United States Eventing Association

Karen Bowersox of North East, Maryland shares the story of her eight-year-old son Joey's first event at Olde Hope Farms in Maryland.

Olde Hope Farm does a wonderful job of allowing young or inexperienced riders the chance to participate in an event in a very safe and learning environment. Plus the riders are allowed to have help in all three phases, ensuring a confident first outing for many future eventers.

On July 18th my son Joey went to compete at his first event at Olde Hope Farm located in Earlville, Maryland. He was competing in the Greenhorn Division which consisted of a Dressage test (Intro A) in a small fenced in paddock. Doing the test in the paddock is to avoid any horses or ponies from jumping out of the ring. After that they do their cross country which consisted of 5 jumps set at 12-14". The jumps are in between pastures which makes it safer for the kids. Once they are done they then do the stadium - 4 small jumps. What is nice about this division is that parents, trainers, or whoever can go in the ring with the rider and/or run with them and help out during cross-country and stadium. Jane (the owner of Olde Hope) promotes safety and fun for these young riders and wants them to have a great experience. Joey who is 8 years old has ridden for a while but never done a dressage test let alone an event! Our goal was to have a good first experience so I planned on going in the dressage ring with a lead line attached and run along with him for the jumping phases. For weeks we practiced his dressage test until we got it somewhat perfected =) His dressage time of 6:00 pm was up and right before we entered the ring he wanted the lead taken off. So in the ring we went but no lead - I was just there to help if he needed it. He did a great job!!

Even the judge said so. She said his circles were perfect and he rides very well. He ended up getting a score of 25.7%. It was then time for cross-country.

I was so sure he was going with the leadline as his pony Fiesta gets a little excited when it comes to jumping, but nope he did not want it on (he still wanted me there though). In the end he went double clear and ended up 2nd out of 6. It was a long, hot day for us but it was such a fabulous day.