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 horses in trainer Joe Davis’ barn at Horseshoe Indianapolis don’t just get standard hay in their nets each day. Throughout the afternoon, Davis or one of his employees opens the HayGain machine that sits at the end of his shed row and pulls out a warm, beautiful-smelling bale of freshly-steamed hay to fill their nets.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.