Per the course closing. There is no rule that the park only closes
three times a year. It is a public facility and IEA is not the only
group that uses the XC course and so course rentals are not limited to
IEA; the only thing it is limited to is non-motorized vehicular
traffic. The course Does close due to inclement weather or slushy
footing, black powder shoots, high school cross country, clinics, whips
and wheel shows, and various other activities that do not include
horses.

On that note, IEA's HHP liason has addressed the Issue with the HHP to
try to work out a plan. First of all, the currently known course
closure dates are posted on the "course closures" tab at
www.indyeventers.org". The HHP is also going to try to have it posted
on their website too at www.johnsoncountypark.com each week. These are
the known closures before IEA and Indiana Whips and Wheels shows.
However, a phone call is still the best option, but at least these
posted dates will help you plan. I usually call about a week ahead of
time to plan and again that day to make sure, and it usually works.
The HHP will try to give IEA a list for other events too and is working
very hard with all the different organizations to make everyone happy.

I know there will be another course closure when it is best to aerovate
and seed the course. IEA has purchased a turf machine to help soften
the ground and promote grasss growth. This will be done at various
times during the year but exact dates are not known since it is due to
mother nature (the best time being right before it rains). (footing has
been another great concern to riders).

I know the HHP really appreciates the respectful riders such as you-all
and the trail-riders that do pay the fees to ride (trail-riders have a
lower rate since they do not use the jumps). (here comes the can of
worms) Unforunately (and i have witnessed a couple episodes too) there
are a few riders that are not respectful of closure dates or paying
schooling fee. I am not going into detail, but it has broken more than
one organizers heart to have the xc course set after the close date, it
rain and to come out and see huge divots torn since the course had been
schooled by unknown rider/s. Or riders who think that since they are
competing at a show, the course is open for free-schooling even if
another group has rented the xc course. These may be limited examples,
but since these riders are schooling, that they are automatically
thought to be IEA members and we get the complaints by other
organizations or other IEA members.

Thus the pinny rule to school is coming back along with the armband.
This will help make it easier for the HHP staff to police the xc
course, any will be able to see by sight if a rider should be there
(before, only the office staff knew who signed a release, etc.

The HHP is really trying hard to work with IEA and other
organizations. They are trying to make improvements and do what is
best for everyone.

Oh..The information on the armband is on the IEA membership form.

Hope that is helpful.