DEAR 2021 WAREDACA CLASSIC 3 DAY competitor,

You have worked hard to prepare, compete, qualify and keep you and your pony sound!! Now enjoy the experience!!

We are all here to help you get thru the finish flags of the Sunday Jumping Phase! So please ask any question beforehand to get the right answer. Thanks in assisting us by keeping our grounds and farm with ‘zero impact’ from the competition-we sure appreciate that extra effort on your part! Most of all—’safely’ meet new friends and have fun!

This is an information update, which should clarify any questions you may have about COCID 19 LOGISTICS.

Preliminary Summary of Classic Protocol:

The Waredaca Committee has given this much consideration over the past few months and have developed a plan approved by the USEA and USEF to conduct the event.  Waredaca was the ONLY Classic to run in 2020!   While this written summary will take you thru each phase and area, which will sent closer to your arrival date,  we also recognized the value of discussing the week as a group, having the ability to dialogue about any anything unclear.   

That is why the WEDNESDAY 6 PM BRIEFING IS SCHEDULED.  It is IMPORTANT THAT EVERY rider entered will be required to be IN ATTENDANCE OR have a suitable representative identified in advance if you are still traveling.

As you read the summary that follows, note any questions that come to mind to further discuss at the Briefing.  Be mindful that this is indeed a summary and not a detailed description.

From the USEF Covid 19 Action Plan AND our local county government that supersedes the USEF protocol. f

Montgomery County Department of Health strongly recommends that all non-vaccinated individuals over the age of 2 years continue to wear face coverings in all indoor settings outside of their home and in outdoor settings when physical distancing cannot be maintained. 

 

Face Coverings/Masks • Competition Organizers of USEF licensed competitions must comply with state and local requirements regarding use of face coverings/masks. In the absence of state or local requirements, USEF recommends compliance with CDC guidelines. In an effort to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19, Competition Organizers can impose more restrictive requirements if they so choose. You can find recommendations for proper use of face coverings/masks via the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website. When state or local authorities, or a competition organizer requires the wearing of a face covering/mask at a competition, the following applies: • To eat or drink, an individual must move far enough away from others to minimize the possibility of being within six feet of any other individual before the lowering the face covering/mask to eat or drink. The face covering/mask must be immediately replaced over the nose and mouth when finished.

Social Distancing • Enforce social distancing requirements throughout the competition grounds at all times in accordance with state, local or Competition Organizer requirements.

 

Everyone is responsible for reading and complying with these recommendations.  Facial covering and physically distancing are two that are most important.  Upon arrival, everyone should have a facial covering  in a pocket for quick access.  Everyone must also remember to physically distance themselves from anyone near you—6 feet minimum if not a family member.   

We all know there are times when distancing is going to be challenged  ie care during the 10 minute box ( which will be the subject of future communication ).  If and when, complete whatever task is occurring and then resume distancing with masks accessible.

Stabling: Again this year, we are using FEI Stabling (feistabling.com) . These stalls are top of the line.  In addition to being larger, they also include wide, covered aisles.   See additional details in the Omnibus.  This is an area where greater risk of Covid transmission can occur UNLESS everyone is diligent about remaining distanced from anyone not a family member or known associate at all times.  Self accountability will be expected.  

Briefing and unmounted educational sessions:  Small groups will be scheduled and staggered in start/end times—ie course walks.  Any outside group session will enforce distancing and anyone can also wear a mask anytime they wish.  Our evening sessions will be held in our large indoor arena-everyone will bring their own chair, water bottle and space apart when getting food and in placement for the discussions.  Masks are necessary here please.

Mounted activities and phases:  Same principle and plan.  Warm up areas will be managed accordingly.  Altho spectators are permitted, please try and only have those people essential to you at the farm.  

Veterinary issues:

Again, same as above.  Here are the Guidelines that our Vet Drs. Stephanie and Chad Davis and the committee have developed.  While not absolute, we feel these will work for everyones safety:

CLASSIC Eventing Long Format COVID-19 VETERINARY  Plan

Objective: Maintaining ideal welfare of each horse while minimizing risk of COVID 19 transmission for people.

