Successful Rider Safety Meeting at Tonimbuk

Tonimbuk Horse Trials once again conducted a Rider Safety Meeting at their Cardinia Shire event in March 2020.

It was well-attended and facilitated by well-known Victorian Senior rider Nina Clarke and Technical Delegate (TD) Michelle Debenham.

The meeting covered some of the recent rule changes and commonly misunderstood rules for competitors and their supporters.

Some of the topics covered were body protector requirements, rider falls and horse abuse, including riding tired or exhausted horses and blood on the horse. 

In addition to this, changes in the sanctions including the new Eventing Recorded Warning system and dangerous riding were also explained.

Dr Tess Goodwin stepped in to lead the discussion on concussion - the requirements for reporting, supporting parents and family and the need for rest and recuperation, which is particularly important for young people.

Nina spoke from a rider’s perspective about social media and the responsibilities of riders and their supporters to the future reputation of our sport.

Communication with Officials and Organising Committees was covered and explained well. Competitors learned about the roles of the main Officials, including how and when best to communicate with them, as well as the process for speaking with Rider Representatives.  

After the unfortunate cancellation last year because of fire, this year the venue experienced more than 50mls of rain prior to the cross country. 

This was quite challenging for the Organising Committee.

Course Designer John Nicholson spoke to competitors about the increased time allowed and strongly encouraged riders to ride to the conditions, to their credit he was not disappointed.  

Overall the meeting was very well received and created lots of robust discussion and appreciation from both riders and Officials alike.

Supplied by Michelle Debenham, TD