United States Eventing Association

Winona Horse Trials Celebrates 40th Running

It’s hard to believe that 2025 marks the 40th year that we have been running the Winona Horse Trials. But in many ways, it seems so long ago that Dave and I moved to Winona and one March morning took a walk around Huffman’s farm and began to dream. The next thing we did was introduce ourselves to Bill and Ginny and ask if we could move my horses there. That was no small request as they only had one stall for their own horse.

The next months found Dave and I tearing out old cow stations and building stalls. After the stalls were completed, we started to clean up the pasture, which meant getting rid of all the rocks. Alas, the first cross-country fence was born. I don’t think the Huffman’s knew what they were getting into when we asked if we could build a few more jumps and maybe hold a horse trial there in the fall.

The next six months saw frantic building of cross-country fences and begging, borrowing, or stealing (don’t judge me) what we needed to pull off the first event. Somehow, we managed even though our TD didn’t make it due to Hurricane Gloria, and one of our judges forgot to put it on her calendar. Col Wimert, who served as president of the ground jury & TD, requested that my father-in-law take him to the airport as he didn’t believe my trusty little Chevette would make it. That, as they say, was "just the beginning’"

As the years went on, we continued to build dressage rings, stadium fences, more cross-country fences and purchased items such as radios and a PA. At last, it seemed that we no longer had to beg, borrow, or steal. Yet it always seemed that there was more we needed and more we still needed to do.

We often wonder why, after all these years of running the event, it still seems like so much work. I think part of the reason is that we have added years and two kids to the mix. I must admit that things were really getting better. We no longer had to sneak around confiscating railroad ties in the dark of the night, running around borrowing stadium fences, or better yet, building fences in the basement at 11:30 Saturday night before show jumping. We even have time to think about the little extras that make things nicer. On the other hand, we still had to think about the "big" things, but all of those things take time, energy, and money. It seems like there is always something that we could do to make things a little better.

Sometimes I wonder why we continue to put on the events. It certainly isn’t for the money; if it was, I would raise the entries and stabling like so many other events have done. Every year I ask myself this question the day or two before the event when I am nearly certain that I have lost my mind, and my husband knows that I have indeed lost my mind, but he still puts up with me.

Every year the answer is given to me on cross-country day. We take great pleasure watching the horses and riders going out there and having a good time while they learn and develop confidence as they progress around the course. I’m happy that I have been able to provide them with the opportunity to do so, and I thank all the other organizers and volunteers who provide me with the same opportunity.

The whole things goes a little deeper than simply watching horses and riders galloping around having a good time. It gives many people who enjoy the sport the chance to work together for something they really believe in while developing lasting friendships as well. We’ve already established that we don’t do this for money, so it must be for love. Love of the sport, the horse, friends, and family. Many of you have become an important part of the Stone Gate family.

While all this was written 30 years ago for the 10th anniversary, much has changed with the farm over the years while a lot remains the same. The farm and event grounds have changed significantly over the years with the addition of two rings, barns, and buying more land so everything is consolidated in one area. Technology has changed how the show runs by allowing for better communication, live scoring, and more.

The people have changed too, obviously Dave and I are 40 years older with two grown young men, neither of which are eventing anymore but still active on the farm. We have gained a wonderful daughter-in-law. Laura is the daughter I never had and has been a tremendous help to me. Many riders and volunteers are no longer coming to the events for various reasons and unfortunately, we have lost family members, friends, and volunteers. We miss them all.

What remains the same? It’s still a lot of work, we’re still trying to make improvements, and we are still grateful for those who continue to support our events as competitors, sponsors, or volunteers. Basically, everything I said about why we continue to run the events still holds true. Finally, Dave and I are still married and haven’t killed each other yet!

Please join us for the Winona 40th Celebration / Derby Day Partyon Saturday, May 3, and don't forget to enter the event, which will be held May 3-4 with levels from Starter to Modified. The closing date is April 15.