SITUATION UPDATE Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) – All EV Events Suspened

19 March 2020

Equestrian Victoria’s (EV) first priority is the safety of our members and our community. 

As an organisation we continue to closely monitor the developing COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation and now formally advise that effective immediately, all Equestrian Victoria affiliated events have been suspended until such time as the State of Emergency has been downgraded. 

These decisions have been made in the best interest of member safety and community wellbeing, and for the following reasons:

Firstly, it is Equestrian Victoria’s expectation and/or requirement that medical support be available at equestrian events. Due to the State of Emergency being declared in Victoria we are unable to guarantee, during this period, the ability to organise appropriate paramedic cover for equestrian events.

Consequently, in the event of a serious trauma at an EV event, we cannot rely on a state ambulance response to manage this trauma in best or optimal way, including transfer via road or helicopter to major trauma centre. 

Sporting clubs and active recreation organisations, including Equestrian Victoria, have an important role and obligation to play in helping to reduce the risk of infection and slow the spread of the virus in the Victorian community.

As a result, we have taken the additional precautionary measure that, in the interest of the health and wellbeing of all Equestrian Victoria personnel including, staff, board, volunteers and officials that all non-essential meetings be postponed or conducted via teleconference or video link and that the EV office be restricted to employees only for the time being.

Equestrian Victoria Cancelled / Postponed Events:

• Coaching Victoria
  • Workshop 20 April – POSTPONED NEW DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

• Dressage Victoria and Affiliated Events
  • PSI Dressage and Jumping with the Stars – 19 to 21 March 2020 - CANCELLED
  • Young Rider Squad – 28/29 March – POSTPONED – NEW DATE YET TO BE CONFIRMED
  • Development Squad – 28/29 March – CANCELLED
  • High-Performance Squad – 7/8 April – POSTPONED – NEW DATE YET TO BE CONFIRMED
  • AOR Squad – 24/25 March – POSTPONED – NEW DATE YET TO BE CONFIRMED
  • Dressage Judges Education Panel – Young Horse Seminar – 22 March - CANCELLED
  • Dressage Judges Education Panel – G/F Judges Seminar – 28 March - CANCELLED
  • Dressage Judges Education Panel – Rules Workshop – 7 April – CANCELLED
  • Randall Park Dressage – 26 March – CANCELLED
  • Elmore Barastoc Dressage – 28 March – CANCELLED
  • Carlton Park Official Dressage – 28 March and 4/5 April – CANCELLED
  • Yarra Valley Official Dressage – 29 March – CANCELLED
  • Coastal Equestrian Club Extravaganza – 18/19 April – CANCELLED
  • Macedon Ranges Dressage – 26 April ­– CANCELLED

• Eventing Victoria and Affiliated Horse Trials
  • All April Squads - CANCELLED
  • Wandin Park International Horse Trials – 21/22 March 2020 - CANCELLED
  • GSCE at Hexham – 28/29 March - CANCELLED
  • Lakes & Craters International Horse Trials – 3 to 6 April - CANCELLED
  • Heytesbury – 18/19 April - CANCELLED
  • Friends of Mansfield – 25/26 April - CANCELLED
  • Friends of Ballarat International Horse Trials – 1 to 3 May - CANCELLED

• Interschool Victoria and Affiliated Events 
  • Boneo Park Dressage 22 March – CANCELLED
  • Leader Equine Victorian Interschool Equestrian State Championships – 2 to 6 April 2020 – POSTPONED – NEW DATE YET TO BE CONFIRMED
  • Assumption College Kilmore – 19 April - CANCELLED
  • Tintern Grammar Interschool Horse Trials – 25/26 April - CANCELLED

• Jumping Victoria and Affiliated Events
  • Jumping Victoria State Titles – 26 to 29 March 2020 - CANCELLED
  • Squad Clinics – 18 & 19 April 2020 - CANCELLED
  • Officials Training – 18 & 19 April 2020 – CANCELLED
  • Cora Lynn Autumn Show – 21 to 22 March – CANCELLED
  • Lethbridge Equestrian centre Show jumping Festival –28/29 March – CANCELLED
  • BDSJC Mini Prix Show – 4 April – CANCELLED
  • PPSJC Autumn Show – 4 April – CANCELLED
  • YVJC Easter Show – 10 April – CANCELLED
  • Boneo - All Boneo events have been cancelled up until 20 April and will be assessed in the near future. Any EV Official events after this date are currently proceeding, including: the “Boneo Monthly Jumping 25/26 April” and “ISJ Jumping Series 8 May”. 

• Show Horse
  • NSW Southern Cross Show Horse Spectacular – 27 March - POSTPONED

EV has requested that EA provide amnesty to all officials and coaches regarding required activities to maintain their accreditation for the remainder of the year.

EV Members are encouraged to act responsibly and to stay at home if you feel unwell and seek medical advice if you have symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, cough, sore throat, breathing difficulties or have been in contact with someone that has COVID-19.  

If you have come into contact with someone who has the virus or you are concerned you may be infected, please call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. 

Health experts advise the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus is to pay attention to good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene, by:

• Washing hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.

The Board and Management of Equestrian Victoria will continue work with our clubs and affiliate bodies on measures to assist them during this challenging period and we will provide ongoing updates as new information becomes available.

Equestrian sport in Victoria is in a strong position with a focus on continual improvement for great experiences. We look forward to resuming the delivery of successful events where our members can enjoy the opportunity to live their equestrian dream.

Matthew Brown
Chief Executive Officer - Equestrian Victoria

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