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.

Feb 22, 2025 Organizers

Preparing for the Upcoming Eventing Season: 5 Essential Tips for Organizers

Spring and summer are on the horizon. As rider’s calendars begin to fill with horse trial, clinic, and schooling outing dates, organizing teams are busy with preparations to ensure smooth operations and a great experience for participants, horses, and spectators.

Feb 21, 2025 Eventing News

USEF Announces Leslie Law as U.S. Eventing Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager and Karyn Shuter as U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)/US Equestrian has announced the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.

Feb 21, 2025 Leaderboard

A Year of Growth for 2024 USEA 6-year-old Leaderboard Winner Arden Augustus

Last year was a big one for USEA Young Event Horse program graduate Arden Augustus. He made a successful move-up to Modified with Sharon White in the tack, followed by a smooth transition to Preliminary, then went on to win two CCI2*-S divisions and ended the year with a CCI2*-L win.

Feb 20, 2025 Eventing News

Weekend Quick Links: February 22-23

Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered!

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle 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

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA