As part of Area I, the Stoneleigh-Burnham School Equestrian Center has hosted USEA horse trials each summer and fall for many years. These horse trials have been some of the longest-running events in New England, with levels from Beginner Novice to Preliminary.
After much consideration, USEA recognized horse trials will no longer be hosted at the SBS Equestrian Center. We have enjoyed being an eventing site, but find it necessary to dedicate our resources to more student-focused programming.
Stoneleigh-Burnham School and the Equestrian Center will continue to hold schooling horse trial events throughout the year, and will continue to offer our equestrian programs to students, community riders, and summer campers. Our students will continue to enjoy the investments that the Stoneleigh-Burnham Equestrian Center has made in our course, including two new water complexes, new jumps, and new footing in our woods.
We would like to thank our competitors, volunteers, and officials for their participation and support. We are especially grateful for our long-standing officials -- as the backbone of our horse trial events, they have made our shows possible:
Jim Gornell, Course Designer and Stadium Judge
SBS Alumna Karen Hathaway, Starter and Time Keeper
Howard & Shelly Sienkiewicz, Announcers
Erin Keehan, Show Secretary
A few months ago we began a series of Pressure Proof tips dedicated to the many different choices we have when thinking about our riding potential. We labeled these choices mindsets and discovered that some lead us towards growth, grit, and gratitude while others lead us in the opposite direction, towards feeling disappointed, defeated, and discouraged.
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.
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.
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.