| Author | Message | ||
     Geoff Atkins |
As a "steward" of many years experience I have seen the status of the army of HDT helpers reduced by stages from that of "Hazard Judges" to that of "Obstacle Observers", the implication being that the team responsible for recording the activities of competitors in obstacles cannot be trusted to make decisions of any nature. It is true that obstacle observers are briefed on the five minute rule and instructed to blow the whistle twice before asking the competitor to leave the obstacle but clearly common sense should prevail. In any case at a national event, by the time a serious incident has resulted in a competitor exceeding the five minute time allowance I would expect that the Judge assigned to that obstacle, the Technical Delegate, and other Officials would have arrived to assume some responsibility. In those circumstances admonishing the Obstacle Observers would be pointless as they would have been outranked. Finally may I say that volunteer helpers at events travel to the events and provide their own accommodation, in both cases at not inconsiderable peronal expense. I find it totally unacceptable that any unpaid volunteer should be "admonished" for their actions especially as in this case the volunteer in question appears to have clearly demonstrated initiative, common sense, and above all a clear understanding of the requirements of health and safety coupled with animal welfare. Perhaps the person who delivered the admonishment would care to respond with their own views on the matter. | ||
| Trish Laughton |
I completely agree with both Adam and Barbara. Although very well behaved considering the situation, the horses were shocked and panicked at what as going on, blowing a whistle could have caused even more stress to the horses and people involved. I would like to thank everyone who came to help us for staying calm and level headed throughout our altercation and also to the people who enquired after the welfare of everyone the next day. I am pleased to say that all horses and people were absolutely fine, finished the obstacle and went on to do number 5 as if nothing had happened. I would also like to thank people at the halt for helping with near run away we had there, especially to young george who appeared as if by magic and also sally moreton for the loan of her waistcoat. I guess Sandringham marathon day wasn't our lucky day, so thank you to everyone who helped us throughout. Trish | ||
| Adam Wyllie |
I very much agree with you. The stewards did a brilliant job dealing with the situation. Pippa was very much aware of her elimination due to five minutes being passed, and was very thankfull that the steward didnt blow the whistle as this could have caused more problem to the team allready in a tangle. Well Done all stewards, who delt very well with a difficult situation, and prevented the situation from getting worse. It was due to the stewards that all team are unhurt and safe. Many Thanks to you. Adam Wyllie (Pippa Bassett's Groom) | ||
| Barbara Nadin |
I heard of an incident in the 4th obstacle at Sandringham last weekend, when Pippa Bassetts team had an altercation with a post. On the request of the driver the stewards were able to calm and untangle the team by unharnessing. The timing steward was with Pippa throughout this incident telling her how much time was left before elimination, and once the 5 minutes had expired telling her verbally that she had been eliminated. Yet this common sense steward was admonished later for not blowing the whistle twice to indicate elimination. I for one THANK THE STEWARD WITH COMMON SENSE. Had she blown the whistle she could have caused an even bigger accident with already stressed horses. THIS STEWARD SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRAISED NOT TOLD OFF! I for one would like this kind of steward on any future obstacle I may drive. Lets praise this steward. I for one say THANK YOU VERY MUCH, YOU DID A BRILLIANT JOB! |