Sep 15, 2021

Rider Reflections: Area VI Champions Crowned at Copper Meadows

By Meagan DeLisle - USEA Staff

It is championship season and Area VI held their annual Area Championships on Saturday, September 11 at Copper Meadows. Championships classes were offered at the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training, and Preliminary level. All championship divisions competed separate dressage tests from the regular horse trial entries and there were several additional cross-country questions on the championship tracks. Winners received an embroidered cooler from Professionals Choice, a leather halter from Elston Hay and Grain, a Fleeceworks gift certificate, a Ride On Video gift certificate, an Equestrian Habits prize, a free equine massage courtesy of CJ Equine Massage, and a set of Scrubbies from the Scoring Chix. Following the weekend's battle royale, we caught up with the riders who rose to the top to gather their thoughts!

Preliminary Champion: Stephanie Simard and Roosevelt | 44.7

Stephanie Simard and Roosevelt. Photo by Tina Fitch photography.


A 20-year hiatus from competition didn't keep Stephanie Simard from excelling in the Preliminary Championship during the Area VI Championships with her 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding Roosevelt. "When I bought Roosevelt four years ago I hadn't competed in an event in 20 years, so to even be at this level again, let alone a championship division, is a thrill," Simard shared with the USEA. "He felt so game on cross-country, always asking me where the next fence was, and I appreciated the one-day format because I didn't have a chance to be nervous between phases!"

Training Champion: Kristin Terris and Rathcash Olympia | 30.00

Kristin Terris and Rathcash Olympia. Photo by Tina Fitch photography

Finishing on their dressage score, Kristin Terris and her 9-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare Rathcash Olympia (Je T'aime Flamenco x Fortnill Olympia Clover) swept the Training Championship from start to finish. Terris and "Niambhie" have been partnered together since Terris imported her from Ireland in 2017. In regard to this year's Area Championships, Terris shared: "Aside from the thrill I felt when my friends told me I won, my favorite part of competing in this year's Championships was interacting with the volunteers and staff. Everyone at Copper Meadows was so super cheerful, friendly, and helpful. It blunts the stress of competing to have such friendly ring stewards and volunteers everywhere. I can’t thank them enough for making things so much fun!"

Novice Champion
: Whitney Tucker Billeter and Infinite Wisdom | 29.1

It was a start-to-finish win for Whitney Tucker Billeter and Erin Kellerhouse's Infinite Wisdom in the Area VI Novice Championship. Billeter and the 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding by Smart Strike danced their way to a dressage score of 29.1 which the duo would add no penalties to throughout the final two phases.

Beginner Novice Champion: Laura Jaeger-Seitz and Dondero | 29.5

Laura Jaeger-Seitz and Dondero. Photo courtesy of Laura Jaeger-Seitz.

With no additional penalties to add to their dressage score of 29.5, Laura Jaeger-Seitz and her 6-year-old homebred Oldenburg gelding Dondero (Don de Marco x Pikfernadera) closed out the day with a tricolor ribbon to add to their ribbon wall. "The course rode very nice and I felt the questions on course were perfect for the level," Jaeger-Seitz reflected. "I love being at Copper Meadows. Everyone wants everyone to do well and enjoy themselves. Even those competing against each other were sharing tips on staying cool in the warmer temps and what was different out on course."

Check out all the results from the weekend here.

Sep 29, 2023 Education

The Eventing Coaches Program Focuses on Area and Regional Needs

The USEA Eventing Coaches Program (ECP) has initiated a renewed focus on the diverse challenges coaches in various regions of the country may be facing. To this end, the program is in the process of enlisting representatives in each of the 10 USEA areas to help guide the program as warranted for the unique needs of each specific area.

Sep 28, 2023 Awards

Nominations for 2023 USEA Appreciation Awards Now Open through October 29

The United States Eventing Association (USEA) has opened nominations for the annual appreciation awards through Oct. 29. This is an opportunity for the sport to recognize those horses and riders who excelled in eventing throughout the year. It is also an opportunity to recognize and honor the very important people who have served the sport tirelessly both in a non-riding capacity and riding capacity during their golden years.

Sep 28, 2023 Interscholastic

Stable View is Ramping Up for the 2024 Intercollegiate & IEL Championships

Anticipation for the 2024 USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championship and inaugural USEA Interscholastic Eventing League (IEL) Championship is growing, and the host venue, Stable View, is up for the task of making both events an unforgettable experience for all involved. For the first time, the Intercollegiate and IEL program championships will be hosted on the same weekend at the Stable View H.T. in Aiken, South Carolina, on May 4-5, 2024, creating greater unity between the programs and demonstrating a clear pipeline of participation in the sport from grade school through college and beyond.

Sep 27, 2023 Rules

New Eventing Rule Changes Going into Effect October 1, 2023

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has made five rule changes which will go into effect October 1, 2023. Familiarize yourself with these rule changes below to make sure you are in compliance before heading out for your next event.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Real Estate Partner of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA