It's unfortunate but it's because of all the people that complained this year about the footing in the jumper ring and the x-c course design. It's hard to beleive that anyone would complain as the Park is such a wonderful place to ride and the x-c course and design is by far the best that we have around here. This is also why the course is closed for schooling - it's a real shame
It's very unfortunate and a big disapointment the Ottawa HT is the best local event we have (not to say the others aren't good) But I won't be surprised if we lose it in the next few years. I would highly reccomend any of you who enjoyed riding at the HT this year to write Andrea.
Wow... I didn't think the footing was bad at all! The cross course design was pretty good too! That is too bad Maybe Stevens Creek should re-open theirs now! It was always a good time!
Ugh! That was going to be my first event (I'm old and haven't shown in a real show in eons!). That's a real huge shame.
If enough emails are sent to whomever, do you suppose they will reconsider? I used to ride quite merily through that course as a kid and young adult and it was always safe, negotiable for a complete novice and fun.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dark Horse,
People complained about the footing in the JUMPER ring??! Do these people know that Ottawa has one of the best rings in Eastern Canada? Hmmm...I guess Canada's best show jumpers with their multi-million dollar horses aren't that picky. Seems to be good enough that they'd win the bid for a CSI** Grand Prix.
Wow...that really ticks me off as this is the reason why people don't want to put the effort into running a horse trials. It is massively time-consuming, costs quite a bit and requires an army of volunteers. A real shame. Ottawa is one of my very favorite events and we had a least a trailer-load ready to go.
I was really looking forward to there being a fall event.
People were complaining that the course was extreemly dangerous and poorly built and designed.
The ones that complained about the jumper ring were the ones that couldn't get around.
Clearly these people that complained have no idea what they are talking about but the Manager of the park beleives them. So the course designer is no longer going to design for them because apparently according to the Manager of the park the CD is not a professional which is very embarrasing because the CD is a FEI Course Designer!
Sunset you are right that is exactly why we have less events locally it's a lot of hard work, money and time but for what?? For people just to come and complain.
Dark Horse I'm not sure but it wouldn't hurt! Anyone wishing to get our event back should write to the Park and the City.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: LovetoJump,
Wow! Not a professional? The CD is one of the founders of the sport, is one of a hand full of FEI course designers, and is a level 3 coach as well as a certified International Instructor, not to mention a really great human being. I guess that isn't good enough for some people? I would think that people would be overjoyed to have such a resource in our area.
I definately think that I will be writing the city and the manager of the NNEP a letter.
I do know that several of the coaches complaining are very well respected coaches in the area, who offered constructive criticism (not whining) about the courses and I do know that they did voice their concerns to the CD himself as well.
I walked all the levels, and thought the Training course was by far the best course. The lower levels almost seem thrown together? It would not have been a course I would take a green horse to as I don't think their confidence would grow as they went around.
Paul Popiel has designed some amazing courses (Foxhill was probably my favourite event in the area, and I'm upset it no longer runs), but I wouldn't say the Ottawa courses as they were in June were near his best work.
Why can't the organizers take the complaints as critiscm and work on improving? Instead of having a fit and shutting the whole thing down.
For the 100 people who complained there are 200 people who want to return. Their complaints can be taken for what they are and should be used to improve the next event.
With the lack of events in this area this will be a big loss for Ottawa eventers. It's a shame the organizers have to take things personally instead of listening to their riders and making an effort to improve.
I heard Paul designed the Training course, and his daughter Hilary designed the Prelim course! I didn't hear who did the lower levels, but I suppose it is possible that other people designed and/or built those ones. Guesswho: I rode the Training course, and it was FANTASTIC. It rode so well!
I just sent a letter to NNEP about how upset I am about the change. I suggest everyone does the same. It may not change this years event, but it can save NNEP trials for the future.
Posts: 128 | Location: Nepean | Registered: March 20, 2005
I sent an email to the City of Ottawa, who then forwarded it onto Andrea at the NNEP. Here is the reply which I received.
I thank you for your e-mail and do appreciate your concern. It was NOT an easy decision to make to change the fall Horse Trials to a combined test. I did not make the decision lightly, I made it after examining the facts and what my options were at this point. The options were cancel the event completely or because I do support Eventing run a combined so that the Park still remains active. There are many good reasons as to why the cross country was closed and I assure you it was not done on a whim.
Please be assured that I am working in coordination with Ontario Horse Trials Association and Equine Canada to ensure the Nepean National Equestrian Park runs an event that meets the high standards we have always presents which includes, safety, challenge for horse and rider, fiscal responsibility and fun. I hope to continue to work this fall with all those involved in the Ottawa Horse Trials to ensure support of Eventing in 2010.
Thank you again for your comments and concerns. I hope you will continue to be a supporter of the Nepean National Equestrian Park
Andrea McCoy-Naperstkow Portfolio Manager, Nepean National Equestrian Park, Recreation and Community Services, City of Ottawa Corkstown Road, Nepean, ON, K2H 7T8 Phone: 613-829-6925 Fax: 613-829-1527 E-mail: andrea.naperstkow@ottawa.ca
That really is too bad. My understanding of Horse Trials is that if you're at all concerned about footing, put studs in those shoes or just go slower?
My daughter had competed three times at NNEP and the facilities have always been stupendous. This has been an extraordinary spring and summer and those who complained should have taken this into consideration! Perhaps they should try running an event under these trying weather conditions.
There will always be those rotten apples spoiling the whole barrel. Hopefully the event will run next year and the complainers will elect to stay home.
Posts: 9 | Location: Canada | Registered: January 15, 2007
oh, that sucks! i was planning on going to that one as it was pretty much the only one I could do this year....and i was looking forward to the cross country....
Posts: 203 | Location: Royale Equestrian Centre | Registered: October 15, 2007
So... Saturday, I showed up at NNEP hoping to watch the Combined Event and it had been canceled!! I checked this forum and I checked Ontario Horse Trials web page and there is no indication that it was canceled. Do you think maybe they should have posted that somewhere? I was not the only disappointed spectator.
