determines exact specifications for each meter standard, there are way too many variables all within the specs. Also, protocols in place for whatever the environ-
mental or health challenges each circuit faces. For instance wind is a factor in the desert, rain in North- ern California, heat in Los Angeles. When the wind gets to a specific mph as reported by the neighboring airport that constantly monitors the wind or when the show has to cancel or reschedule for rain, the shows need a comprehensive communication policy so exhibitors know, not just word of mouth on the showgrounds. Again, in this age of electronics it seems particularly easy to promptly let every exhibitor know what decisions are made instead of competitors hoping to run into someone who knows. Whatever system each management thinks is the best solution for them, but something in place to protect the horses well-being and to avoid any unnecessary chaos, which we all know there will be plenty of despite everyone's best efforts! And interestingly on the topic of the state of the
economy and the industry, Las Vegas management made the first steps to really taking care of riders and owners. FEI riders and owners were taken into con- sideration and the management’s appreciation was certainly noticed. Riders and owners both received complimentary VIP passes and FEI World Cup riders hotel rooms were complimentary, a very nice touch. There currently exists a large group of trainers who
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iJumpSports.com
have the success record and credentials of having developed good horses over the years, maintained horses and customers for years, been good athletes and competitors as well as run- ning businesses. The changes in the sport and the economy have made it extremely difficult to have a pathway to follow and advance or even support their own careers. The steps a management takes to work together with trainers benefits the horseshows as well by encouraging consistent patronage. Nothing works as well as something that works for everyone, and everyone
working together. ◊
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