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.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.
The 2024 USEA Emerging Athletes U21 (EA21) National Camp is just a little over a month away and all over the country, young riders are preparing for their trip to Ocala, Florida, to participate in this year's prestigious week-long academy led by U.S. eventing legend David O'Connor. This year's camp takes place Dec. 31, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025, and will feature classroom sessions, guest lecturers, and in the saddle work as a group to help strengthen the foundation of each rider selected to participate.