For Immediate Release
Wellington, FL – December 18, 2013 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) would like to make several announcements for everyone that plans to compete at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, FL, this winter. All exhibitors should note the important biosecurity restrictions that will continue to be enforced at PBIEC as we continue into the 2014 season. There will also be new formal attire requirements for riders at the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival (FTI WEF).
In other news, announcements have been made about the return of TAKE2 Thoroughbred classes at this year’s FTI WEF. New for 2014, worship services will also be held every Sunday throughout the circuit.
Biosecurity Protocols Will Continue to Be Enforced
It is recommended that all horses stabling on the PBIEC grounds arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. If it is necessary to arrive at any other time, you must make arrangements with the show office prior to arrival. Please call 561-793-5867 to make arrangements.
**New Equine Health Information
ESP, LLC management strives to provide an excellent showing environment. An integral part of an excellent showing environment includes healthy horses. Exhibitors, especially those traveling long distances, can contribute to that healthy environment by following some basic recommendations listed below. Please monitor our web site at www.equestriansport.com for any additional and possibly mandatory requirements
1) Must be dated by Veterinarian within 7 days of arriving at the Facility
2) A current negative coggins test. Please renew before it expires, and not just before it is necessary to leave the state. It is strongly recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) no sooner than 7 days prior and no later than 90 days prior to entering the show grounds. Most EHV-1 vaccines are only considered effective for 90 days. Check with your veterinarian about which vaccine you use .
3) Statement of Health must be signed by a licensed veterinarian within 7 days of first arrival at PBIEC, documenting that the horse has:
a. Received regular and consistent vaccination against Equine Influenza and EHV 1 & 4 with most recent booster being within 120 days and not within 7 days .
b. Not shown symptoms of or been treated for EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days.
c. Not been at a facility under quarantine for EHV-4/1 or exposed to any horses showing symptoms of EHV-4/1 within the past 28 days
4) Current vaccination against WNV, EEE, WEE, Tetanus and Rabies is strongly recommended.
5) You should be able to document your horses normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24 hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately .
6) Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van, or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbors horses’ health.
7) Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP, LLC Management. It is always better to err on the side safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.
8) Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your groom in everyday care.
New Formal Attire Requirements for Jumpers
New formal attire requirements will be enforced in the jumper divisions in 2014, so please make sure you are dressed according to what class you are entered in.
Classes requiring Formal Attire are any Grand Prix or special class offering at least $25,000 in prize money. Formal Jumper Attire: Dark, muted or similar colored, or red (scarlet) coats are required; white or fawn breeches; a white tie, choker (unless the shirt, by design, has the choker built in for its intended use) or hunting stock, and a white or lightly colored shirt must be worn. Shirts must have a white collar and white cuffs. Shirts must be fastened at the neck and tucked in. Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn. Members of the Armed Services or the police may wear the service dress uniform with protective headgear. (See General Rules, GR801.2)
Classes requiring Proper attire are any classes in the International Arena where Formal attire is not required and also any Classic. Proper Jumper Attire: Coats of any color are required. Breeches must be a light color (white, fawn or canary). Pastel and dark colored breeches are not allowed. Shirts, light in color, must be tucked in and fastened at the top of the neck. Ties or chokers of any color must be worn (unless the shirt, by design, has the choker built in for its intended use). Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the pad- dock boots being worn.
All other classes will require Standard attire. Standard Jumper Attire: Coats are not required. Breeches of any color are permitted. Shirts (polo shirts are permitted) must have collars and sleeves (sleeves may be either long or short), and must be tucked into the breeches. Sleeveless shirts and shirts with exposed hoods are prohibited. Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn.
In extreme weather conditions the use of jackets, sweaters or raincoats can be allowed by management and/or permission from the jumper jury. Permission must be granted before entering the competition ring.
In cases where the above requirements are not followed, the penalty will be either a possible warning (for the first offense) or elimination. Please note that competitors are responsible for their own clothing. A wardrobe malfunction (eg. magnets, zippers, buttons) is not an excuse for improper attire.
TAKE2 Thoroughbred Competition Returns to 2014 FTI WEF
The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program, launched in 2012 to promote second careers for retired Thoroughbred racehorses, will feature classes throughout the 2014 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival. The TAKE2 program highlights the success of Thoroughbreds in the show ring and rewards those who compete on Thoroughbred hunters and jumpers with prize money and awards in restricted classes. TAKE2 classes were offered at 50 “A”- and “AA”-rated horse shows in 17 states in 2013 and presented high-point awards to the nation’s top competitors. The program has grown immensely and hopes to have even more success in 2014.
TAKE2 classes will be offered during eight weeks of the 2014 FTI WEF circuit during FTI WEF 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, and 11. Both hunter and jumper classes will be held, giving a great opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their off-the-track Thoroughbreds in exciting new careers.
The TAKE2 Hunter division at the FTI WEF will include two classes over fences and an under saddle class. Fences will be set at 3’0.” Prize money will be handed out in full classes of three or more competitors. All points count towards year-end high score awards and cash prizes.
TAKE2 Classes will be open to all Thoroughbreds eligible for registration with The Jockey Club, verified by Jockey Club registration papers or lip tattoo numbers. Raced and unraced Thoroughbreds are considered eligible.
Worship Services to be Held Each Sunday
Walk or ride to the Ring 7 Pavilion each Sunday during FTI WEF competition from 6:30-7:00 a.m. for a casual worship service hosted by staff of St. Peter’s Methodist Church. People of all faiths or no faith are welcome; the time will include traditional and contemporary hymns, Bible readings and a brief message of God’s love. You are welcome to come and go as your schedule allows, and of course dogs and horses are welcome too. (La gente de todas las religiones o sin fe son bienvenidos. Le invitamos a entrar y salir cuando su horario lo permite.)
Need someone to talk to in confidence? Contact St. Peter’s at 561-793-5712to speak to clergy or call 561-622-5423to earn about the Community Christian Counseling Center.
Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to welcoming exhibitors for a great 2014 FTI WEF circuit. For more information, please visit www.equestriansport.com.