United States Eventing Association

Devon Belding and Grace Lebrecht Come Out On Top at the Coconino Classic Three-Day Event

In the midst of the whirlwind of excitement between the U.S. taking gold in the Pan American Games and Area II winning the CH-J* at the Adequan/FEI NAJYRC, Coconino Horse Trials held a USEA Classic Series Training and Novice Three-Day competition in Flagstaff, Ariz. With levels ranging between the USEA Young Event Horse Seires 4-year-old division to Intermediate, it was undoubtedly a great weekend for all at Coconino.

Devon Belding won the Training Three-Day on her own Sandretti (Patrick), an 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding. They scored a 30 in the dressage followed by two double clear jumping phases. Belding has had an ideal lead up to the Training Three-Day. She has won four trainings, placed second twice, and also had experience at the Preliminary level in 2012 where she picked up three, top-four placings.

Belding competed in both weekends at Coconino - Summer Coconino 1 and 2. She placed second in the first event leading up to the Training Three-Day where she added one rail to her dressage score of 27.1. She continued that positive trend onwards into the next week when Belding and Patrick both successfully attempted the T3D. “The weekend was fantastic – both the first and second weekend! The courses rode great and had some challenging elements that kept Patrick and I on our toes,” described Belding. “I am hoping to do one more Training level event and then move him up to Preliminary again at Galway in the fall. This was our first long-format three day, and I couldn't have asked for a more fun and educational experience. It was a last minute decision to enter the three-day but I am so thankful that I did.”

Belding and Patrick have been working towards building their fitness to compete at the Preliminary level again this fall, and made the decision to do the Training Three-Day to give them the extra challenge. “It turned out to be the perfect step towards getting back to Prelim – I think steeplechase was both of our favorite elements of the weekend,” explained Belding.

Novice Three-Day

Grace Lebrecht on FourMRanch’s Livin’ On a Prayer (Aidan) won the Novice Three-Day after winning the dressage on a score of 28. She added no time or jump penalties on endurance day, and dropped just one rail in the show jumping to finish on a 32 – a 5.3 lead over the second place finishers.

Lebrecht’s experience at her first long format competition was a wonderful, positive learning opportunity. She elected to spend ten days at Coconino and participated in both weekends there. Similar to Belding she placed second in the Junior Novice division at Coconino I before tacking the N3D. Lebrecht said she was grateful to be able to take advantage of the different seminars offered and walked away with a deeper understanding of the long format. Thanks to the available officials, riders, volunteers and organizers she was able to fully grasp the concepts of roads and tracks, timing, jogs, steeplechase and how the vet box worked. “I had the opportunity to practice steeplechase with Fredric Bouland. The officials were open to questions and made everyone feel prepared,” said Lebrecht. “Riding dressage in a large ring was a new experience, and steeplechase is one of the most fun experiences I've ever had.”

Belding and Aiden will finish the rest of their season at the Novice level, most likely competing at Skyline and Galway. “I highly recommend the classic three-day to everyone, I learned a lot and had a ton of fun,” commented Belding. “I'm grateful for organizers who put in the effort to run a long format, as it teaches riders about horse care and conditioning, and brings teams together as everyone has to pitch in to make the rides run smoothly.”

About the USEA Classic Series

The thrill of the 'chase lives on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic format three-day event!

Long-format events from the Preliminary to Beginner Novice levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. Educational activities are offered at the Classic Series Events. Check out the schedule below, and check here to see if you are qualified!

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the SmartPak Equine USEA Classic Series Event winners have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes including SmartPak engraved halters and leadshanks; the chance to win a year of SmartPaks; Point Two Air Jackets; online subscriptions to Eventing Training Online; USEA logowear; Fleeceworks saddle pads; and Stackhouse saddles!

Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.