United States Eventing Association

An Andalusian/Mustang and a One-Eyed Percheron Win the USEA Classic Series Divisions at the Colorado Horse Park

On August 14-16 the Colorado Horse Park H.T. hosted both a USEA Classic Series Training Three-Day (T3D) and a Novice Three-Day (N3D) for riders wanting to be able to experience the classic format.

After dressage day in the T3D, Linda Quist and her 11-year-old Andalusian/Mustang mare, Belle Gambe were sitting in second on a 34.5, but they went clear in all four phases on Endurance day to move up to the top of the leaderboard. The pair had one rail down in show jumping and were still able to hold onto the blue ribbon.

Quist has ridden Western ranch horses and driven harness horses her whole life, but was introduced to Eventing in 2002. She competed through the Novice level with her Mustang, Reno, but when he died from colic in 2004 Quist took a break from the sport.

“In 2010, I started back with Belle Gambe at the Intro level at Abbé Ranch and we've been moving our way along and up ever since,” explained Quist. “I entered her in the T3D because this is our second year at the Training level, but we are not ready for Preliminary. We've been doing well at competitions, and we were ready for something more challenging.”

The Colorado Horse Park provided many educational opportunities for the Classic Series participants and made it a true learning experience in addition to a competition. “I think my favorite part of the weekend was the learning process and how busy we were,” continued Quist. “The great unknown became familiar, such as understanding the in-barn check and the jogs. I felt like I'd become a member on an important team instead of just showing up to ride at my ride times.”

“I enjoyed meeting the officials during the briefings and James Atkinson taking all of us out to teach us how the roads and tracks course is ridden. The roads and tracks course was just beautiful and adds such a healthy and relaxing phase to the endurance day. My horse recovered quickly in the vet box; I think she felt like a queen being fussed over and having the attention of so many people. Out on the cross-country course, I had the most rideable, forward, but relaxed horse. It was absolutely amazing. I would absolutely recommend the three-day to all Eventers. Both at the Training and the Novice levels.”

Quist and Belle are planning on contesting the upcoming Area IX Championships before heading to Texas for the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships at the end of September. “Longer term?” concluded Quist. “Who knows! We are starting to school some Preliminary jumps and my trainer, Karen Paul laughs at me when I tell her they aren't as scary as they used to be, so never say never for the little Mustang Andalusian cross and the middle aged woman who wanted to try something new.”

Novice Three-Day

With ten pairs entered in the N3D there was healthy competition throughout the weekend, but in the end it was 16-year-old, Hannah Gurske, and her mother’s 11-year-old Percheron mare, Buenos Dias, who won wire-to-wire. The pair added only 2 time penalties on Endurance day to their dressage score of 28.3 to finish the N3D on a 30.3 and over 4 points in the lead.

Two years ago, Julie Wolfert won the CCI* at this same Event, but when Buenos Dias lost her left eye she moved on to teach Wolfert’s student the ropes. Gurske started Eventing about four years ago aboard another one of Wolfert’s ex-Advanced horses, Wonderee Barger, before purchasing “Dia” in 2014.

“I decided to enter the N3D because my trainer suggested it to me as a fun learning experience,” explained Gurske. “My favorite part about the whole weekend would have to have been the steeplechase! It was the first time that I have been able to really open Dia up and go fast at a show.”

Like Quist, Gurske would highly recommend the Classic Series to all riders. “The learning experience was amazing especially learning how to jog and being more formal with everything.”

Gurske is hoping to move Dia up to Training level at the end of the year and eventually bring her back up to Preliminary. “ I'd love to see if she can do it with her one eye,” continued Gurske. “She's such a great teacher, so I bet she can. She's my rock and I love her to the moon and back!”

Full results from the T3D and N3D at the Colorado Horse Park are available here.

About the USEA Classic Series

The thrill of the 'chase lives on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic format three-day event!

Long-format events from the Preliminary to Beginner Novice levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. Educational activities are offered at the Classic Series Events.

Prizes

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the USEA Classic Series Event winners have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes including SmartPak engraved halters and leadshanks; the chance to win a year of SmartPaks; Point Two Air Jackets; online subscriptions to Eventing Training Online; USEA logowear; Fleeceworks saddle pads; andStackhouse saddles!