United States Eventing Association

Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event Sees Two New Winners Crowned

The Hagyard Midsouth Three-Day Event hosted two USEA Classic Series divisions from Oct. 16-20 in Lexington, Kentucky. Twenty-nine horse and rider pairs contested the Training Three-Day, while 32 were in the Novice Three-Day. Read on to learn more about the winners!

Training Three-Day

Kathleen Fitzgerald has developed Global Pixie from a 4-year-old. Now 7, the Irish Sport Horse/Oldenburg mare (OBOS Quality 004 x KEC Paddling Pixie) “has the heart of a mare and the composure of a gelding,” according to Fitzgerald, of Versailles, Kentucky.

Fitzgerald, who trains with Megan Edwards, had originally planned to just compete her other horse, Spotted Chap, in the three-day, and “Pixie” was meant to do the USEA Area VIII Championships, but when they were canceled due to hurricane rain, she opted to take the mare to get a run in before their Modified move up in November.

“I had been conditioning both horses similarly, so I thought, why not do three-day with both?” she said. “What better to show in Lexington and at an event organized by Mary Fike, who I personally know, and who puts on a wonderful show. I took it as a challenge to ride two, and it would be a good experience for all of us.”

Fitzgerald had experience in long-format three-days years ago, and knew that the steeplechase on Phase B would help prep her horses to tackle cross-country.

“Pixie found a new gallop during the steeplechase,” she said. “I had attended the steeplechase schooling and found it very helpful to work on jumping the fences in stride. Her stride length even increased. I could also feel her breathing deeper,” she said.

“I found working in the large [dressage] court with lengthening and shortening at the canter translated to my show jumping ride,” she added. “Pixie is no longer a baby but has started to use herself correctly in jumping. This is the first horse I have produced from the beginning. Other horses I have owned were already competing under professionals when I bought them. The experience has increased my confidence and riding skills.”

She stressed the importance of conditioning both horse and rider. “It also takes a village—You will need a team in the 10-minute box. Stabling in the FEI barn is great as everyone was supportive, and they help one another are and interested in how things went,” she said. “The three-day experience is a wonderful journey and learning experience for both you and your horse. It is not just about the outcome, and it adds a bonus from creating a bonding experience between you and your horse.”

Novice Three-Day

Another of Edwards’ students, Lexington local Darci Burton topped the Novice Three-Day with VS Correlli Surprise, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (FS Correlli Bravo x Coevers Surprise).

After importing “Charlie” in 2022, Edwards competing him a bit, then Burton took over.

“We had a lot of fun going to shows and getting to know the horse,” said Burton. “He has quite a lot of personality and can be a little intimidating sometimes. He doesn't always want to cooperate! I would ride him occasionally, but I really enjoyed watching Megan compete him.”

When Burton’s other horse had to have colic surgery last year, she was left without a horse to ride, so she started riding Charlie. While he was still a bit too much horse, she was determined to figure him out. They did some jumper shows and then went to Florida this winter with goal of trying an event or two.

“I decided to event him in March, and we won our first time out together,” she said. “Then we won again, and again. It was totally unexpected, but I was thrilled nonetheless. I was convinced it was luck of the Irish that sparked a new level of determination of improving and refining our partnership!”

They attempted the IEA Novice Three-Day (Edinburgh, Indiana) and finished 10^th, then were sixth in the Novice Rider division at the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds in Lexington. They went on to win a Novice division at The Fork (Mill Spring, North Carolina) before Hagyard Midsouth.

“All that led to this past weekend. I knew we had a chance to do well if I could put in a good test,” she said.

They scored a 23.0 in dressage, had a 4 time penalties on steeplechase, and jumped a clear cross-country and show jumping round to seal the win.

“Charlie has always been stellar jumping after running cross-country the day before,” she said. “I knew if I could keep a good rhythm and keep my nerves at bay, we’d have a shot at a double-clear round, and we did. It was a great way to end an outstanding year. However, I’m a little bummed we’re done. I feel like we were really starting to hit our stride. But it’s time for him to have a vacation. He’s certainly earned it!”

For full results, click here.

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day Event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors and earn leaderboard points. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors SmartPak Equine and D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.