After three Horse Trials Molly Kinnamon’s, MK’s Concord Dawn is leading the Plantation Field Equestrian Events Inc. (PFEE) Thoroughbred Competitive Series with 12 points. MK’s Concord Dawn (Jockey Club Registered Name: Mason) is a 6-year-old bay gelding by Smart Guy out of the Eastover Court mare Delta Street. Bred by Janet and Tim Ritchey, the latter a former event rider himself, this Pennsylvania-bred has won two Novice divisions at the Plantation Field Horse Trials since the Series began.
In commenting on the Series president and founder of Plantation Field, Denis Glaccum, said, “We are thrilled over the interest in this series. We have already 61 horses competing with 23 getting points toward the award, and we believe that the numbers will grow during the competition year”. The winner of the Series will win a $5,0000 cash award
The Series, sponsored by long time PFEE supporter Kathleen Crompton, was created to highlight and recognize Thoroughbreds in the sport of Eventing. Points are awarded to horses in the Beginner Novice, Novice and Training divisions at all PFEE recognized and starter trials. The total prize money of $5,000 will go to the owner of the top-placing Thoroughbred horse, and a $500 bonus will be awarded to the breeder of the horse. The goal is for the series to grow over time and possibly become a national series. The competition is open to all Thoroughbred horses with a Jockey Club registration, a tattoo or an affidavit certifying parentage from the breeder.
More information, including the 2015 Plantation Field schedule of events, is available at www.plantationfieldhorsetrials.com.
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.