The following letter was released on May 15 from Robert Ridland, President of Blenheim EquiSports. Blenheim EquiSports holds incredible equestrian competition at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park (San Juan Capistrano, CA), Del Mar Horse Park (Del Mar, CA), and South Point Equestrian Arena (Las Vegas, NV).
Dear Friends,
A glimmer of hope! At 7:00am this morning, workers from the city of Irvine put the nets back on the tennis courts in the community park below our house! Not that things are back to normal (far from it), but it appears that the COVID-19 numbers in Orange County are continuing to remain steady with, once again, favorable numbers reported overnight.
Two days ago, we submitted the facility’s formal COVID-19 plan to the City of San Juan Capistrano and are hopeful to be able to come back to you with good news by this time next week. The document outlines the steps for a safe return of equestrian competitions and activities at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano. The plan complies with the guidelines outlined by the USEF in the May 12, 2020 revised document as well as federal, state, and local mandates for a phased approach for the re-opening of California businesses. Key to the proposal is that outdoor equestrian sport is a non-contact individual athletic activity that is considered “low risk” according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Our aim is to be able to start our “A” rated horse show season on June 24 with the Blenheim Red, White & Blue Classic. Subject to approval of our comprehensive protocol plan by the City, we look forward to announcing next Friday that we finally have a confirmed start date.
Robert Ridland
President, Blenheim Equisports
To learn more about Blenheim EquiSports and view prize lists, click here.
Featured photo by McCool Photography.