Each year the FEI opens their Global Education Programme for Judges, TD, CD and Stewards and his programme, which began in 2009, is now a popular way for officials to gain some international experience. Australia’s Andrea Webb was fortunate enough to be selected in 2012 to steward at the CHIO in Aachen Germany and this year was delighted to be advised that she had been selected as FEI Assistant Chief Steward at the Tattersalls International Horse Trials in Ireland.
Andrea gives us a glimpse of what it’s like behind the scenes at the beautiful Irish setting of Tattersalls – one of our favourite events
Andrea doing a bit check (and we're pretty sure that's Alfie Bleekman!)
Tattersalls
My travels to Ireland began with a three days quick trip around the south and then arriving at the Tattersalls Horse Trials location on Sunday afternoon. I did manage to fit in a quick trip to the Irish National Stud, the Waterford Crystal factory and the lovely sea side town of Dingle. It is a beautiful place to visit and I am sorry that I did not have more time to be able to do more
On arrival at Tattersalls House, I looked in awe of this beautiful venue that was available to the organising committee.
The wonderful facilities at Tattersalls plus the very friendly Paddy and Richard
I was quickly welcomed by the FEI Chief Steward Nicky Kelly, her trusty side kick “Wombat”, Stable Manager Paddy Gately and his assistant Richard and the lovely office person extraordinaire Janice. The Tattersalls site is well known for conducting auctions of Irish thoroughbreds and the facility is second to none. I walked around the site to find my bearings and was in awe of the wonderful airy stable blocks with large breezeways and open air courtyards. A separate block housed the Vet/MCP and Farrier boxes.
Nicky had allocated stables for all the competitors with a security block for all the International horses. We based ourselves in the Control Office and set to sorting the stable cards into stable blocks then headed off on foot to place them in their appropriate spots.
L-R: The 2* Ground Jury (including Neil Clinton, in his last year of officiating), the 3* Ground Jury (including Australia's Gill Rolton) and the international band of stewards
The beginning of the week saw the introduction of many people including the Ground Juries, TD’s, Vets, office staff and of course my fellow stewards. It was great to work with Australians, Gillian Rolton, President of the 3 Star Ground Jury and Neil Clinton, 2 Star Technical Delegate. The other benefit was to finally meet some facebook friends from a FEI group and put a person to the face and name. I was also fortunate to be working with a truly international team of stewards as we were from all corners of the globe - Australia, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom and of course Ireland.
L-R: The ' lorry' park, Mary King arrives and vets Rosemary and Con at the arrival area
With the arrival of competitors saw the activity levels increase. The busiest times were about an hour after the ferry had landed as “lorry” after “lorry” appeared in the parking lot unloading horses. Each horse was identified with passports/vaccinations checked and then stables allocated. It was all hands on deck as we moved from the general exercise area to stables on a continual basis monitoring all activity.
I undertook all stewarding duties that one could possibly find in the Stewards manual plus other duties outside the square.
Horse inspections in strict numerical order for the 1* classes including the Ponies were conducted on the Tuesday along with the Riders Briefing. Dressage commenced for these riders on the Wednesday with horse inspections for the CCI3*, CIC3*, CCI2*, CIC2* and CCI2* U25 so it was a busy day.
Dressage started in earnest on the Thursday and it was good to see dressage volunteers looking after the marshalling which allowed us to concentrate on our role. Friday saw the continuation of the CCI3* and CCI2* dressage with the addition of the CCIO2* U25 class. Then it was straight to cross country for the CCI1* Ponies and Juniors along with the open 1* class.
Saturday started with the second horse inspection for all of the CCI 1* classes which saw a small reduction due to either elimination or vet advice. Show jumping then commenced for these classes with a mounted presentation being undertaken at 5:30 for all of the CCI 1 star classes. It was run to precision timing.
While the show jumping was underway in the 1 star classes the 2 and 3 star cross country phase started. These classes again ran smoothly and were all completed by 4:30pm. There were no major delays on course and it again ran like clockwork.
Australia's Paul Tapner had a good weekend including fifth in the CCI3* on Indian Mill
Horse inspections took the stage on Sunday morning for the CCI3*, CCI2*, CCI2* U25 but was not held for the CIC3* horses. Their Showjumping commenced early so that they could complete their cross country in the afternoon. This was followed by the CCI2* U25 and CCI2* classes. Presentations took place and a break was held in the show jumping arena.
This allowed the crowds to go and watch the CIC3* cross country. It also allowed for the show jumping track for the CCI3* class to be set up. So after cross country it was back to the show jumping arena to watch the Hound Parade as the CCI3* riders walked their show jumping track. It was then time for the final class of the day. Show jumping volunteers looked after the marshalling and we were able to concentrate on the warm up and also boot and bandage check at the end of each round.
So as a steward I was given the opportunity to be involved in every facet imaginable:
- Arrival inspections with the vets
- Creating signs for areas, always finding a spot for a sign!
- Assisting with the timetable for the FEI Chief Steward
- Meetings morning and night
- Stable allocations
- Stable checks – random – during the day and at night
- Trot Up Inspections
- Assisting horses to hold during horse inspections
- General exercise areas
- General lunging areas
- Arena familiarisation
- Dressage warm up for competition
- Bit checks and fly hood checks after dressage
- Show jumping and cross country practice areas
- Gallops practice at Fairy House Race course
- Cross country finish assistance
- Show jumping practice and boot and bandage checks during the final competition
- Notification of horses for MCP testing
It was eight days of early morning starts and late finishes. The benefit of Ireland being in their summer time was highlighted by the fact it did not get dark until 10:30pm each night which allowed many more working hours!
I was also interviewed by Irish Horse TV about my role which was a little daunting to say the least. We were constantly fed and had to be careful of the size of the meals that we ate. It was hard to find a light lunch during the event as we were certainly well catered for with hearty Irish lunches. All the competitors were extremely friendly and asked a question if they needed to.
I hope to be back to my Irish event office again!
With just over 300 horses across seven FEI classes it was an extremely busy event. The organising committee should be congratulated on running an event that ran smoothly, to the timetable without any mishaps. Everyone worked together, they all had smiles on their faces and we were welcomed back again next year (it might have to be out of my own pocket though!)
The Irish are warm, hospitable and very friendly people who go out of their way to make you feel extremely welcome and part of the family. I will certainly be trying to get back again next year and will cherish every moment of my brief Irish life!
Andrea Webb
Level 2
FEI Eventing Steward
