CHP extends heartfelt condolences in wake of tragedy
June 3, 2011 (Raeford, NC) It is with deepest sorrow over the tragedy at True Prospect Farm that Carolina Horse Park announces a portion of all proceeds from the upcoming Lumber River Starter Horse Trials will be donated to the fire recovery funds. CHP both commends and is inspired by the heroism portrayed and the strength of the rallying eventing community. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to all of those at Phillip and Evie Dutton’s True Prospect Farm, including: Boyd and Silva Martin, Ryan Wood, Lillian Heard, Caitlin Silliman and the owners of the six horses lost.
As long time supporters of the Park, Boyd Martin, Phillip Dutton and their entire True Prospect Team have continuously supported CHP, inspiring both fellow professionals and those new to the sport. Their dedication to their horses, each other, and the growth and betterment of the sport is unparalleled. This year, Boyd and Phillip partnered closely with
CHP in ways well beyond riding including community and media relations as well as strong leadership of Southern Pines Horse Trials partnership with the Professional Riders Organization. It is without hesitation that CHP joins in the support effort after this tragedy.
In addition to a direct portion of the Lumber River Starter Horse Trials proceeds going to the fire recovery funds, the Carolina Horse Park will also be collecting any additional donations at the June 11-12 event for the relief effort. Links to donate are also posted on the CHP website for those wishing to participate. The closing date for the Lumber River Starter Horse Trials has been postponed until Sunday, June 5.
About the Carolina Horse Park
The Carolina Horse Park Foundation (CHP) is North Carolina’s premiere equestrian center for both national and international competitions and hosts a diverse calendar of equestrian and community events on over 250 acres of protected land. Founded in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) by a group of equestrian enthusiasts devoted to preserving open space and promoting equestrian competition, CHP encourages responsible land use and low density development. For more information visit www.carolinahorsepark.com.
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!
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.
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.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.