In Barns:

  • UPON arrival….by appointment for soundness (Fit to Compete) and TPR; schedule with Lorraine or Cindy
  • Safety bracelets to identify approved competitors and support teams.
  • Farrier by appointment to encourage social distancing.  This is for any unexpected non urgent farrier needs that may develop.
  • Hand Sanitizer will be outside of each barn.  ALL in stabling are required to bring your own and use their own frequently as well.
  • All required documentation must be provided 7 days prior to competition in electronic form. No day of form submissions will be accepted** – to include coggins, health certs, proof of vaccinations etc.
  • Competition meetings will be held either outdoors or indoor arenas with social distancing rules
  • Pre Arrival Stable office and communications done electronically via Cindy                 [email protected]
  • Veterinarian and rider only to meet to during in-barns unless another individual is needed to trot the horse for examination.

Horse Inspection:

  • Only GJ, Vet, Announcer and Photographer along with rider plus horse; TD can supervise distancing and flow
  • Holding area: rider, support member and additional holding vet
  • Assign times for small groups to proceed for horse inspection so as to reduce crowding of people

10 min vet box and finish

  • Each competitor will have an assigned area for their vet box and finish (based on timetable and identified by competitor number to reduce confusion.  Vet box and finish may be sectioned into multiple  areas.
  • Vet box and finish will be roped off so no one other than competition rider, 2 support members, veterinarian, 2 scribes (runners) will be in the area at any one time
  • Water troughs will be assigned to different sections of the vet box and finish so as to reduce foot traffic and social distancing. 
  • Unless indicated based on in-barn exams or occurrences requiring veterinary examination, horses in the 10-min vet box will be sent toward the  start box of XC 7-8mins after entering the vet box to reduce traffic.  The same will be true for the finish box where the horses will then proceed back to stabling.
  • No veterinary mandate for mandatory TPR at the beginning or end of 10-min vet box, as well as the finish.

Goal/Commentary:

  • Education of horse owner/rider on the discipline of Eventing and the care required to maintain their horse’s fitness/health from beginning to end of competition
  • Education can be accomplished in limited capacity to just rider and support team members (2) in an open-air space using loudspeakers.
  • Limited interactions with the veterinarian will be required except in cases where veterinarian deems intervention   needed/required throughout the event including the 10-min vet box and the finish
  • Maintain COVID-19 rules per the Federal, State and USEF/USEA mandates throughout the competition area/grounds
  • Any planned ‘social gatherings’ activities would be conducted outside in large space while enforcing physical distancing.
  • Communications with veterinarian and veterinary support team can be made via cellular, electronic or radio

By this point, you are probably feeling information overload!!  One of the most important things to remember is that this is both an educational and competitive experience.  You have worked hard to be here and we want you to have a safe and enjoyable Classic!!! And, even with all the extra layers, you, your horse and your team will have a fabulous experience!! That is as much our objective as anything is!!

On behalf of my very experienced and dedicated committee, we hope to see you in October galloping the Chase course and smiling from ear to ear!!!

Committee: Gretchen Butts, Pat Mansfield, Cindy Wood, Chris Donovan, Michele Schwartz, Lorraine Hutson, Chris Arthur, Kelley Williams, Steph Kohr and (honorary)  Beth Sokohl.

From Stable Manager Lorraine, assisted by Cindy:

WAREDACA THREE DAY CHECK-IN PROCEDURES
1. You will arrive between 12 and 6 on Wednesday the 20 th (unless other arrangements have been made)
2. Yow will be greeted by Cindy Wood or Lorraine Hutson, who will check to make sure all waivers and paperwork is done for your support staff (riders will be complete!!)
3. They will then direct you to your stall, please unload only what is necessary to set up stalls, and get horses settled.
4. Trailers are then parked at the other end of the farm, so pack accordingly; those that have tack stalls, please initially offload your gear then come back to set up tack stall after parking trailers to avoid bottlenecks around the barns.
5. Plan on bringing what you need each day from your trailer until you determine how best to use the space in from of your stalls to store items.
6. Gates will open at 6AM each morning (No earlier).
7. Departures will be the same as arrivals, please try to take everything to your trailer prior to bringing it up to the barns, so all you have to do is load the horse and leave.
Looking forward to seeing everyone!!

