TALLAHASSEE, Fla., –The organizers of the Red Hills International Horse Trials have announced the launch of two major initiatives today in preparation for the 2016 event that will be held March 10-13, 2016.
World renowned cross country course designers, Michael Etherington-Smith and David O’Connor, will combine their efforts and design new courses for 2016 and beyond. Etherington-Smith has assumed primary responsibility for designing the three star course and will collaborate with O’Connor on the one star and two star. A priority for the new design team is to expand the galloping lanes and give the horse and rider teams increased distances out in the open.
“Etherington-Smith’s international experience at the highest levels of the sport, combined with O’Connor’s 17 years of experience competing and coaching at Red Hills creates a true dream team” said Marvin Mayer, co-organizer of Red Hills. “Needless to say, Red Hills is extremely proud to have two of the sport’s premier professionals as part of our family,” he continued.
Improvement of footing for all three event phases began immediately after this year’s event, and has been the number one priority this spring. Aeration, addition of lime to the soil, top dressing and seed drilling have been completed on the new cross country courses and the results are already evident. Another improvement is the addition of fiber to the crushed stone arenas that were first introduced in 2015. This application is intended to give the horse a more cushioned surface for the Dressage and Show Jumping phases and continues the organizer’s commitment to improving event infrastructure. By the 2016 event dates, it is expected that a marked improvement to footing will be evident as a result of these efforts.
In closing, Mayer remarked that, “The future is bright with a spotlight already shining on the next event. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the new and improved Red Hills in 2016.”
Red Hills International Horse Trials is a United States Eventing Association annual event held at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park in Tallahassee, Florida. For more information, visit www.rhht.org or find us on Facebook.
The United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) is excited to head to Area V this Dec. 11-14 for the 2025 USEA Annual Meeting & Convention in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana! Known for its rich history, world-class jazz, and electrifying Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans will set the stage for a lively week of discussion and education on the most important topics in the sport of eventing. Gather your fellow members and meet us to celebrate the last year of success in “The Big Easy!”
The Olympic gold medallists Tom McEwen and JL Dublin lit up the arena at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials with a stunning performance and took the lead after the first day of dressage with the excellent mark of 22.4. They have almost five penalties over second-placed Emily King and Valmy Biats on 27.3.
At some point in your riding career, you probably found yourself feeling or dealing with a little fear, failure, or frustration. We’ve all been there. Regardless of whether we’re competitive or recreational, we’ve likely found ourselves getting a bit stuck on stress or a struggle; dealing with a little defeat or disappointment, or feeling overwhelmed or underprepared.
We might still be recovering physically from the excitement of the 2025 USEA Intercollegiate & Interscholastic Eventing Championships, but mentally we keep playing the weekend over and over again in our heads. This is a weekend that many eventers and lovers of the sport all over the country (ourselves included) look forward to each year and this year was no exception. From teams getting to experience their first time ever at the championship to mascots swapping gear in a show of camaraderie, there were so many great moments that took place during this year's end-of-the-school-year event. Take a look at some of our favorite moments from the three day competition below!
Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA
Official Feed of the USEA
Official Saddle of the USEA
Official Forage of the USEA
Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA
Official Horse Boot of the USEA
Official Shock Wave of the USEA
Official Horse Wear of the USEA
The USEA is the official sport affiliate of U.S. Equestrian
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