United States Eventing Association

Loch Moy Farm to Host Winter Cross Derby Series

The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm will be hosting a Winter Cross Derby Series in the early months of 2019. The cross derby incorporates cross-country and stadium jumps across eight acres of all-weather footing. Obstacles will include ditches, banks, water, and various portable fences. The goal is to provide an opportunity for riders to keep horses fit and competing over the winter on safe footing in a low-pressure environment. Competition dates are January 5, February 2, and March 9 and 10, 2019. The levels range from Poles/Crossrails through Modified. A brief schooling period is offered prior to every division. Ribbons are given through eighth place. Each cross derby is a registered USEA Educational Activity. Competitors may enter electronically via evententries.com or eventclinics.com.

Explaining her intent in offering the series, Carolyn Mackintosh, owner of Loch Moy Farm, said, “Riders should have the chance to keep their horses fit and their skills honed even if they can’t go south to Aiken or Ocala for the winter.” Winter in the Mid-Atlantic can prove a challenge for those with long-term training plans and competitive goals. With the ground in turns frozen or muddy, consistent work for horse and rider is not always possible. Cross-country fences on all-weather footing give riders a more stable training option. To that end, the derby course is also open for schooling daily by appointment through March 8 for a fee of $50 per horse/rider combination. There are jumps ranging from Introductory (18”) through Preliminary on the course. Call ahead and jumps can be customized to what you’re working on. The cross-country schooling course is also included in this price.

Loch Moy Farm is one of the most popular eventing venues in USEA’s Area II. It hosts three annual USEA recognized events, as well as USDF dressage shows, a start horse trials series, multiple schooling shows, and clinics. The facility offers year-round cross-country schooling. It has been in operation since 2006. For more information, visit www.themarylandhorsetrials.com.

Loch Moy Farm is always looking for volunteers. If you love horses and want to spend the day watching great competition, sign up at www.eventingvolunteers.com. It’s a great way for families to spend the day together. No experience required for some positions. If it’s your first time, email us at [email protected] and we can put you in a position that fits.

Any questions should be directed to Carolyn Mackintosh at (301) 514-0111 or [email protected].