GENERAL LOGISTICS ONCE YOU ARE HERE AND SETTLED IN…..

PLEASE OBSERVE THE SIGNS DIRECTING THE WAY TO THE DRESSAGE AND JUMPING AREAS; KEEP HORSES OFF THE ROAD WHICH MUST BE KEPT CLEAR FOR OFFICIAL VEHICLES AND EMERGENCY TRANSPORT

 Waredaca Classic Stabling Address:   4023 Damascus Road; Gaithersburg, Md;

Waredaca Business Office: 301 570 4191–routine concerns

PACKETS will be dispensed at the WEDNESDAY EARLY EVENING briefing.

Official NOTICE BOARD near stable office for your frequent review.

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! TALK DIRECTLY TO CINDY OR LORRAINE AROUND THE STABLE OFFICE —THANKS!

XC maps will be available on the website by Tuesday, the 19th, for you to download and print.  There will be NO other HARD COPY AVAILABLE other than those posted on your notice board which you can photo and store via your cell phone.  

TRACKS FOR A, B, C AND D OFFICIAL AND OPEN AS OF 1 PM Thursday

Lorraine is the Classic ON SITE Stable Manager capably assisted at times with Cindy who is also the competition secretary for the Classic and Horse trials; expect to see less of her presence in the stabling area as the weekend progresses. The Classic Stable Office is at Classic Stabling and the HT Secretary’s Office is located in the corner office at the Red Indoor under the banner. You will find either at the end of your cell phone or at one of the above locations.

                  Jocelyn Hawe  603 303 3372  IS THE RIDER REP FOR ALL LEVELS -contact info on Notice Board.

FOOD CONCESSION….IS LOCATED IN THE STABLING AREA throughout the Three Day; ADDITIONAL weekend VENDORS MAY BE IN THE MAIN CORNER PARKING FIELD

PARKING for all commuting competitors under the direction of CINDY WOOD and will be based out of our corner parking field at the intersection of Damascus and Howard Chapel Road.

SCORES will be posted on live via Evententries LIVE SCORING  and one copy on the the Notice Board in the Stable Office.

MANURE…ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS.

STABLING INFO/Assignments are not to be changed.

HACKING Wednesday arrivals can hack in the grass field between stabling and the Indoor Arena; not on the XC courses. DURING SELECT TIMES PUBLISHED ON YOUR SCHEDULE.…The Roads and Tracks/A and C will be available after your Thursday afternoon tour and ON FRIDAY.  More details explained at the briefing Wednesday.The Indoor arena is available during the day light hours for schooling. All horses must have a bridle number when out of their stall.

Classic3D event PHOTOGRAPHER is   GRC Photography   www.grcphoto.com

Classic3D event VIDEOGRAPHER is Patrick..http://www.videobypatrick.com/

WASH AREA…buckets from the water truck is your best bet; 3 wash racks available also

LUNGEING can be done in grass field near stabling complex.

SUNDAY SJ ***RIDERS WILL JUMP IN REVERSE ORDER OF STANDING *

ABSOLUTELY no paddock turnout please!

NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES ANYWHERE ON THE XC COURSES. USE THE PAVED DRIVEWAYS TO ACCESS

THE Indoor Arena will be the site of the EVENING DINNERS, park in Stabling and walk up the lane; anyone who is unable to walk, please chat with Cindy or Gretchen about options—thanks. Use Damascus Road to travel to and from Stabling and your trailer, PLEASE, NO driving anywhere on the grass fields in-between.

