Eventing Sport Manager Hayley Pickmere says, “Cross country design and preparation is the most time consuming and labour heavy aspect of the competition, but it is what sets eventing apart from the other equestrian disciplines and remains the passion of the riders taking part.”
“Having appropriately skilled and qualified course designers will not only allows our organisers to meet their obligations for running the event smoothly and efficiently, but also enable the eventing community to maintain its reputation as a sport of integrity with appropriately designed courses and safely built jumps, always keeping the welfare of the horse and rider at the very heart of our endeavours.”
“The NZ Eventing federation hosts the National Championships every year at the conclusion of the season. Riders from across NZ travel to the event to compete from lower level competition all the way to the top level, depending on the needs of the eventing competitors.”
“Rules governing the eventing sport require course designers of specific levels of qualification to prepare the courses for these events. Course designers are volunteers and their payments generally cover lost wages from their employer for the time they spend building the course leading up to the event, and basic materials such as jump pegs. Like all volunteers in sports, they put more hours into performing their role and the necessary training and qualifications than they receive recompense for.”
“Seven courses needed to be designed and built. Designer Chris Ross prepared the 4* long and short courses along with the 3* short and long courses. John Holmes was Chris’s assistant (unpaid) as part of John’s training and preparation for upgrading of his qualifications. John also designed and build the 2* course. Chris Lever designed and build the 1* long and 95cm Long courses.”
