The Kentucky Walking Horse Association (KWHA) suggest the following protocols for how participants will adhere to guidelines in order to conduct and participate in walking horse shows during the upcoming months. The guidelines may vary from county to county or state to state, depending up the organization, Federal, state, CDC, and local guidelines. The protocols are just suggested best practices for show management to follow and should be left to show management to make their own decisions. The show management will be ultimately responsible for adhering to all local and state guidelines. Along with the KWHA, the attached document has support from the following: Appalachian Walking and Racking Horse Association (AWRHA), Eastern, Kentucky Walking and Racking Horse Association (EKWRHA), Kentucky Horse Industry Organization (KY-HIO), SHOW Horse Industry Organization, (SHOW-HIO), and Walking Horse Association of Ohio (WHAO).
ADMISSION AND PARKING
Admission:
1. No more than 2 people working the gate to collect money and distribute show related materials. -Each person is to wear gloves and face masks. If gloves aren’t available, hand sanitizer is to be used after
each vehicle. -Exact amount required at the gate. (If change is due, it will be noted and deducted at the entry office for
entry fees.)
2. 1 person will use a touch free thermometer on all persons entering the grounds to ensure a temperature
doesn’t exceed the recommended guidelines for local, state, and CDC guidelines. -If a person was to exceed the temperature, no occupants of the vehicle will be permitted on the grounds. -Thermometer will be cleaned with a disinfecting wipe prior to each scan.
Parking:
1. Parking structure will be defined and marked prior to the opening of the grounds and will include at least
the minimum requirements below: -6 feet between vehicles to maintain proper social distancing. -Adequate space for entry and exit in the event a vehicle needs to leave. 2. All vehicles will be presented a copy of the competition guide.
*Hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks will be provided by the sponsoring organization and readily available for those working the admission gate.
ENTRY OFFICE
No more than 2 people working the entry office to collect data for class entries.
- Each person is to wear gloves and face masks.
Preferred:
1. Electronic data entry for all information to exhibit or show during the event. 2. Payment through credit card is preferred. Deposits of live checks or cash will go into a drop box for the amount due for show fees.
-Set expectation that the checks will be deposited after two weeks to eliminate the risk of cross
contamination.
3. No more than 2 people permitted into the entry office at one time to make entries.
Less Preferred (not capable to use electronic data entry/ payment via credit card):
1. Entry office staff will perform the duties of completing all forms of entry data while talking with the person who is making the entries. A signature is required and the person entering the horse will need to sanitize and use a designated pen to complete the signature.
-Gloves should be worn by entry office staff. If gloves are not available, hand sanitizer must be used after each entry form has been handled.
2. Deposits of live checks into a drop box for the amount due for show fees. - Set expectation that the checks will be deposited after two weeks to eliminate the risk of cross contamination.
3. No more than 2 people permitted into the entry office at one time to make entries.
*Hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks will be provided by the sponsoring organization and readily available for those working the entry office.
CONCESSIONS/VENDORS
1. All participants are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks to help prevent gatherings at the concession area.
2. Concession stands and vendors should follow the federal, state, and local regulations and adhere to CDC guidelines.
3. Pre-packaged food and drinks are encouraged when possible.
4. *Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the concession/vendor areas.
CENTER RING
Center ring contains a judge, announcer, ringmaster, and an organist.
1. Minimum requirement of 6 feet between all center ring staff is required at all times.
2. Staff will be provided with gloves and masks to wear.
3. A designated location for ribbon and trophy pick up will be provided to reduce human to human contact.
- A table will sit in center ring for 1st place horses. 1 designated person may enter the ring and place the ribbon on the horse for the victory pass and collect and trophies provided by the show.
- A second table will set just outside the exit gate for the pickup of the remainder of ribbons.
*Hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks will be provided by the sponsoring organization and readily available for those working those working center ring.
INSPECTION AREA
All required entries that must complete a pre/post show inspection should adhere to the below guidelines:
1. Only 1 person may enter the inspection area and handle the entry as horse completes the required
inspection(s).
2. Handler is to maintain the maximum distance allowable from the inspector to ensure social distancing.
3. Adhere to any additional guidelines presented by the affiliated Horse Industry Organization (HIO).
*Hand sanitizer, gloves, and masks will be provided by the sponsoring organization and readily available for those working the in the inspection area.
WARM UP RING
Prior to the opening of the grounds:
1. Designate and mark the appropriate warm up area.
2. Adequate markings for equipment/tack carts to be placed with a minimum of 6 feet between carts. Once the show begins:
1. Entries may enter the warm up ring no more than 3 classes in advance.
2. 3 people per entry are permitted and should include: the trainer, 1 groom/assistant, and the exhibitor.
-Juvenile riders will be allowed 1 additional adult in the warm up ring in preparation to show.
3. Riders are to keep a minimum of 6 feet distance while preparing the horse to show.
*Hand sanitizer will be readily available for those in the warm up area.
SHOW RING PERFORMANCE
Exhibitors should adhere to the below guidelines while showing in the ring.
1. Maintain a minimum of 6 feet between themselves and other exhibitors in the ring.
2. Gloves and masks are not required but recommended.
-Gloves and masks will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.
3. Follow all ringmaster requests during the line up to ensure proper distancing is practiced.
-A placing of cones can be used for horses to line up at during the awaiting of results of the class.
Note: All entries may enter the ring with a mask if they so choose and will not be penalized for doing so.
Prior to the opening of the grounds:
1. Stalls and stable area must be set up to adhere to social distancing.
2. Stalls and stable area will be restricted to veterinarians, officials, trainers, grooms, exhibits, and
other essential personnel.
3. Signage should be posted throughout the stable area remind individuals of social distancing
guidelines.
*Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the stall and stable area.
SPECTATORS
Prior to the opening of the grounds:
1. Show staff should mark seating in the stands to a minimum of 6 feet between available seating.
2. Designate 6 feet between each parking space.
3. Encourage spectators to watch the show from their vehicles is available rail parking exists.
4. Ensure 6 foot markings for areas that spectators to sit if they bring their own chairs.
5. Provide hand sanitizer throughout the spectator area.
6. In addition to soap, hand sanitizer will be available in all restrooms.
7. Pets must stay on a leash during the competition.
8. Gloves and masks are not required but recommended.
-Spectators will be responsible for their own masks and gloves.
During the event:
1. Restrooms should be cleaned with disinfecting product.
2. Ensure ample supply of soap and hand sanitizer is available for use. *Hand sanitizer will be readily available throughout the spectator area.