FARRIER ON CALL WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, FRIDAY LOCATED ATOP THE RED BANK BARN IN THE CENTRAL AREA—SEE LORRAINE IF YOU NEED HIM; IN THE TEN MINUTE BOX DURING SATURDAY XC; SUNDAY LOCATED ATOP THE RED BANK BARN. Contact info on stall card

ELIMINATED RIDERS IF ELIMINATED IN ONE PHASE FOR ANY REASON OTHER THAN A TECHNICAL ELIMINATION, THERE WILL BE NO CONTINUING TO THE NEXT PHASE.  ANY TE WILL BE HANDLED BY THE GJ.

AWARDS AND PRIZE CEREMONY   MOUNTED FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF YOUR DIVISION ON SUNDAY!

DOGS….if they are here, they MUST be leashed at all times

 

 

CAR, TRUCK, SHOPPING NEEDS:

CAR/VAN TROUBLES?????

             ASK ROBERT OR ROB/WAREDACA STAFF

GAS OR DIESEL FUEL…..            Damascus or Olney or Glenwood, all within 10 miles of the farm

TUMMY HUNGRY????…

TURN RIGHT on DAMASCUS ROAD….

FOUR MILES ON YOUR LEFT

IS THE ETCHISON STORE…DELI, SNACKS, AND BEVERAGES ETC

NINE MILES INTO THE TOWN OF DAMASCUS…

SHOPPING CENTER AT FIRST LIGHT ON YOUR RIGHT JUST PAST THE LIBRARY….SAFEWAY GROCERY STORE; LEDOS ITALIAN RESTAURANT, CHINESE CARRY OUT, CHIPOTLE MEXICAN, DOLLAR STORE, PET VALU, DUNKIN DONUTS AND BASKIN ROBBINS

AT NEXT LIGHT/INTERSECTION OF RT 27; TURN RIGHT; PERUVIAN CHICKEN ON YOUR LEFT; JIMMY CONE ICE CREAM NEXT TO IT; MCDONALDS ON YOUR RIGHT

STRAIGHT THRU LIGHT, CONTINUE AROUND TO YOUR LEFT FOR APP 1/2 MILE; BURGER KING, TACO BELL, KFC,  PAPA JOHNS ON LEFT THEN A SHORT DISTANCE FARTHER TO WEISS SHOPPING CENTER…WEISS GROCERY STORE, NY PIZZA ITALIAN RESTAURANT, CHINESE CARRYOUT

 

TURN LEFT ON DAMASCUS RD

ONE MILE UP THE ROAD ON YOUR LEFT AT TRAFFIC LIGHT

SUNSHINE STORE…OPENS AT 5AM; BREAKFAST AND LUNCH; LOCAL FAVORITE;

EMPIRE MARKET ACROSS ON YOUR LEFT—A VARIETY OF FOOD AND SNACK OPTIONS

TURN RIGHT AT THE LIGHT, HEADING SOUTH ON 97; PROCEED APP. 7 MILES INTO TOWN OF OLNEY; AT MAIN INTERSECTION OF ROUTES 108 AND 97;

TURN RIGHT THEN ON  YOUR LEFT 

AT TOWNE CENTER SHOPPING AREA… BAGEL BAKERY, LEDOS ITALIAN, OLNEY GRILL, THAI, JERSEY MIKES, TAPAS, POPEYES

TURN LEFT AT THE INTERSECTION OF 108 AND 97; TWO SHOPPING CENTERS ON YOUR LEFT,

FIRST SHOPPING CENTER:    TJ MAXX, HOME GOODS, IHOP, COLDSTONE, MAMA LUCIAS, DUNKIN DOUGHNUTS, FIVE GUYS, CHIPOTLE

SECOND SHOPPING CENTER:  SUBWAY, CHINESE, ITALIAN, PANERA, STEAK AND GRILL MARX, HARRIS TEETER, GREEN TURTLE

ON YOUR RIGHT, MEXICAN, CVS DRUGSTORE, BAKERY, STARBUCKS COFFEE, YOGURT

LODGING:

Comfort Inn Shady Grove, 16216 Frederick Road, Gaithersburg, MD  20877, (301) 330-0023 or toll free (888) 605-9100 for reservations.

Camping: Not available.