Login
Nov 07, 2016
Willow Draw Donates $10,000 of Horse Trial Proceeds to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Saturday, November 5th was the second USEA-recognized charity horse trials at Willow Draw in Weatherford, Texas. Owners and organizers Tre’ and Janet Book donated $10,000 of proceeds to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an internationally famous organization specializing in treating and studying life-threatening childhood cancer and other diseases.
Kiamesha Wilson traveled from Memphis, Tennessee to accept the donation on behalf of St. Jude. It was Wilson’s first look at a horse trials in action. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Wilson. “It is amazing what horses can do! St. Jude is grateful for the support of these horsemen and women and will put the funds to good use to help sick children.”
Kiamesha Wilson alongside Tre' and Janet Brook and Adri Lea Doyal. Terrie Hatcher Photo.
Wilson explained that “Saddle Up for St. Jude!” is a program allowing horse events of any kind to become a St. Jude fund-raising event. Willow Draw’s Volunteer Coordinator, Renee Smith, helped distribute t-shirts and caps to the volunteers and children to celebrate and raise awareness for “Saddle Up for St. Jude!” horse events.
Willow Draw’s lovely course and facilities shown brightly through the overcast but dry one-day horse trials. Competitors shared favorable comments on the footing. Course designer Adri Lea Doyal has said that she likes using creative décor to enhance the traditional course that reached into the hilly area of Willow Draw’s terrain. Course decorator Debra Sue Waters added her own picnic baskets and other touches as well. Deeda Randle came from Wyoming to act as Technical Delegate, with Amanda Miller-Atkins from North Carolina serving as the Ground Jury.
Willow Draw is actively expanding the Preliminary course working toward the debut of the CIC* and CCI* courses at a horse trials fully dedicated to these divisions, help September 29 – October 1, 2017.
Mary Hirsch Photo.
In addition, Willow Draw has two additional USEA fixtures on the 2017 calendar, a one-day horse trial on May 27, 2017, and a two-day horse trial on the weekend following the FEI event, October 7-8, 2017.
Tre’ and Janet Book are committed to using the USEA recognized horse trials at Willow Draw benefit worthy charities. The Books have selected charities using their own review criteria for the charities they benefit, including effective assistance and financial and accountability ratings. Earlier in 2016 the horse trials donated $10,000 to Semper Fi Fund, an organization working with wounded veterans.
Dec 22, 2024
USEA Foundation
Top Tips for Applying for a USEA Foundation Grant
Did you know that the USEA Foundation awards over 150 grants each year to deserving individuals who are involved in the sport of eventing? With grants that assist riders with accomplishing their competition goals, grants geared toward licensed officials, grants that are specific to continuing education for coaches, grants that assist competitions with obtaining frangible technology, and so much more, there really is a grant opportunity available to almost anyone!
Dec 21, 2024
Education
3 Ways to Help Eventing Thrive in 2025
With the start of the New Year just days away, now is the time to consider how your actions can have a positive impact on the sport of eventing in 2025. Each and every member of the eventing community has an important role to play in ensuring the sport continues to grow and thrive. From fostering educational opportunities to supporting grassroots initiatives and participating at all levels of the sport, there are so many ways to get involved.
Dec 20, 2024
Sponsor
“Happy Horse Equals Happy Judge”: Ask An Expert with Dressage Judge Peter Gray, Brought to You by Ride iQ
Ride iQ’s popular “Ask An Expert” series features professional advice and tips from all areas of the horse industry. One of the most-downloaded episodes is an expert session with Peter Gray, an accomplished dressage judge and Olympic eventer. He has recently judged at events like the five-star at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, and he served on the ground jury at the 2022 FEI World Eventing Championships in Pratoni, Italy. His background as a competitor in the Olympic Games riding for Bermuda and as a coach and selector for the Canadian eventing team adds depth to his understanding of the sport.
Dec 19, 2024
Volunteers
The VIP Volunteer: Cathy Hale Has A Thirst for Adventure and a Love for Volunteering
With a total of 382 volunteer hours in 2024, Catherine “Cathy” Hale not only topped the USEA Area III VIP Volunteer leaderboard, but she also ranked fourth out of all eventing volunteers across the country. Hale (The Villages, Florida) has worked as a travel agent for over 30 years, a career that suits her love of travel nicely. At the time of being interviewed for this article, Hale was passing the equator on a cruise to Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia.
