Pandemic Guidelines

Equine Sports Council’s network of shows or events must develop a documented pandemic control plan in collaboration with ESC that complies with the Local and State Guidelines in place at the time of your event. Some states, depending on to what degree the area has reopened, may require that you submit a plan to the local Department of Health. Simple approval from the venue to have the event may not be sufficient and your show may risk shutdown by state officials unless your plan, if required, has been pre-approved. Having a pandemic control plan, with demonstrative controls, resources and budget, will ensure that your event isn’t interrupted.

Reducing Risks to Your Personal Health
Athlete safety and health are paramount concerns at all Equine Sports Council shows and events. Athletes in every sport wear some type of protective gear in an effort to reduce the risks of injury. In equine sports, exhibitors have used protective gear for both the rider and horse, such as helmets and protective boots. Likewise, the use of personal protective equipment during this pandemic is strongly recommended, but cannot guarantee protection from a viral or bacterial infection. In an effort to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus, it is required that you follow the local and state guidelines for pandemic best practices, and its recommended that you follow these practices:

1. Follow Local/State Guidelines (REQUIRED) – Stay abreast of the current guidelines in place at the time of your event and develop a plan to implement them. This plan should addresses crowd control, social distancing measures, disinfecting of common areas, reducing in-person office transactions and maintaining daily records of each horse show employee’s temperature and COVID symptoms.
   https://www.huschblackwell.com/state-by-state-covid-19-guidance#linktojump1
2. Wear a Mask (RECOMMENDED) – While recommended by ESC, wearing of masks may be mandatory in your state and would therefore be required. While at the horse show, if you cannot maintain a six foot social distance from others, or if you have underlying health conditions, please wear a mask.
3. Self-Isolate (REQUIRED) – Required by all states and ESC. Do not attend the show if you or anyone in your household has experienced cold-like symptoms or a fever above 100 degrees in the last 14 days.
4. Wash Hands Often (RECOMMENDED) – Recommended by all states and ESC. One of the best defenses against viruses is to wash hands often with soap and warm water above 77 degrees for 30 seconds, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
5. Avoid Buffet Style Meal Setups (RECOMMENDED) – Recommended by ESC, but may be required by some states. This includes catered meals, breakfast and coffee setups where service utensils are shared. Boxed meals are preferred, as they reduce the wait time in line and require less handling.
6. Use Mobile Applications (RECOMMENDED) – Recommended by all states and ESC. At all Equine Sports Council events, it is strongly recommended that you limit interactions with the horse show office and conduct business (such as ordering shavings, adding or scratching a class, or requesting a hold) through ESCMobile.org, which is offered free to affiliated horse shows.
7. Horse Show Staff & Officials (RECOMMENDED) – Depending on the configuration of the show office this practice will vary by state, but ESC recommends that six foot social distancing measures be practiced at all times. In order to reduce the risks of spreading viruses to others, even if you have NO symptoms, you should plan to wear a mask over your mouth and nose when social distancing is not possible. The Show Office should limit the number of people in the office at one time, and be configured to promote healthy social distancing.
8. Display Signs & Placards (RECOMMENDED) – Required by some states, and highly recommended by ESC. Signs and placards should be displayed throughout the show grounds reminding exhibitors to follow recommendations 1 through 6 above.