United States Eventing Association

I am here at the wonderful, but currently very steamy, Maryland Horse Trials. I am grooming for my daughter and enjoying being a proud horse Mom. Without the pressure of competing myself today, I have found myself with a little free time to reflect on the reasons I believe it is so important to retain the long-format for the eventing enthusiasts of today and tomorrow. Watching my daughter compete today has brought this into sharp focus for me. I want my daughter to complete a traditional three-day. It benefited me greatly as an instructor, and a rider, and I know it would her.

The long-format is near and dear to my heart. I feel any rider aspiring to ride the upper levels should make this a goal. In my opinion, it makes you a well-rounded horseperson. I cannot even begin to explain the thrill of it all! Especially steeplechase! It is also a goal that is attainable for most of us, given some dedication and focus - especially with the Training Three-Day now on the competition schedule.

Readying for a traditional three-day “forces” you to spend time in tack--time needed to learn your horse and build strength in your position. The days of playing cowboys and Indians on local farms are gone. Many of us learned to “stick” that way. Most of our children will not grow up with this opportunity, and I firmly believe that we need to preserve a means for aspiring upper level riders to hone their basic skills and to thoroughly test themselves and their horses within the ever more urbanized environment we find ourselves. I think the long-format fits the bill.

Competing in a traditional three-day is an education and experience that no one can ever take away from you. It will show you your strengths and weaknesses as a rider in very short order!

I have coached quite a few students to the Preliminary level and every one one of them has competed in a traditional three-day event. I am sure I influenced them to some degree! It’s not just the riding that I have seen improve …..it is respect for the horse. The care, the understanding, and the realization that this animal isn’t just a vehicle to win a ribbon anymore….he is your buddy and your partner.

One last thought before I get back to my grooming duties. In a world that seems to be racing at breakneck speed all too much of the time, and instant gratification has become an expectation for so many of our kids, there is something inherently sweet and precious to me in a riding format that requires such intense focus and dedication, so many long hours of training and conditioning, and charges such a price in sweat and tears to accomplish a goal. As a Mom and an instructor who has experienced the hard won feeling of victory of completing a three-day, I want to know that the opportunity will remain for my daughter and for my students to do the same. I want to be able to see in their eyes the indescribable look of pride and joy and accomplishment that I saw in Brittany’s eyes after she completed the Virginia Horse Trials Three-Day Event.

(Left: Karen’s student Brittany Bridges and Derrymor competing in the long-format Preliminary Three-Day Event at Virginia Horse Trials in Lexington, Virginia earlier this spring. Emily Daily photo.)

Karen Mahaffey runs a popular eventing facility in Sanford, North Carolina called Erin Lea Farm, with a focus on correct basic riding skills, horsemanship, safety, and fun.