Login
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.
Feb 23, 2025
Education
Pressure Proof Tip: The Choice to Choose
A few months ago we began a series of Pressure Proof tips dedicated to the many different choices we have when thinking about our riding potential. We labeled these choices mindsets and discovered that some lead us towards growth, grit, and gratitude while others lead us in the opposite direction, towards feeling disappointed, defeated, and discouraged.
Feb 22, 2025
Organizers
Preparing for the Upcoming Eventing Season: 5 Essential Tips for Organizers
Spring and summer are on the horizon. As rider’s calendars begin to fill with horse trial, clinic, and schooling outing dates, organizing teams are busy with preparations to ensure smooth operations and a great experience for participants, horses, and spectators.
Feb 21, 2025
Eventing News
USEF Announces Leslie Law as U.S. Eventing Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager and Karyn Shuter as U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)/US Equestrian has announced the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.
Feb 21, 2025
Leaderboard
A Year of Growth for 2024 USEA 6-year-old Leaderboard Winner Arden Augustus
Last year was a big one for USEA Young Event Horse program graduate Arden Augustus. He made a successful move-up to Modified with Sharon White in the tack, followed by a smooth transition to Preliminary, then went on to win two CCI2*-S divisions and ended the year with a CCI2*-L win.
