United States Eventing Association

The SmartPak Equine/USEA Training Three-Day Event, held at the Coconino Horse Trials in Flagstaff, Arizona hosted eight competitors from July 14-17. Cool temperatures due to high altitudes mixed with shade from lofty Ponderosa Pines created a uniquely enjoyable atmosphere for the competitors.

Arizona local, 21-year-old Kelsey Carlisle and mount Mandalay Bay held the win from start to finish on their dressage score of 29.6. This is the fourth Training Three-Day for Carlisle and Mandalay Bay and their third one at Coconino. The experience paid off for the pair as they finally got the chance to lead the victory gallop at last weekend’s competition.

“I love the Training Three-Day because it is just a bit more effort, a bit more push and challenge that makes the final result feel so worth it,” said Carlisle. “I’m looking to go Preliminary and the T3D was a great test to see if we are ready for the next step. The Coconino course is very balancing, it brings the Training and Preliminary courses together, which helps you feel confident about the move up to Preliminary.”

For her win in the Training Three-Day, Carlisle took home a SmartPak Wellfleet halter and engraved leather leadshank, a Five Star Tack Bridle, a pair of FITS Breeches, and she was entered in a drawing to win a year’s supply of SmartPaks or a Stackhouse Saddle.

Ultimate II SE and rider Frederic Bouland held the second position with a score of 34.7 after four show jumping faults. “In general it went pretty well. I’ve had the mare for a year and she is moving pretty well. She is naturally fit.” said Bouland. In regards to the Coconino conditions and course Bouland said, “The cross-country is a mix of Training and Preliminary jumps. It is very pleasant and quite a good course with nice questions.”

Taking third was duo, Irish Mist and rider Alexandra Cline. They moved from seventh to third, finishing on their dressage score of 41.4. “It was a great weekend. I was really nervous because it was my first Training Three-Day, but excited because I’ve never done a long format. I wasn’t sure if my horse was fit enough for the entire competition, so I did a shorter warm-up to conserve energy [before show jumping]. In the past Irish Mist has gotten tired, but I was excited to go clean in show jumping.” said Cline.

As part of the Training Three-Day experience, Coconino incorporated educational activities for the competitors. Top riders taught the eight Training Three-Day riders how to present their horses for the veterinary inspections, schooled the riders over the steeplechase fences, and instructed them in vet box care. “Local Arizona instructor, Marie Davidson did an education seminar before the event began,” said Cline. “We also had pacing and timing seminars during the week to prepare. Overall it was a great experience; a Training Three-Day is a lot of work but worth it.”

Be sure to follow this summer’s Training Three-Days such as the upcoming GMHA held August 8-11 in South Woodstock, Vermont and Heritage Park on August 26-28 in Olathe, Kansas.

Full results can be found here.

The SmartPak Equine/USEA Classic Series is made possible through the support of its many sponsors: Title Sponsor: SmartPak Equine; Presenting Sponsor: Stackhouse Saddles; Silver Level Sponsor: Fleeceworks; Legacy Sponsor: Five Star Tack Elite Sponsors: FITS and Nunn Finer.