Julie Wolfert was a triple threat at the Area IV Championships held by the Mid-America Combined Training Association (MACTA) at their Heritage Park course in Olathe, Kansas. Not only did she win both the Preliminary Championship and Open Preliminary divisions on her dressage scores, but she also scooped the Adult Rider Low Score Award with her Championship score of just 26.1 penalties!
Some doubts about the weather this late is the season were dispelled when temperatures in the 80s were forecast for the week. In the event, the weekend dawned bright and clear with temperatures that had dropped below half that earlier forecast. MACTA runs its horse trials in the traditional order and both the dressage and cross-country phases went without serious incident - although one visiting rider from Oklahoma found the new water complex was not really deep enough to go swimming!
Temperatures had warmed up sufficiently by the evening and all (at least those 21 or older) were able to enjoy the Champagne & Chocolate Reception provided by prime sponsor Cavalor and hosted by Cynthia Wiseman and Staci Myer.
Stadium began an hour late because of fears that the footing could be frosty and thus too slick, but the Beth Stoker-designed, Richard Jeffery-tweaked course rode well. Thanks to great volunteers who came from all across the Kansas City area and from as far afield as Wichita, all nine classes went as quickly and efficiently as possible. An hour later, all trace of competition had been packed away – again by the great volunteers.
Click here for more Area IV Championships and Heritage Park Horse Trials results.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Dr. J. Allen Leslie DVM, a distinguished veterinarian, who died peacefully on April 3 surrounded by family and loved ones at his farm in Christiana, Pennsylvania. He was 84.
Effective communication between riders and horse show organizers is crucial for a smooth and successful competition experience. Clear, polite, and well-organized communication not only ensures that your requests are properly handled; but also helps maintain a positive relationship with organizers and helps the longevity of the sport.
The final day of competition at the the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect crowned five new champions, featuring show jumping competition in Tryon Stadium and the final rounds of cross-country competition on the White Oak cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). Read more below.
At last fall's Full Moon Farm Horse Trials, 16-year-old Miriam Keefer guided her horse, Micky, over the final cross-country jump with quiet determination and a flash of joy. It was her first recognized event at the Novice level, and she placed second out of 16 competitors—qualifying her for both the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and a long-format three-day event.