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Aug 08, 2019
Woodside Modified Training Challenge Draws Big Field
The newly minted Pan American Games team gold medalist Tamie Smith; Olympic silver medalist Gina Miles; and World Cup Finalist Jennifer Macouzet-Wooten are among the equestrian stars bound for this weekend’s Summer Event at Woodside. But a different level of riders will dominate the spotlight thanks to tremendous response for the inaugural Modified Training Challenge, the centerpiece of the August 9-11 competition at The Horse Park at Woodside.
A field of 40 is set to contest the innovative “M-Training Challenge,” designed to prepare and showcase horses and riders moving up from standard Training level’s test of scope and skill in dressage, cross-country, and show jumping. Run to the standards identified in the USEF rulebook as the Modified-Training division, the M-Training Challenge adds difficulty across the board without requiring the full step up to Preliminary.
The idea sprang from discussions between organizer Robert Kellerhouse and West Coast riders and owners. It is modeled on the super successful Preliminary Challenge, which for 11 years has showcased contenders at that level in a Saturday night dinner gala during the show jumping finale. The M-Training Challenge concludes with a ringside BBQ dinner Saturday night, too. (Click to purchase dinner tickets.) Top contenders vie for $2,500 in cash in both the horse and rider divisions and a new saddle that will go to the overall lowest scoring pair.
Entries are also strong for the rest of the Summer Event’s divisions: Intro to Intermediate, plus Future Event Horse Yearling, 2-year-old, and 3-year-old tests.
Pony Club Celebration
The Pony Club Celebration is another new Summer Event attraction. All participating United States Pony Club members will receive recognition on the online results and special first and second place Pony Club ribbons will be presented in Intro through Preliminary during each division’s winners ceremony.
“We really appreciate Robert Kellerhouse and the Horse Park at Woodside for all the things they’ve done for Pony Club,” notes Mid-Cal Pony Club Regional Supervisor Kathryn Schulz. “It’s really great to have other organizations recognize the value of Pony Club.” Outside of their special recognition in the program and winners circle, Pony Clubbers will likely be wearing their club’s pins and they are expected to turn out in force for Saturday night’s BBQ party.
Volunteer Spots Open!
Volunteers are needed and this is a great way to get involved and support the sport, as well as meet nice people. Woodside Eventing offers branded swag and credits toward future entries, and the United States Eventing Association’s Volunteer Incentive Program logs hours for year-end national recognition and prizes. Click here to sign up.. The VIP program was guided by the late and much-missed Don Trotter of Sunsprite Warmbloods; many have already signed up to volunteer in his honor.
May 12, 2021
Competitions
Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill Announces $300,000 Prize Money for Inaugural Event
The Fair Hill Organizing Committee (FHOC), an affiliate of the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (The Sport Corp.), today announced athletes and horses in the inaugural Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill (CCI5*-L) will be competing for $300,000 in prize money. Additionally, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Eventing National Championship (CCI3*-L), running in conjunction with the 5 Star, will award $25,000 in prize money. Both events, as well as the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Young Event Horse East Coast Championships, will take place this October 14-17 at the new Fair Hill Special Event Zone in Cecil County, Maryland.
May 12, 2021
Education
Pre-Purchase Examination 101: With Dr. Shauna Spurlock
You’ve seen a horse you like. You’ve ridden it; you love it. The money’s right; you’ve agreed to buy it. What happens next?
Pre-purchase veterinary examinations are one of those topics that a roomful of horsey people could discuss - and argue amongst themselves about - for hours. For the amateur rider, that can be confusing and slightly alarming.
So, let’s simplify it. What is a pre-purchase examination, why are they done, and what should you expect?
May 11, 2021
Intercollegiate
Eyes on the Prize at the USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships
The USEA Intercollegiate Eventing Championships will take place later this month at the Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) in Lexington, Va. across May 27-30. Following the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan, the USEA is working with VHT organizer Andy Bowles to ensure the Championships are still a destination competition for all Intercollegiate event riders, packed full with an opening ceremony, the traditional “college town” area, the prestigious spirit award, and an abundance of prizes.
May 10, 2021
Eventing News
2021 FEI MER Changes effective July 1
The FEI passed rule changes impacting Minimum Eligibility Requirements in November 2020 that go into effect on July 1, 2021. The changes will impact athletes who are uncategorized, “D” and “C” athletes competing at the CCI4*-S, CCI3*-L, CCI4*-L, and CCI5*-L levels. Please see below for the highlighted changes. The USEF requirements to compete at these levels remain unchanged, but please remember that the USEF requirements must be achieved within 12 months of the competition. These changes will be adopted into the USEF Eventing Rulebook by July 1. See Appendix 3 for qualification requirements.
