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Feb 24, 2020
Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials News
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].
Jun 24, 2021
Young Event Horse
The Race to Le Lion: Who is Eligible for the Holekamp/Turner Grant?
A total of ten USEA Young Event Horse (YEH) graduates are now in the race to Le Lion! The 2021 FEI Eventing World Breeding Championships for Young Horses at Mondial du Lion in Le Lion d’Angers, France will be held on October 21-24. The 6-year-old Championship is a CCIYH2*-L and the 7-year-old Championship is a CCIYH3*-L.
Jun 23, 2021
Inside the Show Office: Commonwealth Dressage & Combined Training Association
“Schooling shows are about learning, not about being intimidated,” says Miranda Kettlewell, VP of Dressage for Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA).
For horses and riders, schooling shows are a great way to practice without the added stress and expense of a recognized or sanctioned competition. Venues and clubs can offer schooling shows as a way to open the door to their communities, increase their revenue or membership, and partner with local businesses.
Jun 22, 2021
Eventing News
US Equestrian Announces Horse Substitution for U.S. Eventing Olympic Team
US Equestrian has announced a horse substitution for the U.S. Eventing Olympic Team ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. The Luke Syndicate's Luke 140, the selected mount for Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.), will be replaced by Martin’s first direct reserve, Tsetserleg, a 14-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner. Luke 140 sustained a minor injury during his training preparation and has been withdrawn from consideration for the team but is expected to make a full recovery.
Jun 22, 2021
Education
Jumping Phase Warm-Ups with Jennie Brannigan
If we go along with the edict that preparation is everything, then getting the warm-up right for each phase at a competition is crucial and should be treated as though it is as important as what happens inside the arena or on the course. CCI5* rider Jennie Brannigan gives us her top tips for a good warm-up for the jumping phases.
