Millbrook, New York experienced both ends of the weather spectrum from powerful thunderstorms all the way to 90 degrees and sunny and everything in between last weekend during the 2018 Millbrook Horse Trials at Coole Park Farm. Affectionately christened #Mudbrook2018 by the 450 competitors in attendance, Millbrook Horse Trials managed to provide a great experience despite the challenges presented by Mother Nature. The organizing team and volunteers at Millbrook went above and beyond to ensure that each rider had the best experience possible, showing that true eventer grit isn't just for the riders! Want to catch up on all the action from Millbrook? Check out the USEA's coverage!
The third annual USEA Emerging Athletes U21 program (EA21) National Camp concluded on Saturday after a week filled with education and enjoyment. Under the guidance of EA21 Director of Coaching, David O’Connor, 12 selected athletes participated in this year's camp, held at Sweet Dixie South in Reddick, Florida.
From the classroom lecture to the riding sessions, the focus on the final day brought those final finishing touches to bear on the athletes of the 2024-2025 Emerging Athletes Under 21 (EA21) National Camp held at Sweet Dixie South.
“There are 385 million people in the U.S., and only 3.8 million have horses,” David O’Connor said as he began the classroom session on day 4 of the Emerging Athletes Under 21 (EA21) National Camp. “Not all of them are into eventing.”
A change in the original schedule of the Emerging Athletes Under 21 (EA21) National Camp brought cross-country day forward to the third day instead of the original final day. Alongside his work with the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the FEI, EA21 Director of Coaching David O’Connor advises the Caisson Detachment of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment on horsemanship and will be traveling to Arlington, Virginia, to attend the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. But no one was disappointed by the change.