Oct 08, 2023

Elizabeth Hoffman and Emma Find their Stride in BN3D at Spokane Sport Horse Farm

By Meagan DeLisle - USEA Staff
Elizabeth Hoffman and Emma. Liz Knight Photography photos

The Spokane Sport Horse Farm HT in Spokane, Washington, was host to three USEA Classic Series events this past weekend, giving Area VII eventers the opportunity to experience the thrill of a traditional long-format event. With Training, Novice, and Beginner Novice levels offered, three horse and rider pairs had the chance to be titled as a USEA Classic Series Champion.

In the Beginner Novice Classic Series division, it was Corvallis, Oregon, resident Elizabeth Hoffman and her own 9-year-old Azteca mare Emma who sailed to the top of the class. Hoffman started riding 12 years ago, “a 56-year adventure” as she calls it. She has done a little bit of it all– hunter/jumpers, dressage, competitive trail riding, endurance, and showing Arabians, but it wasn’t until she moved to Oregon from Alaska in 2004 that she finally got the opportunity to pursue her interest in eventing.

“I have loved it ever since,” she said of her transition. “It combines the best of all the horse worlds for me. It is a true test of the bond and athleticism of horse and rider and it is very fun.”

Hoffman first met Emma three and a half years ago. The mare had no previous experience in either jumping or dressage and had never been to a horse show, but that didn’t put Hoffman off.

“She is the best all-around horse I have ever had,” she said. “We bonded quickly, she is very willing and athletic and tries very hard for me. She is the most affectionate horse I have ever had but at times a very temperamental mare! We have, and are still, learning to work in harmony together no matter what the hormones or mental state is that day! Frequently we just take a day off from work to have fun - go trail riding, go for a gallop, or just do easy jumps for fun.”

Years ago, Hoffman rode up to the Preliminary level but hasn’t had a horse capable of climbing the ladder in such a way since her first eventing horse. She had the ability to compete in the traditional format at the Novice level on her previous horse, so she decided to tackle the Beginner Novice Three-Day with Emma. They checked that box in 2002, also at Spokane, and placed fourth. This was the pair’s second go at the three-day format.

“My future goal is a T3D on Emma in a few years,” said Hoffman. “I think [the long-format] is the truest eventing test. It is a challenge and is the most fun way to compete in eventing. I would always choose to do a classic format if it is offered and we are qualified for it.”

Hoffman noted that Emma loves the roads and tracks and steeplechase portion of the traditional format.

“I think it makes it more fun for the horse. Things like that make sense to a horse if you look at the behavior of wild horses. You have to get your horse in good physical shape to compete in the three-day format.”

The pair started their weekend off in third place with a dressage score of 31.7, but Emma sailed through the endurance phases to leap up to the top of the leaderboard. They added just one rail to their score in show jumping to finish in first with a score of 35.7. Of course, winning is special in its own right, but this win and Emma receiving the Best Conditioned Horse title, held some extra special meaning for Hoffman this time around.

“I have had three joint replacements in my right shoulder in the past five years, originally stemming from a riding injury,” Hoffman said. “My last surgery was January 18th this year and included a fracture repair and the third joint replacement. It has been a steep recovery. I started riding on July 20th and got second place in the Beginner Novice at Caber in August and a seventh and eighth place finish at Equestrians’ Institute and Aspen in September. To win the Beginner Novice Three-Day and get Best Conditioned Horse at Spokane was just amazing as we had been riding together again for just 10 weeks. Honestly, I called her the beloved beluga due to her big belly when I started riding her again in July!”

The Classic Series holds such a dear place in Hoffman’s heart that she is always eager to encourage others to give it a go.

“I would highly recommend trying it to everyone,” she mentioned. “It is more work and it does involve more time to condition your horse. but it is very rewarding. This is how eventing was originally formatted. I hope everyone who events knows the origins of eventing. It was a test for cavalry horses - obedience, athleticism, and endurance. This is a full test of horse and rider.”

Katie Bystrom and Rigby.

In the Training Three-Day, Katie Bystrom piloted her 17-year-old Oldenburg gelding Rigby (Cairo x Tayler’s Princess) to the win.

Whitney Spicer and Excel Star High Jinx.

In the Novice Three-Day, it was Whitney Spicer who rode her own Irish Sport Horse gelding Excel Star High Jinx (Imperial Heights x Euro Cash) to the win, impressively finishing on their dressage score of 31.6.

Nov 21, 2024 News

Weekend Quick Links: November 23-24

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! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.

Nov 21, 2024 Volunteers

The VIP Volunteers: Ed and Leanne Barnett Dedicate Nearly 40 Years to Volunteering

Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.

Nov 20, 2024 News

In Memoriam: As You Like It (1990-2024)

The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.

Nov 19, 2024 Emerging Athletes U21

Meet the 12 EA21 Young Riders Selected for the 2024-2025 USEA EA21 National Camp

The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA