Eventing Ireland Stewards Course:
Note from Head Office

Posted in Archive 25/01/2011 18:17:52

Eventing Ireland Stewards Course: <p class=tinytext>Note from Head Office</p>

Eventing Ireland held a Stewards Course at Tattersalls on Sunday 16 January with British Eventing's Jonathan Clissold (FEI TD and CD, BE National Technical Adviser and Course Builder and National Safety Officer).

There were 50 attendees who included 27 existing EI Stewards/Assistant Stewards and 11 new Assistant Stewards, who will now be mentored by the senior stewards during the year.

Assisted by David Lee (FEI Judge, EI Rules Committee and 3* Society Steward), Jonathan explained the huge importance and impact of the Stewards role - which involves pre-site visits, being up-to-date on current rules and regulations, measuring the course, ensuring fence heights are correct for the class and numerous other checks before the event is even run. On the day of the event, it's an early start to everything complies to EI standards and ensures that events run as smoothly as possible. It is the Stewards role to ensure the safety of everyone at the event, including the horses, volunteers and spectators.

The afternoon was taken up by watching safety DVDs including questions/answers as to why certain situations occurred, what to watch out for during an event, what to do if problems occur and how could they have been prevented in the first place.

Eventing Ireland Chairman, John Wright, was delighted by the turnout. "It is very encouraging to see new faces joining the ranks of our highly experienced Steward team. The Steward plays a pivotal role and represents the Society at the venue. Eventing Ireland is committed to recruit, train and support our Stewards for the benefit of all members of our Society".

John Swanton, Chief Society Steward concurred "It is important that we increase the number of working Stewards in the Society and to monitor progress of our Assistant Stewards. Today has been a great opportunity for new and not-so-new Stewards to share experiences and discuss situations which have arisen and how they have been solved".

The course was funded by Eventing Ireland, Eventing Ireland regions and Equestrian Skillsnet and Eventing Ireland plans to run Stewards Courses/Refresher Courses annually.

Anyone wishing to become an Assistant Steward should contact their Regional Chairman.