The Childeric Saddles Little Downham Horse Trials
2nd – 4th June 2017
22nd – 23rd July 2017
th
30 Sept – 2nd October 2017
PRESS RELEASE
Little Downham Leads Technology Charge
In conjunction with technology partner MCS Delabond, Little Downham Horse Trials, is leading the
charge for technology developments for use at British Eventing events, with a computerised cross
country control, officials app and event app all in the early release stage.
“A major driver in developing the system was finding ever more innovative ways to improve the safety of
a cross-country event through Controlling” Benjie Unwin, Delabond Managing Director & BE Cross
Country Controller
The XC Control system and the XC Control Live app present a number of potential benefits that can
contribute to the safe running of an event including:
•
reducing radio network traffic, thus freeing up channels for emergency use
•
removing paper and speeding up tasks that consume time and attention
•
informing decision-making by providing up to the minute analysis
“Controlling a fast-moving cross-country course effectively relies heavily on process. The system not only
integrates with those processes but reinforces them, helping Control teams to operate and capture
information consistently and intuitively” continued Benjie Unwin.
**Mum quote**
Running alongside the XC Control System, the XC Control Live app provides extended benefits by
delivering the XC Control Dashboard directly to the mobile devices or computers of event officials. Data
is exported every few minutes so that app users can see and drill down into live running information,
incident details and statistics enabling key tasks and decisions to be undertaken more efficiently.
**Nicole quote**
Little Downham Horse Trials was involved in piloting this system in 2016 and will continue using it at
events in 2017.
This year Little Downham will also be trialing a new digital programme app that delivers key event
information including XC course details, sponsor and competitor information and more. Unlike other
digital programmes currently in use, this solution has the capability to integrate most elements of a
traditional programme, as well as changing information (such as announcements, scores and results) into
the one app, providing a quick and seamless experience for users. Initially, the app will be trialed with
‘static’ programme information, with plans to integrate live data features in the future.
The digital programme provides sponsors with more targeted and engaging advertising, plus the ability to
monitor engagement through embedded links and calls to action. The app will run alongside a traditional
The Childeric Saddles Little Downham Horse Trials
2nd – 4th June 2017
22nd – 23rd July 2017
th
30 Sept – 2nd October 2017
programme initially giving competitors, owners and spectators the comfort of the familiar with a taste of
the new.
The main structure of the app is built around information available within most current paper-based
formats and has been designed so that event organisers can submit their programme information on
templates, ready to be imported into the app. The aim is to develop a process that is simple for
organisers and means that the digital programme can be generated and available in an efficient and costeffective way for each event.
For further information and a live demonstration please see www.delabond.com/xccontrol
-
ENDS -
Editors Notes:
The XC Control Live system is the brainchild of Benjie Unwin of MCS Delabond. MCS Delabond is a
UK-based consultancy bringing together in-depth experience across project management, business
change management and corporate communications disciplines. Highly skilled in leading projects and
their stakeholders through large scale, complex transformations they excel in helping clients engage
and inspire their people in order to harness the operational and cost benefits of implementing digital
technology and organisational change. Benjie’s equestrian passion stems from an early career in eventing
before making the move to being a cross country controller and commentator.
With input and consultation from Sarah Skillin of EquiConsulting from a Customer Experience and event
management and marketing point of view that partnership look to work with other event organisers keen
to explore the technology and digital possibilities.
The XC Control System has also been in use at Isleham, Poplar Park, Stratford Hills, Keysoe, Chilham
and Horseheath among others.
For further information please contact – Sarah Skillin – [email protected] 07944
750513