United States Eventing Association

Chattahoochee Hills Plants Nearly 200 Trees on Property - Just in Time for AEC!

As the 2010 eventing season kicks off this month, we hope many of our members are getting excited for this year's American Eventing Championships. In order to accomodate eventers and spectators, Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Georgia, the new home of the American Eventing Championships for the next three years, have been hard at work gearing up for the national championships, including planting nearly 200 mature trees on the property.

"The trees are fairly mature - about ten meters tall. We have several different varieties of oak, maple, elm, and poplar trees," said Ritch Temple, course designer of Chattahoochee Hills and AEC organizer. The trees were "rescued" from a tree farm about 100 miles from Chatt Hills--a bank had bought the property and the future of the trees was bleak.

"Our main incentive is to provide shade," added Ritch. "And of course, we're also proud to be 'green' and support the environment." We all know how hot and humid it can be during the eventing season, especially in Georgia--shade is important for making sure all the competitors and spectators stay cool and comfortable while cheering on their friends and family.

The trees are being planted in the structured courtyard areas on the scenic property, as well as alongside the dressage and jumping arenas, providing valuable shade for competitors and spectators.

These new additions to the prestigious facility will be sponsored--anyone can make a $200 donation to have their name, their horse's name, or their business name displayed on a plaque in the courtyard. Applications will be available when Chattahoochee Hills launches their brand new website on February 23. In the meantime, contact Melissa Syfert at Chatt Hills for more information on this exciting venture: [email protected] or call 404-433-3057.

Mark your calendars and start planning your season! The AEC will kick off its first year down at the new facility in Chattahoochee Hills on September 9-12. Owned by upper-level Belgian rider Carl Bouckaert, this sprawling 8,000-acre eventers' paradise is nestled right in the heart of Area III, minutes outside of Atlanta. Spectators are treated to a birds-eye view of the entire cross-country course, which makes it the perfect venue for family, friends, and eventing enthusiasts to cheer on the riders. Getting a little steamy after cross-country? Take a dip in the 12-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee River, which runs alongside the property!

Want to learn more about the AEC and how you can get involved? Contact us here at the USEA office for more information. [email protected] or call 703-779-0440 ext. 3015.