The third annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the“Heart of the Carolinas” takes place May 2-5 in Chesterfield, SC. Now’s your chance to see what this event is about by reliving all the action thanks to a creative video produced by nFocus Pictures and visible on Southern 8ths’ YouTube channel.
This video showcases Long Format Eventing at the amateur level but with the aplomb of a professional level event. If you are a horse lover, have a passion for Eventing or are simply curious to peek behind-the-scenes at the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event then settle into your seats and fasten your seatbelts for an amazing 4-minute ride by going to So8ths_YouTube_Video.
You’ll get a chance to watch not just the competition but see who is teaching the educational clinics and how up close and personal the competitors are with the clinicians. These clinics are taught by some of the top horsemen in the Eventing community. Well-known riders and trainers Charlie Plumb, Will Faudree, Holly Hudspeth, Rebecca Howard and Susan Beebee are joined by “R” Dressage judge Sue Simpson and FEI course designer Tremaine Cooper educating the competitors on all aspects of the Long Format. FEI veterinarian Dr. Debbie Williamson and local vet Dr. Marsha Severt ensure the horses are fit to compete. Groom Natalie Varcoe Cox covers caring for the horses. Marc Donovan walks his show jumping course with the competitors.
There’s also a gala Saturday night barbeque, Nikon hat and photo contest, Kentucky Derby screening and much more. Combine that all in one video photographed on the amazing Southern 8ths Farm facilities and this will be an action-packed ride you don’t want to miss. And it just might inspire you to compete, volunteer or even become a sponsor; all supporting the amateur level riders who are truly the bulk of the sport.
The So8ths/Nikon Three-Day is part of the SmartPak USEA Classic Series. Southern 8ths Farm is also available for equestrian get away weekends where small groups can experience a “tailored training” approach. The Farm also allows other organizations to host their events at this venue. For more information about attending the event, using the facilities, competing, or becoming a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.So8ths.com, call (843) 623-5005 or email [email protected].
Riders in both the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S and the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L are sharing similar sentiments about this year's cross-country courses: course designer Derek di Grazia didn't play around this year. Here is what some of the riders across both divisions had to say about the tracks they will aim to conquer on Saturday.
Off The Record decided not to let Michael Jung be the only record-breaking entry at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event this week and delivered a career-best score in the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S on Friday morning. He and Will Coleman delivered a test that received a score of 21.8, not only marking a personal best for the horse but also securing their position at the top of the leaderboard going into cross-country tomorrow.
Boyd Martin and the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding Commando 3 were the last pair to go in the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L field on Friday afternoon and were warmly greeted to the bluegrass with an impressive downpour that outshined anything the other horse and rider pairs had to combat throughout the day. But that didn’t stop this pair from putting their best foot forward and impressing the judges enough to earn them a score of 26.0, just 0.2 points ahead of second-place pair Tom McEwen (GBR) and Brookfield Quality.
Please always remain vigilant when it comes to sending any personal communications via email or text. Every year we receive reports of members and leaders of our sport receiving phishing attempts both online and by phone. These are often communications disguised as being sent from USEA staff or other leaders. As the years go on, the phishing attempts appear to be more directed and tailored.