Celeste Travers calmly checked the “clear” box as Tamie Smith and Mai Baum cleared her jump on the CCI4*-S course back in late March. She didn’t know she was watching a precursor to history — Tamie and Mai Baum’s last prep before becoming the first Americans to win the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day 5* in 15 years.
How exciting was that? The Galway Gazette asked Celeste.
“Well, I don’t really follow the people too closely,” Celeste acknowledged. “I used to ride when I was younger and I just volunteer for fun.”
She’s been jump judging for fun steadily and reliably since her father, Anthony Travers, encouraged her to come out to Galway Downs five years ago. It’s a favorite father-daughter outing. Initially, Anthony handled the walkie-talkie, calling each horse into the controller as clear or not over his obstacles, and Celeste recorded it on the judging sheet.
Celeste went solo soon after and has no problem when she’s asked to judge a few fences at the same time. “My dad and I converge at the end and talk about the jumps we judged and what approaches the horses took to them.”
Celeste grew up in Poway and was a member of the Poway Pony Club. She loved riding but never got into competing herself. She recalls coming to Galway Downs for a Pony Club Rally as part of her friends’ pit crew, giving her a keen appreciation for the effort and time that goes into competing.
She lives in South Pasadena now and attends the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, with plans to get into the styling side of the fashion industry. Celeste loves the styles she sees on the riders who whiz over her jumps and how equestrian motifs are incorporated into mainstream fashion. Designers John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood are favorites – especially Westwood’s vivid red equestrian designs. “It’s a stylish version of a fox hunting jacket,” Celeste shares.
Jump Judging Is Easy
Jump judging is easy to learn, Celeste asserts. “Most of the time, the horse and rider go over it just fine, so you radio that in, and make a check on your sheet. If the rider falls, you call that in and go check on the rider. Usually they are totally fine and you call that in. Or, if the horse is loose, you report that he’s running toward the barn or whatever. You always take your walkie-talkie with you!”
Occasionally it’s unclear whether the horse jumped cleanly through the flags. It’s possible to knock down one of the flags on either side of a fence and still have cleared the jump. “If there’s any uncertainty, we go on channel 3 and ask the technical delegate for clarification,” Celeste explains. Whatever happens, “pay attention to what you are doing, make sure you go into detail when you report and stay calm.”
Jump judge days start early with a review of the process, jump assignments and golf cart or truck transport out onto the course.
Celeste and Anthony volunteer frequently and donate the Galway Downs vouchers they earn to riders. She’s become a volunteer coordinator’s dream – “I’m pretty much good with everything, I’ll go wherever you need me to go. Water complexes are fun and interesting to watch, especially around trees where the horses have the extra challenge of going in and out of the shade. Honestly, I love seeing all the different jumps.”
The Galway Downs volunteer experience is always augmented by friendly, helpful people. She may not have tales of her own equestrian exploits to swap with fellow volunteers, but Celeste always feels part of the community as one of the dedicated people who make eventing possible.
Celeste’s Advice
- Wear layers, because when you start at 7 a.m, it can be very cold.
- Bring gloves, jacket and layers you can take off as the day goes on.
- Beach chairs, chapstick, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses. “It can get hot, depending on where you’re sitting.”
- A cooler for drinks and a snack. Hydration is really important.
- Enjoy the drinks and snacks dropped off throughout the day and always a nice lunch for volunteers during the midday break.
