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 United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to announce a request for expressions of interest to host the first standalone USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships in 2026 and 2027. With the success of the inaugural joint championships in 2024, the USEA is confident that the progression of these programs lends to a standalone event for these hardworking students in 5th through 12th grade and undergraduate college programs.
The USEA Annual Meeting & Convention is easily one of the most influential weeks in the sport of eventing in the U.S. and this year it is headed to Seattle, Washington, Dec. 12-15. USEA Podcast Host Nicole Brown talks about all the details surrounding this year's Convention with USEA CEO Rob Burk and USEA President Lou Leslie. From important discussions around safety and horsemanship to a charity poker tournament and more, there is so much going on in Seattle this year that you won't want to miss!
The following is an excerpt from 33 Strength and Fitness Workouts for Horses by equine training and conditioning expert Jec Aristotle Ballou. Strength routines and this workout are for horses and riders with a good existing level of fitness who are working toward increased strength and endurance.
Being the last rider in the final competition of the day can be an unenviable position. Molly Duda felt the pressure all day while gearing up for her ride on her own 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Disco Traveler (Donatelli x Cadence).