There's a copy of the event schedule http://www.rk3de.org/ for those of you interested in following the Rolex Three-Day Event competition in Lexington starting this Thursday. Last year one of the neatest features for those of us watching from home was a live web broadcast from the cross country course, with a former competitor and graduate A PCer, Cathy Weischhoff, giving awesome color commentary. Also you can hear lots of good interviews at www.talkingequine.com on that internet radio show. Really good people online, you'll learn a lot!

Electric Fans at KY Clarification

Hi all,

Here is the latest clarification on the electric fan issue at champs. Many people use fans at lots of other events so I think these safety concerns are worth remembering and the advice used at other events too. Wayne Quarles (USPC Activities Director) has confirmed the following comments posted on the CHMJ digest to be true.

Good morning everyone, After reading the messages relevant to the fans I decided to get some clarifications directly from the Horse Park. I just got off the phone with Sheila (facilities manager). I was a tad confused about the regulations because in the first paragraph they forbid two pronged appliances, but then they open it up to three pronged adapters.

Here is what she told me.The Fire Marshall/KHP STRONGLY PREFERS the fans that come with the grounded three prong polarized plug. They are safer.

The concern arises from cords getting pinched as stall doors open and close. When a pinch occurs, the smaller thinner cords will not trip the breakers and an electrical current can actually travel thru the metal parts of the stalls. Sheila said that you can tell when that is happening because the horses sense it and actually get upset in their stalls.

The two pronged plugs that have the wider flare on one prong are not permitted to be plugged in without a three prong adapter. They do not meet the fire code specifications.

IF you have an appliance that has a two pronged plug, it must be plugged into an OUTDOOR three prong grounded adapter or extension cord. ONLY OUTDOOR extension cords are permitted.

Again the KHP strongly recommends fans that are purchased with the three prong grounded plug intact, but will accept outdoor, three pronged grounded adapters and extension cords.

Sheila actually said they weren't worried about Pony Club participants since we already do such a good job of making sure our competitors are safe.

Clair Thunes, PhD.

Kentucky Horse Park Issues New Health and Equipment Guidelines for Exhibitors

Lexington, KY - With the 2007 Spring show season quickly approaching,the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) recently announced several changes which will affect those who wish to compete in upcoming competitions. These changes include updates to the equine health protocol, new regulations regarding electrical equipment, and the addition of a trailer grounds fee.

In response to the recent outbreaks of the Equine Herpes Virus and their concern over the continual health and safety of horses, the management of the KHP announced a specific health protocol to all exhibitors who plan to travel to the KHP for any events this year. The state of Kentucky requires that all horses entering the state provide a negative Coggins test within one year of entry as well as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection(Health Certificate) signed by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of entry. Horses originating within the state of Kentucky are required to have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection within 150 days. Complete details on the health protocol are listed at www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

It is additionally recommended that all horses be vaccinated for Equine EHV-1 (either modified live or killed vaccine) prior to entry and that the date of vaccination be noted on the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. To facilitate the inspection process by Kentucky Department of Agriculture personnel, this paperwork must accompany the horses upon arrival and be available throughout their stay.

Another change that the KHP announced was to add new regulations regarding electrical equipment. In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the KHP will no longer allow any of the following in stalls,barns or tents: any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.); any 2 prong plug extension cords; light duty cords for indoor use; any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use; any adaptors without 3 prong connections and any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

New Kentucky Horse Park Rules

Please share these with your members coming to Festival Championships or Education this year.

NEW KENTUCKY HORSE PARK REGULATIONS

1. ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
In compliance with the State of Kentucky Fire Code, the Kentucky Horse Park will no longer allow any of the following in stalls, barns or tents:

a) any 2 prong plug appliances (fans, etc.)
b) any 2 prong plug extension cords
c) light duty cords for indoor use
d) any 3-way adaptors unless specifically for outdoor use
e) any adaptors without 3 prong connections

Any equipment not in compliance is subject to confiscation.

2. NO ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATV) ARE ALLOWED ON HORSE PARK GROUNDS.

3. GOLF CARTS
a) Exhibitors wishing to bring their private golf carts onto Kentucky Horse Park property must purchase a Golf Cart License. This license can be obtained at Devers Show Services for $25 per show or $50 for the season.
b) All drivers must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.
c) Golf carts are strictly prohibited in any tourist areas of the park.
d) Golf carts must obey all traffic laws & posted speed limits.
e) Golf carts can be rented through Devers Show Services (859-233-9702).

National Office

The USPC Office will be closed on Friday, April 6 in observance of Good Friday. Regular office hours will resume Monday, April 9 at 8:30 AM EDT.

Visiting Instructor Programs

Hi everyone,

Just a reminder that the deadline for your visiting instructor applications is coming up at the end of the month (April 30th). Please remember to get the forms off the forms section of the national website http://ponyclub.org/forms.php#V and send them in if you would like to take advantage of this great opportunity. The benefits of having an older, upper level member teach your younger members are immeasurable. And don't forget to remind your upper level members that their applications to be visiting instructors are also due on April 30th.

We hope you will take advantage of this wonderful program.

Lynn Miles
Instruction Services Director