United States Eventing Association

Sooner or later we’re all going to experience something that’ll leave us feeling a bit uncomfortable, doubtful or even afraid. High-velocity sports like riding often creates these kinds of emotions, but it’s the unpredictable nature of our horses that really fire the fear in many of us.

The Bert Wood Novice Stakes at the Woodside Summer Horse Trials brought out what the Novice level of eventing is all about—showcasing promising new horses in the sport, providing young riders with an opportunity to gain foundational experience, and celebrating the adult amateur riders that are an integral part of hosting successful events.

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“Nobody in their right mind would start coaching riders again after enjoying such a nice, long career away,” said Cass Kordecki with a laugh as she helped pack her 12-year-old daughter Rachel Strong up to attend the Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, Iowa). Kordecki, who is in her mid-50s now, began her eventing journey in the ‘80s, but life took her away from the sport for a while until her daughter showed a love for horses at a very early age.