The World Championship Blacksmiths announced Friday that the season opener will be postponed.

“We don’t want to place anyone in a position where they would expose themselves or their loved ones to a dangerous situation,” according to a post on the WCB’s Facebook page. “We know this is disappointing and we have struggled greatly making the decision. The goal is to flatten the curve. Stay safe everybody.”

The first leg of the competition traditionally takes place during the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wis., which was cancelled last week. At the time, WCB reached an agreement with Ten Pin Alley in nearby Fitchburg, Wis., to host the contest.

The contest, which has been rescheduled for July 31 – Aug. 2, is one of a growing list in the equine industry that have been limited or cancelled in response to the global coronavirus pandemic, also known as COVID-19.

According to the WCB Facebook page, all current paid entries will either be moved to another competition during the season or reimbursed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people across the United States to cancel or postpone events with 50 or more attendees for the foreseeable future in an attempt to contain the fast-moving virus.