With life slowly getting back to some kind of normal after months of lockdown and restrictions, we’re now seeing more and more places opening their doors again. But the even better news is that August has seen the return of competitive horse eventing – and we couldn’t be more pleased!
New eventing guidance
As with most sports, all equestrian eventing competitions are currently held behind closed doors with no spectators, but that hasn’t stopped many events from going ahead. While national-level competitions are either cancelled or still suspended, for now, local eventing is getting back on track.
Like everyone else over the last four or five months, 3 Donkeys HQ has had to get used to not being able to do much of what we usually get up to. Then, when we were allowed to do more, we had to adjust to some new rules. And the same applies to event competitors. So what does it mean for them and what they can and can’t do as eventing returns?
Of course, the key thing is to stick to the latest government advice and guidelines, as well as any direct rules regarding sporting events and event-specific rules. But here’s a few bullet points of note from the new guidance and key rules in place for competitors before, during, and after any event, as released by British Eventing.
- All riders, support, volunteers, and officials should social distance at all times and follow government and event advice on using PPE (mask, face coverings, gloves, hand sanitiser).
- Riders and support should bring their own PPE for use when social distancing is not possible, though hand sanitising stations may be on-site.
- All events are behind closed doors with no spectators and with minimal volunteers and officials on-site.
- One rider and one support per horse.
- Riders should print out and use their own bib number for the event.
- There will be no event office or secretary on-site and no screens or scoreboards. All event information will be online.
- Event Track & Trace will be in operation, but all competitors are advised to complete their event and leave as soon as possible.
Of course, there are plenty of other changes and new rules all event riders should be aware of – these examples only really scratch the surface. For the full list and more information, read British Eventing’s Member Protocols document.
Keep clean, protected, and safe with 3 Donkeys
While all the new rules and precautions are completely necessary, they do make life a little harder for competitors. Used to having their team around them, having just one support per rider, per horse will make for a hectic and busy day – even more than normal. So in that respect, we feel for every rider and their team.
But, while we can’t be there to cheer the competitors on in person, we’ve recently released our latest product in the 3 Donkeys store so we can be there in spirit. Check out our new, one size, 3 Donkeys’ branded face masks. Double-layered and fully machine washable, they’ll keep you safe and looking great all at the same time.
And for any competitors or support team crew, we have a full stock of our Dartmoor and Classic 2-into-1 ladies coveralls to keep you clean and protected throughout your eventing day. Plus, we also have our full range of 3 Donkeys apparel available too.
So if you’re competing at any events, stay safe and don’t forget to tag @3donkeysclothing into your Instagram feed if you’re using your 3 Donkeys gear.