Field of Play Focus at the 2013 CDI Sydney

Shows

2013 CDI Sydney

Like all equestrian events, one of the main priorities is to look after the welfare of the horse. The Sydney CDI is no different. To ensure this happens, a group of volunteers which have been named 'Field of Play' (FOP) have been given the responsibility of making sure the arenas are of a high standard.

As all dressage enthusiasts would know, this component is critical. Luckily the Sydney International Equestrian Centre (SIEC) built for the Sydney 2000 Olympics, means that the infrastructure was designed for international events. In saying that, there is a lot of work behind the scenes to keep the arenas at this level.

Kathy Shelly and her off-sider, Jane Joseph, have been looking after this component of the Sydney CDI for many years. "We have our 4 regular FOP's and our mascot (Chippy, the dog) who help maintain the arenas," says Kathy. "We also have about 20 to 30 volunteers each day. They also help with opening and closing the arena gates as well as collecting the test papers from the judges."

"Most of the problems with the arenas usually fall into four categories," explains Kathy. "They're either too wet, too dry, too deep or too hard. We work with SIEC staff to overcome any issues. The venue Management and staff do their utmost to assist us and we are very lucky to have such a great team to work with."

The days are long for this army of volunteers. Their day starts at about 6am and finishes well after the last horse has left the arena. They are responsible for setting up the arenas which includes everything from raking the corners, grading the arena, placement of flower arrangements, ensuring the gazebos and judging tables are dry after the arenas have been watered and placing the sponsored vehicles (Lexus of Parramatta) which are used for judging.

"SIEC provide the tractors and my girls BYO their own rake," says Kathy with a laugh. "The watering system is all managed by SIEC staff. The weather plays a huge part in the decision of how much water is needed on a daily basis. If it's windy we then need sand bags on the plastic arenas to stop them blowing over. It's never dull, I can assure you."

Over the years, FOP have had numerous situations arise which haven been a bit of a challenge to address. I need to point out that these are the minority but in hindsight they are quite funny. " We've had flooded arenas due to pipes or sprinklers breaking. Once we had all the sponsored cars with flat batteries after Judges were not sure how to turn off the accessory buttons so we had to get the sponsor's staff out at night so we could recharge the batteries and move them so they weren't watered in the morning with the sprinklers." Thankfully, Kathy and her team have the ability to address whatever issue comes to hand.

Kathy tells me the highlights of the job is getting to see the best horses and riders close up, meeting lots of people and the Egg and Bacon Rolls for breakfast. The down side is raking wet sand, lifting heavy timber panels and worrying about the weather.

As cricketers need a good pitch and dancers need polished floors, our beloved Dressage Horses need a surface that will ensure they can compete without the chance of injury. Due to the hard work of the 'FOP' volunteers we can rest easy knowing that the FOP crew will be working hard to ensure the arenas will be safe and rideable for the horses to compete at their best.