 Photo courtesy of Meagan DeLisle By Meagan DeLisle
I haven’t cleaned a stall since Whit was born. Rumba loves retired life and honestly prefers to be out. The few times we had poor weather, Wayne took care of the farm while I was with the baby. I knew the rest of 2021 would be challenging in terms of my horse life. I really wanted to focus on Whit and then get back going in gear once he reached the six-month mark. With that just a few weeks away, I’ve been thinking a lot about horses and riding and my life.
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As a new horse show year begins, there are some changes to the amateur status and low adult amateur hunter divisions.
Have you ever ready through the US Equestrian or UHSJA Rulebook? Pages and pages of rules on a variety of showing, discipline and membership/participation rule topics as wide as the ocean. Every year there are changes to rules that are proposed by members, committees or task forces within the organizations.
Members can weigh in on these proposed rule changes and make comments wether you are for or against the change. There are some rule changes that could affect your amateur status. Check them out and if you feel strongly enough share your thoughts with US Equestrian and USHJA. Can an adult amateur equestrian be a brand ambassador? The short answer is yes and no.
This age-old question can ruffle some feathers and you may hear many different opinions about adult amateur equestrians (as defined by US Equestrian) and being a brand ambassador. I've decided to go straight to the horse's mouth for some answers. I spoke with Emily Pratt, director of regulations at US Equestrian. Let's face it, equestrians (especially us adult amateurs) love photos and videos from our riding. Doesn't matter if we were division champion or it was a total #FailFriday moment, photos are a large part of equestrian sport. We share on social media, learn from mistakes you can only notice from the ground, revel in improvements and relive memories from amazing times we've had with our horses.
I recently sat down with the uber talented equine photographer Shawna Simmons of SAS Equine Photography to get some of her go-to tips when shooting. The AmateurHour blog series started as a way to celebrate and showcase the adult amateur equestrian. Over the last few years, I've spoken to TWENTY adult amateur equestrians ranging from the A/O Hunter rider showing at WEF to the jumper rider fighting on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Being an adult amateur means something different to each of us.
But where are they now? I've been thinking that to myself for a little while and I'd love to catch up with ALL of you. The COVID-19 pandemic has made our normal, daily lives much, much different. Add in horse showing which draws spectators not only for the day classes but also for larger money classes such as Welcomes, Grand Prixs and hunter derbies, and things change dynamically. US Equestrian has put out their COVID-19 protocols to keep everyone safe while returning back to what we love – horse showing. One of those protocols is that a face covering or mask is required while on the show grounds unless you are mounted.
Fellow adult amateur hunter rider, Aly Howse, and her fiancé started Equestrian Face Covers providing personalized face coverings geared for the outdoor and equestrian lifestyle. Adult Amateur Hunter and Equitation rider Lena Licata recently horse showed for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic at Saratoga Horse Shows June 24-28 at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, New York.
I asked her what her experience was with all the protocols put in place by US Equestrian and state and local governments. Here's what she had to say. |
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