Through the Lens: 2020 Morven Park Fall International

By Jessica Duffy - USEA Staff , Leslie Mintz

The Morven Park Mansion, which has a 240-year history, made an impressive backdrop for the Advanced cross-country. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

The 2020 Morven Park Fall International Horse Trials was originally supposed to host a brand new CCI4*-L division this year alongside their existing CCI4*-S, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S, and Novice through Advanced horse trials. Unfortunately, like so many things in 2020, the new CCI4*-L division was canceled, along with all of Morven's FEI divisions. Nevertheless, the event still went forward this past weekend with the Novice through Advanced horse trials divisions on what ended up being a perfect fall weekend in Virginia. For full scores from the weekend, click here. Then, take a walk around the Morven Park Fall International through the lens of the USEA.

Saturday dawned cool and sunny, ready for a full day of competition for Advanced, Intermediate, and Training level competitors. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

While the Intermediate riders took their turn on cross-country, Training level riders completed their dressage tests. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Out of the box and away we go! USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Courses were beautifully decorated with fall-themed decorations. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Riders gallop back and forth between fields separated by woods on the Morven Park grounds. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Michael Pendleton checks his watch as he and Steady Eddie cruise towards the last part of the course. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Danielle Poulsen and Capability Brown focused on the next fence. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Lisa Takada and Monbeg Libertine gallop away from the SmartPak Water. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

"You ain't nothing but a hound dog!" USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

A straight shot down the hill and over the skinny for Advanced A division winners Sharon White and Cooley On Show. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Four off the floor! USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Boyd Martin and Long Island T get a great shot out over this enormous corner. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Ema Klugman and her longtime partner Bendigo moved up from 20th place to seventh place with the fastest cross-country round of the day in the Advanced divisions. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

This new frangible table, and many more like it around the country, were constructed thanks to the USEA Foundation Frangible Fund. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Meghan O'Donoghue and Palm Crescent were the big winners in the Advanced B division. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

The Morven Park Grand Prix ring. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

As this one a one-day event for the Training, Preliminary, and Novice riders, many show jumped in their cross-country gear. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

On the opposite side from the grassy berm, the Grand Prix ring has a backdrop of beautiful trees. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Gillain Maynard reassures Quick Succession before their show jumping round. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

It was a busy afternoon in show jumping warm-up! USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Patiently waiting. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

The post show jumping round debrief. USEA/Jessica Duffy Photo.

Preliminary and Novice competitors took to the cross-country course on Sunday. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

There's something about a chestnut's coat shining like a copper penny! USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Who looks more determined, Kurt Martin or his horse? USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Horse on the loose! USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

A picture frame for a picture-perfect jump. USEA/Leslie Mintz Photo.

Morven

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