Request to Postpone All Dressage Events

 
Dear Members, Clubs, Show holding Bodies,

COVID has once again put us in a position where decisions need to be made. South Africa, as you know is in the grip of a very nasty third wave of the virus. Hospitals and medical staff are overburdened and getting to the point where India and parts of Europe were, with decisions having to be made as to who gets a chance in hospital and who doesn’t.

We also need to spare a thought for those who have had their livelihoods taken away from them once again with the closure of some businesses.

In the light of all of this, I believe that it would be remiss of DSA to encourage shows to go on as usual. We have a responsibility to make sure that all involved, athletes, grooms and officials, are not exposed to the virus through attending shows. While sporting events are not disallowed by the government, we need to show solidarity with our nation by not, through sporting events, contributing to the growing COVID infection rate and overtaxing of medical facilities.

We ask you all  to please respect our request to postpone all dressage events and give this third wave a chance to pass over so that we are all around to compete once again in the future.

Dianne Smith
President, Dressage South Africa