Jun 12, 2012

9th Annual Surefire Horse Trials Still Open for Entries

The ninth annual Surefire Horse Trials will take place June 22-24 at Jan Byyny’s Surefire Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Organizers are excited to announce that this year, SmartPak is sponsoring the $10,000 John C. Chester Intermediate Challenge on Friday, with Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions running over Saturday and Sunday.

Popular with professionals as well as amateurs, the Surefire Horse Trials are set on Byyny’s spectacular Virginia property which features rolling terrain, beautifully presented cross-country jumps, and grass dressage and stadium arenas. This year’s competitors can expect a large number of new jumping efforts and a re-routed cross-country track. Over 400 horses competed in 2011 and organizers expect a similar turnout in June.

Surefire has also been designated a Professional Riders Organization (PRO) Junior Young Rider Training Level Scholarship observation competition. Young riders who wish to be considered for PRO’s Eastern U.S. Training Scholarship will be vying to win a free week’s training with either Jan Byyny or Marcia Kulak. For more information about PRO’s Training Level Scholarship, go to: http://www.professionalriders.org/jr_scholarship.htm.

Horse Trials organizers Jan Byyny and Christy Stauffer have assembled an experienced team of officials to ensure the best competition yet, including course designer Tremaine Cooper, jump builders Trav Schick, Joe Stylos and Josh Sylce, footing guru Tom Finnen and incomparable event secretary Mary Coldren handing entries and scheduling among others.

Help with the horse trials is needed for all three days; please contact Christy Stauffer to find out more. Surefire has become legendary for their excellent treatment of volunteers—sign up today!

More information about the Surefire Horse Trials can be found at www.surefireeventing.com, by contacting Organizers Jan Byyny (540-338-0797) or Christy Stauffer (540-295-1024), or by e-mailing [email protected].

May 18, 2025 Education

How to Ride the Horse You Thought You Bought

In this excerpt, trainer and educator Anne Buchannan explains bit contact connection and why it matters for true collection and healthy movement.

May 17, 2025 Education

Eventing 101: The Show Secretary is Your New Best Friend. Here’s How to Keep Them Happy

Familiarizing yourself with the key players at each horse trial is an important step to your success at your next competition. One of those important figures is the show secretary. Think of the show secretary as the mastermind behind most of the organizational efforts related to each horse trial. They manage entries, the show schedule, ride times, stabling, and so much more. Without the hard work of the show secretary and their office staff, a horse trial simply would not be able to operate.

May 16, 2025 Officials

USEA Foundation Announces the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials

The USEA Foundation is pleased to announce a new initiative, the Janet Briggs Fund for the Continuing Education of Licensed Officials. Established in memory of Janet Briggs, this fund honors her lifelong dedication to the sport of eventing by supporting the ongoing education and development of eventing licensed officials.

May 16, 2025 Eventing News

USEA Events A-Z: Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials

In the rolling countryside of Metamora, Michigan, there’s a place where eventers gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the spirit of the sport. Area VIII’s Hunter’s Run Farm—home to the Hunter’s Run Farm Horse Trials—has long been a beloved destination for riders across the Midwest, and this year, it’s gearing up for one of its most exciting seasons yet.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shock Wave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA