United States Eventing Association

I have been competing horses for over 20 years, but I have never had as much fun as I did competing at the USEA Classic Series Novice Three-Day Event held at the Coconino Summer II Horse Trials in Flagstaff, Ariz. It was my first time to compete at Classic Series event and the experience was amazing! Not only was the event fun, but it provided many educational opportunities as well. To top it all off, the weather was a nice break from the 100 degree days at home in San Antonio, Texas.

I first became acquainted with the Classic Series format four years ago when I competed at Coconino Summer Horse Trials I and II. I did not compete in the long format event, but I was able to audit all of the phases from the initial jog to the awards ceremony. I was very interested in competing in a Classic Series back then and have always had my eye on return to Arizona and competing in theirs. Well, this year it finally happened. I can’t believe I waited this long to return!

Photo courtesy of Christiana Schultz.

In preparation for the event, I began increasing my conditioning schedule for my horse “Lexi.” I included longer trot sets and tried to add hills where possible, but being located in south Texas made that a little difficult. In comparison to preparing for a horse trials, I increased Lexi’s conditioning days from once a week to twice a week. I also increased the riding time to get both herself and myself into shape. For me as a rider, I would have liked to increase my cardio as well, but sometimes there were just not enough hours in the day. I would recommend running, walking, using a treadmill, etc, for someone trying to get themselves in shape for such an endurance packed competition. You can never be too fit!

In comparison to cross-country day, the endurance day of the event included: roads and tracks, steeplechase, roads and tracks, and then cross-country. It was awesome! I have never had so much fun on the back of a horse as so many different endurance events were packed into one day. We were able to walk roads and tracks as well as have a steeplechase lesson from Hawley Bennett prior to the endurance day so I felt confident (but still nervous!) about going into day two.

Practicing steeplechase with Hawley Bennett-Awad. Karen Bjorn photo.

For Lexi, the most difficult thing about the long format was trying to walk and get her respiration down during Phase C (roads and tracks) in preparation for the vet box. My little mare was ready to go! Luckily, the conditioning program proved successful and we were released on time from the vet box to head down for Phase D (cross-country).

The three-day event as a whole, but mainly the endurance day, takes a village to complete. Luckily, my trainer, Amanda Merritt, has completed in Classic Series events before and was able to provide us knowledge information and tips. Besides myself, she also had two other riders (Amanda Chance and Georgia Phillips) compete in the Novice Three-Day Event at Coconino so all hands were on deck for endurance day, specifically the vet box. Mothers, fathers, husbands, friends and other competitors all turned out to help myself, Amanda and Georgia in the vet box. Watching everyone work together warmed my heart knowing that everyone here is part of a family to help us complete the endurance day.

Photo courtesy of Christiana Schultz.

Even though I have many favorite moments that weekend from completing my first jog to crossing the finish line on cross-country to winning the best turned out award for the jogs, my favorite moment was feeling Lexi lock onto the last jump on the show jumping course. Once we jumped the fence and crossed the finish line, I could hear my husband and friends cheering in the stands. Having all of them there to support me was very special to me. I am so thankful that I not only had a chance to compete in the Classic Series event but also winning it my first time out.

Photo courtesy of Christiana Schultz.

I highly encourage anyone interested or possibly interested in a Classic Series event to go for it! Coconino and its staff provided such a fun and educational opportunity, and I can’t wait to go back next year!

About the USEA Classic Series

The thrill of the 'chase lives on for those who want to experience the unforgettable rush of the classic format three-day event!

Long-format events from the Preliminary to Beginner Novice levels are still a reality with the USEA Classic Series and include roads and tracks, steeplechase, and cross-country on "endurance day," as well as horse inspections. Educational activities are offered at the Classic Series events.

Find the complete schedule of Classic Series events here.

Prizes

Thanks to our generous sponsors, the USEA Classic Series Event winners have the opportunity to compete for a variety of prizes including SmartPak engraved halters and leadshanks; the chance to win a year of SmartPaks; Point Two Air Jackets; online subscriptions to Eventing Training Online; USEA logowear; Fleeceworks saddle pads; and Stackhouse saddles!