Pan Am Games team gold medalist Tamra Smith and Mai Baum and five-star pairs Andrea Baxter and Indy 500 and Frankie Thieriot Stutes and Chatwin headline a strong Advanced field when Twin Rivers begins an exciting season of eventing competition this weekend.
Weather for the Winter Horse Trials looks distinctly un-wintery Feb. 28-March 1, as the Baxter family-owned venue on California's Central Coast welcomes 300-plus contenders. Joining the aforementioned pairs running Advanced are newly-anointed members of the USEF's U25 Eventing Program: Maddy Temkin, Kaylawna Smith-Cook, and Megan Skyes. The levels through Introductory will see future star horses and riders tackle new challenges.
Twin Rivers' 500 acres are green and tracks designed by new upper level course designer Hugh Lochore are full of new tests. Plus, teasers for what's to come at April's inaugural Spring International CCI4*-L, one of only six competitions at this rigorous level in the United States.
"They are a progressive bunch," says Lochore of the Baxter family. Along with five-star eventer Andrea Baxter, organizer Connie Baxter has extensive eventing experience and Whirlwind Excavating owner Jeff Baxter happily applies his expertise and equipment to bringing Lochore's ideas to life.
"The venue has interesting topography and it's a good canvas to play with," Lochore adds. "It's exciting when you put things on paper, then you have a team that is keen to get the bit between their teeth and make it happen." Lochore designed the Preliminary through Advanced courses; Marc Grandia designed the Intro through Training. Show Jumping course designer Jose Nava has colorful new obstacles to work with in the arena.
The Winter Horse Trials are presented by Auburn Labs, makers of adaptogenic APF Formula for horses, riders and dogs; and Professional's Choice, manufacturers of top-of-the-line sports medicine boots for horses. Supporting Sponsors include Best Western PLUS Black Oak, which offers great exhibitor deals on nearby lodging; and Riding Warehouse, the horse gear and supply company located in nearby San Luis Obispo.
Volunteer opportunities abound and all those helping out will have their name entered in a raffle for generous prizes. These include Twin Rivers entries, stabling and a cross-country schooling certificate; and a Family 4 Pack of tickets to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari. More hours equals more raffle tickets!
For competition-related inquires, contact Christina Gray of Gray Area Events at [email protected].
Great Britain’s Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir found themselves in a familiar position today at the top of the leaderboard after dressage at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, scoring a 26.0. A year ago, Ingham and “Banzai” led the field heading into cross-country after Friday’s dressage, but they drew an earlier start this year, and Ingham’s got a few more challengers to come tomorrow.
In comparison to many of his other upper-level event horses, Commando 3, or “Connor” as he is known in the barn, is still a newer ride for Boyd Martin, but that hasn’t held the pair back.
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! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Let the fun and games begin! This morning kicks off the official start of competition at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event (K3DE). The hefty four-star field is the first to set foot in the Rolex Stadium starting at 8:00 a.m. Last year we saw 49 four-star pairs in this division, but this year there are 63 pairs in the field.