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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.
Jul 03, 2024
AEC
Two Months Until the 2024 USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds
The countdown to the 2024 United States Eventing Association (USEA) American Eventing Championships (AEC) presented by Nutrena Feeds is getting shorter and the tentative schedule is officially set! For the second year in a row, the AEC returns to the iconic Kentucky Horse Park from August 27 through September 1 and will offer 26 divisions, including brand new Starter divisions and all levels of recognized evening up through the $60,000 Adequan USEA Advanced Final.
Jul 02, 2024
Educational Activities
USEA Educational Activity Highlight: Sherwood Forest Hunter Pace | Sherwood Oregon | July 13, 2024
What’s a Hunter Pace? The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center's Hunter Pace is a cross-country-style course around Sherwood Forest over various natural obstacles/terrain. The course ends with a final treat for riders to take in stunning views of Mt. Hood with a loop through the old Far Hill Farms field. The beginning of the course will first start with a warm-up loop around show jumping obstacles in the outdoor ring at Sherwood Forest and then riders will continue directly onto the course. Sign up as a solo rider, pair, or team.
Jul 02, 2024
Profile
No Longer Dreaming: Claire Allen's Goal of Qualifying for USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship is Now Reality
Claire Allen remembers when she was 11 years old, having just made the switch from the hunter/jumper ring to three-day eventing. She told her new eventing trainer that her goal was to one day compete in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Young Rider Championships.
Jul 01, 2024
Competitions
Alliston’s Busy Weekend, Braitling’s Reuniting with Five-Star Mount, & Kalkman’s Advanced Victory Highlight Twin Rivers Summer H.T.
As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross-country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based five-star rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.
