INSIGHT - FEI Reining Stewards Course Report
Since the commencement of CRI competition in Australia predominantly NSW and QLD, the FEI gave permission for me to officiate at FEI Reining competitions. This was to allow Australian based riders the access to FEI competitions in order for them to have qualifying results for the World Equestrian Games.
With the approval of Equestrian Australia and the USEF, myself and Bronwyn from Queensland enrolled onto a course which was conducted in Las Vegas at the beginning of September.
After a few days of relaxation and sightseeing in LA it was time to head to Las Vegas. On first impressions it appeared a very hot and dry place that is about an hour by plane from Los Angeles.
The venue for the course was the South Point Hotel and Casino which also houses a huge equestrian complex. The complex was built for the owners’ wife to run competitions. It is a facility that is second to none and is booked out well in advance hosting equestrian competitions, conferences, and concerts.
The course was conducted by the USEF with Eric Strauss and Butch Carse as the presenters. Both Eric and Butch are experienced Reining officials on the return from WEG so to have a course conducted by these two was certainly a highlight. Stewarding is the same all around the world regardless of what discipline you are involved with. We are there to help the riders and observe and look after the welfare of horse plus it is all about team work and communication.
There were 19 participants from mainly the US and some from Canada. Some participants had some Reining experience whilst some were novices which worked well during discussion sessions.
The course was scheduled to run for 1 and a half days with a tour of the facility which was running a barrel racing competition followed by an open book exam.
Lots of discussion took place over the two days and then we visited the equestrian centre.
The South Point Equestrian Complex is the finest indoor horse facility in the USA With a 4,600-seat arena and 1,200 climate controlled horse stalls, the South Point Equestrian Centre plays host to some of the most prestigious equestrian events in the world.
The trip came to an end and Bronwyn and I were happy to learn we had passed our course and are now waiting on the FEI for our accreditation.
Andrea Webb – FEI Level 2 – Eventing & Carriage Driving Steward
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