Willow Draw in Weatherford, TX (Area V) is sharing two important announcements:
Preparation for the November 5th horse trials and the 2017 CIC* and CCI* courses are in the hands of course designe rAdri Lea Doyal. Course development includes the addition of new signature obstacles created by Marvin Savage.
Adri Doyal spoke of her philosophy of course design as “conscientious”, producing a course that “takes riders a bit out of their comfort zone, but is still horse-friendly even if a rider makes a mistake”. Adri says she approaches her courses as “apiece of music that builds from an inviting beginning to the challenging high notes and more complex rhythms, then finishes on softer tones."
Organizer Tre’ Book and Adri are in agreement that even though they enjoy adding newer jump materials and designs, they “don’t want a course like an over-sized derby field”. So, evolving aesthetics are being creatively built into a traditional, forward-thinking ride.
Tre’ Book emphasizes that “We are grateful for the trust that Siobhan O’Brien and the Area V council has placed with us during Willow Draw’s first year of USEA recognized horse trials”. Tre’ and Janet Book continue to put the emphasis on a safe, smoothly-run event. Outstanding courses and a great competitor experience is the priority for Willow Draw horse trials.
Although pleased to present their new USEA-recognized events, Tre’ and Janet Book see Willow Draw’s first priority as a schooling and training facility. Many options are being built to move even things such as walls and trakheners to keep the course fresh and useful for Area V riders during the months after the horse trials.
A few months ago we began a series of Pressure Proof tips dedicated to the many different choices we have when thinking about our riding potential. We labeled these choices mindsets and discovered that some lead us towards growth, grit, and gratitude while others lead us in the opposite direction, towards feeling disappointed, defeated, and discouraged.
Spring and summer are on the horizon. As rider’s calendars begin to fill with horse trial, clinic, and schooling outing dates, organizing teams are busy with preparations to ensure smooth operations and a great experience for participants, horses, and spectators.
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)/US Equestrian has announced the appointment of former USEF Eventing Development Coach Leslie Law to the position of Chef d’Equipe and High Performance Manager for the Defender U.S. Eventing Team, and Karyn Shuter, who will take on the newly developed role of U.S. Eventing High Performance Advisor. Both Law and Shuter will begin in their respective roles immediately.
Last year was a big one for USEA Young Event Horse program graduate Arden Augustus. He made a successful move-up to Modified with Sharon White in the tack, followed by a smooth transition to Preliminary, then went on to win two CCI2*-S divisions and ended the year with a CCI2*-L win.