United States Eventing Association

Ram Tap Wraps Up the 2024 USEA Classic Series

The final USEA Classic Series event took place at Ram Tap Horse Park Horse Trials from Nov. 15-17 in Fresno, California.

Read on to learn more about the winners!

Training Three-Day

Professional Gina Economou rode her client Kristin Terris’ Rathcash Olympia to the win in the Training Three-Day, finishing on their dressage score of 27.4.

Terris purchased the 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Je T’aime Flamenco x Fortmill Olympia Clover) as a 5-year-old and has been competing her at Training and Modified, but when Terris had a non-riding accident this year, Economou took over the ride temporarily.

“They have had a successful career together, but the mare has been a bit worried as of late, so I took over the ride for Galway [Temecula, California] and at Ram Tap in hopes of getting her back to feeling like the confident creature she is,” said Economou, Sun Valley, California. “I think we’re definitely on the path of regaining her confidence and love of sport.”

Economou has ridden through the Advanced level and says she’s always loved the long format. She was lucky enough to compete in the last long format at Fair Hill (Elkton, Maryland). Since then, she’s brought several young horses and clients up to Training and Novice Three-Days.

“For riders it ups their horsemanship and partnership. For horses, the steeplechase really helps them become bolder and develop a better gallop for cross country. All the clinics and learning opportunities provided by the organizers are invaluable,” she said. “With Rathcash Olympia being a bit sticky, the choice to do the three-day was an easy one. By the third steeplechase jump during the schooling, she had truly changed how she felt out there. Then on Saturday, phase A gave her a nice relaxing warm up, and on B she came out ready for the task. She settled nicely on C and recovered well in the vet box, and then was just so incredibly bold and game for D. This was a great way to head into winter.”

Economou enjoyed the camaraderie between competitors, volunteers, vets, friends, and organizers.

“Everyone jumped in to help,” she said. “Everyone cheering for each other. Eventing is a giant family, and the family just gets closer together during a long format. That’s my favorite part!”

“She did an amazing job with Rathcash Olympia this weekend, and because of her talent and feel for horses, we know a lot more about her now than we did before the show,” said Terris. “Gina is a very talented trainer, and one of her biggest strengths is that she is able to communicate clear aids to the horses and they understand without question what she wants of them. She has successfully produced multiple horses to the Advanced level, and her knowledge of horses and horsemanship is unquestionably extraordinary.”

Novice Three-Day

Junior rider Charlotte Boleda, Valley Center, California, took home top honors in the Novice Three-Day on a score of 24.7 on her own Bellechase, a 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Lancelot x Red Brigade). She’s had “Brodie” for nearly three years after he was imported from Ireland.

“He turned out to be a bit too naughty for his previous owner, so I was given the opportunity to purchase him,” said Boleda. “Our first year together was tough, and he bucked me off more times than I can remember. He was stubborn and reactive, but I never gave him a fight and only responded kindly to his shenanigans. Over time, he settled and started to trust me. Now, people can’t believe he’s the same horse. He is so calm and trusting, and he tries so hard for me. He’s the best.”

Boleda’s trainer Olivia Putrino suggested the pair try a three-day.

“My favorite part was how strategic we had to be about the endurance part of the Classic,” said Boleda. “My trainer and I sat down and made a very detailed plan. I walked the tracks multiple times to make sure my minute markers were correct. I had a note card taped to my arm and wore two watches to ensure I wasn’t going to get time penalties.

“Brodie loved the steeplechase portion,” she added. “He loves to gallop, and he squealed with excitement when he was able to run fast. It was a great opportunity to have Pippa Hambly give free coaching for the steeplechase and in-hand jog.”

Boleda’s mother, Janine Boleda, wasn’t able to help her in the vet box due to a sprained ankle, but she got help from a group of young rides from the Riding Academy.

“They walked Brodie and helped sponge him down with cold water,” Charlotte said. “They had their own riders on course, but everyone was helping each other. I loved the camaraderie.”

“The organizers and volunteers at Ram Tap did such a great job,” she added. “Any questions I had, they were there to answer. It was very organized and well run, and all the competitors were friendly and kind. The different elements of the Classic Three-Day are fun and challenging. Also, they have the best prize for first place—a free show entry for next year!”

Beginner Novice Three-Day

Terris had her own good fortune at Ram Tap, winning the Beginner Novice Three-Day on a score of 24.9 with her own Sportsfield Cool Lady. A 4-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (CoolKeeran x Warantha). Terris imported her recently after she’d done well in the young horse series in Ireland. She did her first Beginner Novice event in the U.S. in October at Galway Downs.

She has been a joy to ride, train, and handle and is smart and has a very mature outlook on life,” said Terris. “We came to the three-day this year because Gina and I both value the Classic Series and want it to continue. The horses come off the course after a Classic full of confidence. Also, steeplechase is about the most fun anyone could have. Terry Hilst and Kim Goto Miner and the team at Ram Tap can be counted on to put on a well-organized show that runs smoothly, tests the horses and riders, and most importantly is so well supported by the community that it is a learning experience for everyone no matter how experienced they might be.”

Terris, La Crescenta, California, said that both Rathcash Olympia, who Economou rode, and Sportsfield Cool Lady, benefitted from the experience.

“‘The Ladybug’ gained strength and maturity by conquering the roads and tracks with the associated distractions of being out in the field, and I felt her relax as the kilometers ticked off,” she said. “She came out for stadium peacefully but with a lot of pop to her jump. I think she’ll be well positioned to move up next year. I, personally got reminding to do more conditioning myself.”

Terris, an amateur rider, started competing in 1989 when the long format was the pinnicle of the sport.

“I am one who firmly believes that the Classic format is real eventing,” she said. “I was lucky enough to run several long format events on my horse of a lifetime, Keswick, including Radnor [Pennsylvania] which was an experience I will never forget. I think I remember every stride we took around the course. While we can only do this over the smaller fences now, I think every rider should experience the thrill.”

About the USEA Classic Series

The USEA Classic Series keeps the spirit of the classic long ­format three­-day events alive for Beginner Novice through the Preliminary levels. Competitors can experience the rush of endurance day, including roads and tracks, steeplechase, the vet box, and cross­-country, as well as participate in formal veterinary inspections and educational activities with experts on the ins and outs of competing in a long ­format three-­day event. Riders who compete in a USEA Classic Three-Day Event during the year will have the chance to win a variety of prizes at the events from USEA sponsors and earn leaderboard points. Click here to learn more about the USEA Classic Series.

The USEA would like to thank bronze sponsors SmartPak Equine and D.G. Stackhouse & Ellis Saddles, as well as contributing sponsors Bates Saddles and Parker Equine Insurance for supporting the USEA Classic Series.