Login
Jun 19, 2017
A Century Together
Spokane Sport Horse Farm's Second Annual Spring event which was held from May 12-14, 2017 was very honored to host Washington residents Mary Sawyer and her longtime companion Broker's Joker, a 28-year-old black/white Paint gelding by The Stockbroker and out of Regal Rose Gold. The pair rode in the Intro division with and scored a 32.9 in dressage for seventh place, had a clear cross-country round and just an unfortunate senior moment in show jumping resulting in their first ever technical elimination. While we value all of our 200+ competitors Mary and her partner obtained a very unique status at this event. Their combined age is 100 so they therefore completed a CENTURY RIDE!
Mary and Joker score a 32.9. Cyra Carlson Photo.
Mary began riding Joker as a 3-year-old. He did some 'B' system dressage and did his first cross-country schooling at Caber Farm. They competed in USEA recognized events in 2001 with one year at Beginner Novice and three years at Novice. When Joker was 16 he developed some lameness and retired from jumping. He was a lovely sound trail horse after recovering from his lameness. He happily came out of retirement to help Mary fulfill her dream of a century ride.
Mary and Joker through the water complex. Full Stride Photography Photo.
Joker, Mary's trusted sidekick of years, doesn't look a day over 15! He was more than happy to gallop cross-country and was making easy work of a Chris Barnard designed show jump course jumping exactly where pointed – oops a senior moment! While they would have probably finished this century ride on their dressage score it wasn't meant to be.
SSHF owner Christel Carlson presented Mary with a farm logo show pad, specially designed for the event stained glass jumping horse the division winners receive, new stock tie donated by Sponsor Chubby Cov and Cindy Covington and a large championship blue ribbon as our first century ride. Cyra Carlson Photo.
Mary and Joker planned to ride in their Century Club dressage ride June 10 in Wenatchee Washington, sporting a new pad and stock tie given by Spokane Sport Horse Farm.
Dec 23, 2024
Education
Saddle Fit Simplified
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
