United States Eventing Association

The Equiventures team has added a new horse trial to the 2017 winter calendar in Ocala, Fla. Based at the home training farm of Equiventures CEO Richard Trayford and his wife Daisy Trayford, the Exmoor Horse Trials is slated to be a great educational tool for Beginner Novice through Preliminary riders at their March 18-19 event, and for young horses at their April 9^th USEA Future and Young Event Horse competition.

Originally based in the U.K., the Trayfords purchased the 120-acre property in January of 2016 with hosting events in mind. “However, the land needed some time to change and we knew the re-seeding process would take at least 12 months if we were to get the footing as we wanted it,” Daisy said. The cross-country course was seeded with Argentine Bahia, which Daisy explained has an impressive root structure for stability in the footing.

Exmoor has questions for all levels. Photo via Exmoor Eventing's Facebook Page.

The Exmoor cross-country course boasts a wide range of schooling opportunities, from introductory eventing to Advanced. The course for their inaugural recognized horse trial is to be designed by Hugh Lochore. “All Equiventures courses are up to height and not ‘dumbed down’ in any way,” Richard affirmed. “We work only with the best designers who understand the needs of North American riders, but have worldwide experience. Hugh has had a lifelong involvement with eventing, runs multiple competitions and is a first class designer up to the CCI4* level.”

Photo via Exmoor Eventing's Facebook page.

The event plans to split all levels into two days, with dressage and show jumping held on Saturday and cross-country held on Sunday. The Exmoor team has also stepped forward to host an Intercollegiate team challenge in conjunction with their first horse trial for local Florida students.

In advance of the upcoming event, Exmoor has also hosted many schooling competitions including hunter trials and three-phase schooling shows. “We believe that the best way to learn is with your hands,” Richard commented on the necessity of schooling opportunities. “Hunter trials are a popular way to introduce all ages to competitive cross-country riding plus it’s fun! Our schooling events are our way of attracting more to the sport of eventing while giving those already in the sport a way of getting their ‘eye in’ in an inexpensive and fun way.”

All smiles at Exmoor's Hunter Trial this winter. Photo via Exmoor Eventing's Facebook Page.

In addition to the many low-key competition opportunities, the venue also boasts a very open availability for schooling. “We are always open! Our course is available for hire all day every day, unless we have an event going on,” Daisy shared. “Other venues tend to focus on recognized competitions during [the winter months], so we are here to cater to those who have smaller goals, younger horses to educate and those who simply can’t afford the financial commitment to an affiliated program.”

After the March horse trial, the Exmoor eventing team will switch gears to prepare for the Future and Young Event Horse competition. The April 9^th show will offer in-hand FEH classes for yearlings, 2- and 3-year-olds and the new undersaddle classes for 4-year-olds as well as the YEH classes for 4- and 5-year-olds. This competition was moved from its original home at another of Richard’s events, the Ocala International 3-Day Festival of Eventing. “[FEH and YEH] get lost in a big FEI event. As breeders ourselves, Daisy and I feel that there is a bright future for homegrown horses in our sport and want to do our bit in putting the spotlight on those that share our passion,” Richard offered.

With abundant opportunities for schooling, experiencing a low-key show experience, showcasing young horses and testing the preparedness of pairs at recognized competition, Exmoor eventing has something for everyone. To learn more, visit their website at www.exmooreventing.com