As the Technical Representative, appointed by the Zone 10 Jumper Committee, Pacific Coast Horse Show Association and West Coast Active Riders, for the 2008 HITS Desert Circuit, I would like to give an update on the current situation as observed on the opening day, January 9th, of the Desert Circuit Premier Classic Horse Show. For those of you who may be confused by seemingly conflicting reports, I will try to relay the facts, as I know them, to the best of my ability.
First off, I am disappointed to hear of Bart Poels' resignation as the footing consultant for HITS 2008 Desert Circuit. This is certainly an unfortunate occurrence for all concerned. How unfortunate it is, in light of all the efforts that were made by so many to insure World Class footing, that it went astray as stated in Bart Poels' resignation statement of January 12th, 2008. (See letter below)
On the bright side, HITS has done a tremendous job by completing the extensive "to do list" in time for the start of this year's Premier Opener, January 9th. Everything promised to be done looks complete, with the following exceptions: the erection of the tent for the covered World Cup Qualifiers, the footing in the covered ring as well as jumper rings 2, 3, and 4, and the completion of the footing in the additional practice area. These are all promised to be complete by the start of Desert Circuit 1 on January 22nd. All in all there have been many upgrades that should make this facility a lot more pleasant than its debut last year.
During the footing test, December 13th, 2007, I felt that with the recommendations of Bart Poels, Alan Rheinheimer (USEF Rep) and all concerned, that a minor tweak of some additional fibers to the top layer would produce a superior jumping surface.
Unfortunately, as reported by Bart Poels, there were too many fibers added improperly, by HITS team, and it did not produce the desired results. I was present at the opening day of the Premier horse show, in Thermal, and witnessed a few horses jumping on the footing. (There were only a total of 10 rounds in the Grand Prix ring). While the footing did not meet Bart's expectations, it did not appear to be a substandard or dangerous jumping surface. Having said that, I only witnessed limited rounds in the Grand Prix ring, Grand Prix warm up and ring one. The other rings were not completed at that time.
Given the circumstances, I am hopeful that HITS management team will provide an adequate riding surface, to the best of their ability, which will hold up for the duration of the circuit. It is widely understood that the success of the existing footing is totally dependent on the ability of HITS team to manage it properly with frequent watering and dragging with the proper equipment and "rakes".
It is also interesting to read the HITS press release dated Sunday, January 13th, where they quote Richard Spooner, winner of the $25,000.00 Grand Prix that day, as saying, "It's the best footing in California. This year HITS hit a home run."
However, on that day, only thirteen horses competed in the Grand Prix. The weather was cool and the footing was presented under ideal circumstances with lots of water and rolling. Whether the footing stays good for the length of the Circuit remains to be seen. In lieu of hundreds of horses jumping daily on this surface in the heat and winds of the desert, when time pressures may not allow for perfect preparation, we may see a different picture. Only time will tell.
We all had the opportunity, in the palm of our hands, for the absolute finest footing in the world, not just California, installed and managed by the best in the world. How and why that opportunity escaped us is inexplicable.
Bernie Traurig
PLEASE NOTE: European Tour applications are due on January 27th. If you do not have an application and would like one, or have any questions, please contact us.
Jan. 12, 2008
Mr. Tom Struzierri
Horse Shows in the Sun
319 Main Street
Saugerties, NY 12477-1330
Dear Tom:
In October, I was hired by HITS to assist in providing new footing for HITS in Thermal, Calif. and other HITS show grounds within the United States. I took a position as a consultant because I wanted to insure better footing for the horses wherever I could. Many riders, including Europeans who compete in the U.S., report that in many cases the footing in America is inferior to much of that in Europe.
After our first emails and telephone calls, I located locally the type of sand we need to use in the arenas. We discussed my company sending additional materials to further enhance the footing.
In early November, I visited Thermal for the first time.
The equipment necessary to mix the footing was not there as you had promised.
The day after my arrival there was a footing test. It was not acceptable. The sand and other materials that were mixed by you were not in the correct proportions.
I recommended taking out the footing and re-doing it.
You and I discussed that we would find and buy the right equipment to mix the footing in the correct proportions.
Again, HITS did not acquire this equipment.
Again. this resulted in inconsistent footing.
I arrived in Thermal about Dec. 11 to take control of the mixing process in preparation for the footing test.
The mixing of the footing had already occurred without me being there so I was not able to supervise the process and assure everything was done correcty.
The footing was again inconsistent.
The equipment you had promised was not there, either.
As a result, I left the Thermal facility within hours as there was nothing further for me to do. I was unaware of the fact that a footing test involving parties outside of the HITS organization was to be held two days later.
The second footing test was undertaken on Dec. 13. As I was unaware of that test and I had already left I did not witness it.
I informed you and other interested parties that the process you had used was not correct.
You hired me as a footing consultant but both the mixing and the testing were undertaken without me being there.
I went to Thermal the week of January 8, 2008, for the start of the first show of the circuit.
I saw immediately that the footing was still inconsistent throughout all of the arenas, definitely not up to the standards required by me.
The machinery needed to mix the footing was also still not there.
The mixing "process" you used was incorrect and did not use the right materials. You "fixed" the error by throwing materials on top of the existing footing and then "mixing" it by pulling a drag over it.
Furthermore, the level of the sand was not the same throughout the arena because it was not laser-graded correctly.
I also advised you that the success of this footing requires proper maintenance. Watering and dragging every 35-40 horses was recommended by me. I advised that the drags you had would not work properly and that special compaction rakes were needed.
You agreed to purchase two special drags, but I advised that four may be necessary to maintain five rings and warm up areas.
You did not purchase any drags but you told me that you were buying one drag from a local dealer. That drag did not work correctly.
Due to your improper techniques and total disregard of my recommendations, I cannot approve this footing.
In conclusion, I feel that my name has been abused and my expertise as a footing specialist has been disregarded.
Therefore, I am excusing myself from any further association with HITS and its arenas.
I cannot allow my name to be associated in any way with your arenas.
HITS did not follow the recommendations that we all discussed and agreed upon.
I have no confidence in your ability to provide footing to the quality that I would require so we can no longer have a respectful working relationship.
I wish everybody that endeavored to provide better footing my best wishes and thanks for their efforts.
Sincerely,
Bart Poels.
nv Poels G. & Co
Bart Poels
riding surfaces
Neerstraat 25
1910 Kampenhout Belgium
Tel: 00 32 (0)16 65 65 30
Fax: 00 32 (0)16 65 12 59
e-mail: info@poels.be
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