United States Eventing Association

Rebecca Farm Competitors Take on the Classic Format

Nearly 100 riders tackled the USEA Classic Series Three-Days at the Event at Rebecca Farm over the weekend. Spread across three Training Three-Day divisions and two Novice Three-Day divisions, adult amateurs, juniors and professionals alike got to experience the thrill of the ‘chase.

In the Training Three-Day C division Karen Bristing rode Moonlights Ranger (pictured above) to the win, adding just one rail to her dressage score to move up from ninth to first throughout the weekend. Bristing, who is from Los Angeles, Calif., has been riding as an adult for about 20 years and took up the sport of Eventing because of the adrenaline rush.

“I have had this horse just 10 months,” said Bristing. “He is a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse, and we have had our getting to know you issues and I felt that it was all coming together so wanted to give the long format a try. I have to say it was the most fun I have ever had. My favorite part of the weekend was steeplechase and cross-country – actually the whole endurance phase was really great. Getting to spend that time with your horse really helps you bond with your horse, and I feel like we have a new bond that will never change.”

Bristing has competed up through the Preliminary level and is hoping to get back there again. “I have to give a lot of credit to my trainer, Gina Economou who has been my trainer for over 10 years,” continued Bristing. “She has to remind me to breath and sit up a lot and she found me this fabulous horse. I am just in awe – this week was just so fabulous.”

India McEvoy (pictured above) of Santa Rosa, Calif. and her own 8-year-old Oldenburg mare, Eloise, took top honors in the Training Three-Day A division by finishing on their dressage score of 27.2. The pair moved up from second following cross-country to take home the blue. This is the third win for McEvoy and Eloise at the Training level.

Last year Mojo finished second in the Rebecca Farm CIC3* with James Alliston, but this year he returned with 14-year-old Sophie Tice (pictured above) to win the Training Three-Day B. The pair added nothing to their dressage score of 34.5 to move up from seventh to first throughout the competition. Mojo was also competed by T3D A division winner, McEvoy through the Intermediate level. Tice has been partnered with the 13-year-old Thoroughbred gelding since last September.

Bonner Carpenter and Cele Carpenter’s Get Busy, a 6-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, were the winners of the Novice Three-Day B by finishing on their dressage score of 22.3 to top the division. That score was also the lowest of all divisions of the entire competition.

The Novice Three-Day A division winner was Jordan Good (pictured above) and Kimberly Steinbuch’s Pikture This, a 15-year-old Hanoverian gelding who Steinbuch competed through the CIC3* level. The N3D was the first competiton for 19-year-old, Good and Pikture This and they also added nothing to their dressage score to move up through the ranks from seventh to first.

Full results

About the USEA Classic Series

The thrill of the 'chase lives on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic format three-day event!

Long-format events from the Preliminary to Beginner Novice levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. Educational activities are offered at the Classic Series Events.

Prizes

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the USEA Classic Series Event winners have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes including SmartPak engraved halters and leadshanks; the chance to win a year of SmartPaks; Point Two Air Jackets; online subscriptions to Eventing Training Online; USEA logowear; Fleeceworks saddle pads; and Stackhouse saddles!