They say it’s too far to travel, that January is too cold, and some even say that it’s a waste of time. Sadly, I’ve even heard it whispered that the Annual Meeting is just boring.
So, I turned to the infamous “They” and asked, “Have you ever attended? Have you ever sat with your fellow eventer and cheered as they picked up year-end ribbons? Or, have you ever watched the Young Riders' year played out on a slideshow of inspiration? No, comments like that prove that you, the infamous “They," have yet to experience the fun of Area I’s Annual Meeting!”
This year, 100 strong showed up for a packed agenda coupled with a very competitive Silent Auction. Lunch was a spectacular Italian buffet ending with an array of sweets. It was an event filled with challenge (beating out a neighbor to win a coveted entry), clapping (congratulations to year-end award winners), and culture.
From the Organizers Meeting:
From the Annual Meeting:
From the Keynote Speaker – Steven Kraus, Head Farrier at Cornell University:
“The Effects of Conformation on Performance and Soundness”
It was evident from the minute Steve began his talk that he was not a man given to vague references or
uncertain opinions. He believes that by understanding conformation we can select and manage our performance
horses to have a long and sound career.
He provided photographic examples of conformational defects and how those defects manifest in the hoof. His
explanations left more than a few of us picturing the hooves of our own horses, trying to determine how they fit
the photos shown. Steve methodically gave us an overview of how conformational problems could be managed
through proper shoeing.
Ultimately, by knowing more about its effects on performance, a buyer may be more prudent in selecting good
conformation in their future event horse.
Be sure to check the upcoming Optimum Minutes for more Annual Meeting notes!
At last fall's Full Moon Farm Horse Trials, 16-year-old Miriam Keefer guided her horse, Micky, over the final cross-country jump with quiet determination and a flash of joy. It was her first recognized event at the Novice level, and she placed second out of 16 competitors—qualifying her for both the USEA American Eventing Championships presented by Nutrena Feeds and a long-format three-day event.
Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo were pure class in the final, tense moments of the MARS Badminton Horse Trials, jumping faultlessly to regain the title they won two years ago by just 1 penalty.
Day 3 of competition at the Yanmar America Tryon International Spring Three-Day Event presented by Tow & Collect showcased Clayton Frederick’s course design at the picturesque White Oak Cross-country course at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort (Tryon International). The leaderboard of the CCI4*-L division saw a shakeup after two phases of competition.
here was a dramatic finish to cross-country day at the MARS Badminton Horse Trials when the top two riders, Oliver Townend, with Paul and Diana Ridgeon's mare Cooley Rosalent, and Ros Canter with Lordships Graffalo, were both awarded 15 penalties for going the wrong side of a fence flag.