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Mar 31, 2017
In Memoriam: James Pray Baker Jr.
Area II and the greater eventing community mourn the loss of James Pray Baker Jr., of Southern Pines, NC, who died suddenly at his home on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at age 61.
“Jim” was a beloved member of the eventing family and his presence will be greatly missed. When he wasn’t competing his Thoroughbred gelding, Wings, he was an active volunteer whose friendly, hospitable nature was well known. He was a strong supporter of the Area II Adult Riders Program and a board member at the Carolina Horse Park.
In addition to his adventures in eventing, he was an active member of the Moore County Hounds and also enjoyed playing polo. Off the horse, Jim was an enthusiastic marathon runner and competed in over one hundred triathlons.
Originally from Charlottesville, Va., Jim studied engineering at the University of Virginia and attended the Darden School of Business. He began his career as a commercial real estate broker at the Trammel Crow company and later founded and sold West Chase Development Corporation. Jim was the President of the Lundy Group in Raleigh, N.C. for over 30 years, served as treasurer of Christ Church and was on the board of the North State Bank in Raleigh.
Jim’s longtime friend and professional associate Foy Barksdale said, “Jim taught me many things in the business world, but what always impressed me most about Jim was to see how he could turn off the stresses of the office and business world once in the barn and at home with his animals and wife, Sugar. He always had a smile and humor at events and truly enjoyed and embraced life to its fullest on the back of a horse.”
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to be made to the Carolina Horse Park Foundation.
Apr 25, 2025
Competitions
2025 K3DE Rider Talk: What Are They Saying About Cross-Country?
Riders in both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L are sharing similar sentiments about this year's cross-country courses: course designer Derek di Grazia didn't play around this year. Here is what some of the riders across both divisions had to say about the tracks they will aim to conquer on Saturday.
Apr 25, 2025
Competitions
Off the Record Breaks Records in Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S at Defender Kentucky
Off The Record decided not to let Michael Jung be the only record-breaking entry at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this week and delivered a career-best score in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S on Friday morning. He and Will Coleman delivered a test that received a score of 21.8, not only marking a personal best for the horse but also securing their position at the top of the leaderboard going into cross-country tomorrow.
Apr 25, 2025
Competitions
Soaked, but Not Shaken: Boyd Martin Flies the Flag for the U.S. at Defender Kentucky in Second
Boyd Martin and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3 were the last pair to go in the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L field on Friday afternoon and were warmly greeted to the bluegrass with an impressive downpour that outshined anything the other horse and rider pairs had to combat throughout the day. But that didn’t stop this pair from putting their best foot forward and impressing the judges enough to earn them a score of 26.0, just 0.2 points ahead of second-place pair Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality.
Apr 25, 2025
Association News
Beware of Phishing Attempts and Other Types of Fraud
Please always remain vigilant when it comes to sending any personal communications via email or text. Every year we receive reports of members and leaders of our sport receiving phishing attempts both online and by phone. These are often communications disguised as being sent from USEA staff or other leaders. As the years go on, the phishing attempts appear to be more directed and tailored.
