The Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (CCCHT) in Iowa City, Iowa scheduled for May 2, 2020 and August 1-2, 2020 have been canceled.
"With a heavy heart, but clear conscious please note CCCHT has withdrawn from USEA recognized competition in Area IV," Susan Brigham said a statement on the Catalpa Corner Horse Park Facebook page. "We are an aging population of labor, and it has become too physically strenuous with accidents/trauma waiting to happen."
"Honestly, this past weekend as I was planning the jumps for the cross-country course, having moved approximately 75-plus obstacles, I had a near-fatal accident with the Bobcat trying to elevate and move a 12-foot oak log. No matter how many wonderful CCCHT volunteers that come and go, I am usually alone working on the farm with heavy equipment, and despite common sense and a healthy paranoia, situations just got out of hand."
"My family has was wanted us to pull back our commitments and obligations, and the time has come. I am confident Area IV will continue to thrive with new venues emerging and expanding events in the future. Catalpa Corner will continue to be open for schooling. We at CCCHT wish you all the best and thank you for the wonderful memories."
Dr. Jim McNutt and Susan Brigham founded the Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials in 2007 in loving memory of the late Dr. Tom Brigham and Susan’s teenaged son, Madison Brigham, who was killed in a car accident. Read more about the Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials in their USEA Events A-Z article.
Eventing combines three phases: dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. It is arguable that many eventers compete in this sport because of the cross-country phase. It's a fan-favorite for sure with its wide open galloping tracks, a wide variety of obstacles to jump, and the ability to encounter natural elements such as water, banks, ditches, and more!
Boyd Martin came into cross-country today in the CCI4*-S at Stable View in an enviable position, holding the top three places, and he put in three strong performances with his Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event-bound horses, finishing on top with Commando 3 (38.0), in second with Fedarman B (38.8), and in fourth with Luke 140 (40.4).
Boyd Martin has always believed in Luke 140 since he came to his barn in 2019. The fiery bay gelding has completed one five-star, in 2023 at Luhmühlen (Germany) where they were fourth, but injuries have meant he’s had to sit out a couple of seasons and miss out on selection for two Olympic Games, most recently in 2024.
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!