Selection Trials for the World Equestrian Games Will Remain in Gladstone, but Improvements to the Facility Will Need to be Made

The national dressage championships and selection trials for next year’s World Equestrian Games team will remain at U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation Headquarters in Gladstone, despite arena drainage problems after torrential June rains that led to canceling part of this year’s championship.

Some riders and officials, including judge Janet Foy, head of the ground jury, discussed moving the 2010 competitions elsewhere in the wake of the disappointing situation.

”After the event this year, there were probably three different lobbies, saying, ‘Maybe we should do it here, or here, or here,”’ said Gil Merrick, the U.S. Equestrian Federation’s assistant executive director of sports programs.

However, Merrick reported, during last week’s High Performance Committee meeting where the topic was discussed, chairman George Williams said, ”I think we’re all clear we want it to be in Gladstone and we need to help the facility take care of footing in the indoor arena, and the footing outdoors”…

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Date: 7-11-2009
By: www.nj.com