Jan 02, 2020

USEA Events A-Z: Three Lakes Horse Trials at Caudle Ranch

By Jessica Duffy - USEA Staff
Victoria DeMore Photography Photo.

Three Lakes Horse Trials hosts two events each February at Caudle Ranch in Groveland, Florida (Area III) offering Beginner Novice through Intermediate/Preliminary levels.

R.S. Caudle purchased Caudle Ranch in the 1940s, developing it into a cattle and citrus operation until back-to-back winter freezes destroyed the citrus groves. The remainder of the groves were cleared and replaced with slash pines, and the cattle pastures were converted into hay fields.

Now owned by Caudle’s three granddaughters including Jane Miller, they wanted to find a way to give the property a new purpose. In 2015, Alice and Brad Andrews approached them about hosting recognized horse trials at Caudle Ranch and the Three Lakes Horse Trials was born.

Victoria DeMore Photography Photo.

“At the time, Jane and I felt there was a need in our area for another horse trials venue,” said Alice Andrews, who organizes the event. “I had previous experience as an organizer and Jane is a long-time horsewoman with an absolutely stunning piece of property, so we decided to give it a try.”

“Everything was started from scratch, from clearing tracks through the pine forest, to purchasing stadium jumps, to building cross-country jumps,” Andrews shared. “Our goal was to concentrate on the education of young horses and riders at the lower levels in a smaller, relaxed atmosphere.”

A relatively new event to the USEA calendar, their first event was held mid-January in 2016 and followed by their second event at the end of February that same year. In 2018 they moved the date of their first event to the beginning of February, maintain their end-of-February date for their second event.

Preston Stafford Photo.

Bordered on three sides by three lakes and covered in mature oaks and pines, Caudle Ranch is a beautiful piece of property, according to Andrews. “We do not have stabling, so everyone ships in and out each day (our show is run as back-to-back one-days). Everything is very close and convenient to the parking area, and we run dressage and show jumping on grass.”

“The cross-country course varies in terrain,” she continued. “It runs through open fields as well as through the pine and oak forests. There is a roll to the property, which is a nice feature for a Florida event. We run early in the season and the tracks reflect that. We are a great venue for professionals to bring their young horses. It's always a treat to see the up and coming equines of the future!”

Andrews said that she feels it’s the property that makes the event special. “Plus, the one-day formats,” she added. “We offer Intermediate/Preliminary, Preliminary, and Novice on Saturday, and Training and Beginner Novice on Sunday.”

Victoria DeMore Photography Photo.

“We couldn't have started the event without the support of both of our husbands, family, and friends,” Andrews stated. “Terry Miller is instrumental in keeping the grounds and all the equipment in show-ready shape, and Brad Andrews is a huge part of pre-show set up.”

Morgan Rowsell came on board as their course designer and continues to design their courses today. “His vision and expertise has made our cross-country tracks an inviting learning experience for riders and horses starting the winter season in Florida,” Andrews elaborated.

“We also have an incredible group of volunteers, most of whom have been with us since the beginning,” Andrews said. “We are so thankful for their help and friendship; every one of them is priceless. One example is Preston, who is both a family member and volunteer. He takes amazing photographs while he jump judges, then each year presents us with an album to commemorate our events. Another is Emily Foster and her sisters, Sarah and Sue, who have spent hours stuffing packets, putting together jump judge materials, and organizing the office before our secretary Rick Dunkerton arrives. They are so good at it they now remind us what needs to be done!”

The USEA is profiling the history behind all USEA recognized events in the USEA Events A­-Z series.

Jul 02, 2024 Educational Activities

USEA Educational Activity Highlight: Sherwood Forest Hunter Pace | Sherwood Oregon | July 13, 2024

What’s a Hunter Pace? The Sherwood Forest Equestrian Center's Hunter Pace is a cross-country-style course around Sherwood Forest over various natural obstacles/terrain. The course ends with a final treat for riders to take in stunning views of Mt. Hood with a loop through the old Far Hill Farms field. The beginning of the course will first start with a warm-up loop around show jumping obstacles in the outdoor ring at Sherwood Forest and then riders will continue directly onto the course. Sign up as a solo rider, pair, or team.

Jul 02, 2024 Profile

No Longer Dreaming: Claire Allen's Goal of Qualifying for USEF Eventing Young Rider Championship is Now Reality

Claire Allen remembers when she was 11 years old, having just made the switch from the hunter/jumper ring to three-day eventing. She told her new eventing trainer that her goal was to one day compete in the United States Equestrian Federation’s Eventing Young Rider Championships.

Jul 01, 2024 Competitions

Alliston’s Busy Weekend, Braitling’s Reuniting with Five-Star Mount, & Kalkman’s Advanced Victory Highlight Twin Rivers Summer H.T.

As he was finishing tacking up his horse in preparation to navigate the cross-country course at the 2024 Twin Rivers Summer Horse Trials, James Alliston expressed concern about navigating the 101 Freeway. That’s because as soon as he crossed the finish line aboard Intermediate level winner Addyson (Ampere x Nickerbocker) at 10:38 a.m. on Saturday—his fifth cross-country round of the morning with three at Preliminary and two at Intermediate—the West Coast-based five-star rider had to drive 185 miles on the 101 Freeway from Twin Rivers Ranch in Paso Robles, California, to San Francisco International Airport to catch a 4:35 p.m. flight to Frankfurt, Germany.

Jul 01, 2024 Education

USEA Podcast #364: All Your Grooming Questions Answered

There is so much more to proper grooming than keeping your horse picture-perfect for the horse inspection. Good grooming practices are critical to proper horse management, no matter if you are planning for your next FEI appearance or your Starter level debut. To help you maximize your knowledge of grooming practices, we opened up the opportunity for USEA members to submit any questions they might have on our Instagram and Facebook stories. In this week's episode, Host Nicole Brown sits down with three of the highest-regarded grooms in this industry, Max Corcoran, Emma Ford, and Stephanie Simpson, and asks them all of your questions and more to help you perfect the art of grooming.

Official Corporate Sponsors of the USEA

Official Joint Therapy Treatment of the USEA

Official Feed of the USEA

Official Saddle of the USEA

Official Equine Insurance of the USEA

Official Forage of the USEA

Official Supplement Feeding System of the USEA

Official Competition & Training Apparel of the USEA

Official Horse Boot of the USEA

Official Shockwave of the USEA

Official Horse Wear of the USEA