Final Countdown to the N. I. Festival Next Weekend!!
The N. I. Festival is nearly upon us with many competitors expected to arrive at Cavan Equestrian Centre from lunchtime on Friday 26th April 2013. In order to make sure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable show, please see below some important logistical information for anyone competing at the Festival.
Showground Access:
The showgrounds will open on Friday 26th April at 2pm. Anyone who arrives before this will be held in the day parking area until the show office is open and the showgrounds are ready. Please be patient and don’t expect admission before this time. Your health and safety is paramount and the committee need time to ensure everything is set up for the show. The show office will be open from 2 pm to 6.30pm on Friday and then from 6.30am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to collect your competitor numbers and complete on-the-day entries or seek information and advice. The show office will be in a different location this year so please follow the signs upon arrival.
Numbers:
Please collect your competitor numbers from the show office upon your arrival. If you have booked stables, you can get your stable numbers from the Cavan staff in the stable office. All competitors need to wear their competitor number when riding, or warming up, and must always wear an approved 3-point harnessed secured hat whilst riding. This is particularly relevant for the ridden horse classes as Bowler Hats / Pateys etc will not permitted in the daytime classes. In the evening performance, riders over the age of 14 may choose to ride in an unsecured hat, such a top hat, but do so at their own risk. No rider under the age of 14 may ride without wearing an approved, secured riding hat.
Warm Up / Lunging Areas:
Please only use the designated warm up and lunging areas displayed.
Arrival:
Please ensure you leave plenty of time to reach the show grounds and allow enough time to warm up and prepare for your class. Traffic is likely to be extremely busy on the roads around the show grounds, especially early in the morning. Classes may run earlier or later than scheduled depending on the number of competitors who turn up, and on the volume of on-the-day entries. Unfortunately we cannot hold classes for anybody who is late.
Parking:
In order to reduce congestion within the show-grounds, the Festival has implemented two designated parking areas for this year. Those who have stables booked will receive a parking pass to be displayed in the window of your vehicle. This will allow you to park within the show grounds and as close to your stables as is possible. Those who do not have stables booked, and are competing on one day only, will need to park in the large ‘day parking’ area prior to the show grounds gates. Please follow the directions of the security or show staff with regard to where you should park. Please keep these areas tidy and dispose of any litter in the bins provided.
Ring Rolling / Raking:
We will endeavour to make an announcement when ring rolling or raking is to take place.
Tents:
The camping area will be clearly marked. No vehicles will be allowed access to this area but will need to park on hard standing nearby. Please keep the camping area tidy. This area will be a quiet zone from midnight to 6am.
Dogs:
All dogs should be kept on a lead and not allowed to run free around the showgrounds.
Good luck to everyone competing at the 2013 Festival.
