With just over six weeks until the start of competition, the Carolina International Organizing Committee is pleased to announce exciting developments for the seventh annual Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International. Running March 19-22, 2020 at the Carolina Horse Park, this year’s event will award $100,000 across the International and Horse Trial divisions, with thanks to long-term, loyal, and generous sponsors.
Outstanding prize money has been a hallmark of the Cloud 11 ~ Gavilan North LLC Carolina International and in 2020 the overall total has grown to an unprecedented six-figures. This year the Setters’ Run Farm CCI4*-S awards a total of $50,000, with the division winner capturing $16,500. The Attwood Equestrian Surfaces CCI3*-S sees $25,000 on the line, $8,000 of which will be presented to the victor. While $15,000 is up for grabs in the Breezeway Sporthorse and Diagnostic Clinic & Friendship Mobile Veterinary Imaging and Sports Medicine CCI2*-S, with the winner receiving $5,000. Horse trials competitors will also receive their share of $10,000 at the Advanced through Training levels.
“The Carolina International has been a staple on the East Coast’s spring calendar for the past six years and we are once again looking forward to hosting North America’s best horses and riders in 2020. Thanks to our amazing sponsors, we are pleased to be offering $100,000 in prize money this year,” said Carolina International Co-Chair Robert Costello. “Carolina has always strived to be one of the premier events in North America and this record amount of prize money demonstrates our clear commitment to the sport. We look forward to seeing everyone in March for a great weekend of competition."
Eventers who are new to the sport may feel a little overwhelmed by the often-misunderstood world of saddle fitting. Riders are often bombarded with information from peers online or self-described experts, putting them at risk of following bad advice related to equipment that impacts horse welfare perhaps more than any other piece of tack. Finding a qualified expert to answer these questions is crucial. Who better to turn to than both a qualified Master Saddle Fitter and a fourth-generation saddle designer to answer some of these questions?
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.