United States Eventing Association

As it has for multiple decades, the Wayne DuPage Horse Trials held its annual July horse trials this month. The event has been an ever evolving entity, being known by a variety of sponsors’ names and logos while offering various levels of competition, but always under the auspice of the Wayne DuPage Horse Trials.

In keeping with the tradition of change for the July Wayne DuPage Horse Trials, the show returned to its corporation name, Wayne DuPage, and embarked on new ventures including hosting a one-day event, offering on ground stabling, and for the first time in history, hosting the show entirely in the Pratts’ Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, Wayne, IL.

Throughout the day competitors stopped show officials, show management, and volunteers to express their appreciation for the new format and having the competition held in just one location.

On site stabling in the forest preserve contributed significantly to the success of the horse trials. The majority of the competitors took advantage of the opportunity to stable on grounds. Many arrived the day before the show, rode on the grounds, and put their horse in a stall while walking the courses (cross-country and show jump). Many also enjoyed the lovely complimentary buffet, presented by Feather Creek Equestrian Center located in Elgin, IL. Of course, stabling was not mandatory and some competitors chose to work out of their trailer.

Prize money was presented to the top three winners at every level, prizes to fifth place, and ribbons to eighth place in every division. Donations from Nutrena, English Riding Supply, The Equine Source Tack Store, and local establishments rounded out the prize allotment.

The horse trials has an amazing and abundant volunteer base, some of which stems from its partnership with a local equine therapeutic riding program, Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities, FTEA. Weeks before the show, FTEA works closely with show management to ensure volunteers from their program are scheduled in all phases of the competition as well as overseeing stabling, parking, scoring, office support, crowd control, etc.

Preparations for the August 15 Wayne DuPage Horse Trials, Inc. One Day are proceeding as show organizers and volunteers look forward not only to the second show of the year, but also to making the one-day format a tradition for the Wayne DuPage Horse Trials.