Students at Horses N Heroes of Marion County love on Lulu, the program’s 32-year-old pony.
2022 Grant Application Deadline Is April 27
MARCH 3, 2022 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust® announced it has awarded nearly $110,000 in grants to help fund equine-focused projects by a dozen non-profits. The organizations receiving funding all submitted applications as part of the Trust’s 2021 application period. Since the inception of its grants program, the Trust has awarded nearly $2.4 million in grants.
The Trust is also pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2022 grants program. To submit an application, visit trusthorses.org and complete the online form. Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline to submit applications for the foundation’s 2022 grants program is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, April 27.
The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for initiatives that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.
Among the equine non-profits granted funding during 2021 was Florida-based Horses N Heroes of Marion County, which was awarded $10,000 to support its horsemanship-focused youth mentorship program.
“USA Equestrian Trust’s support helped us fulfill the needs of our girls as well as our horses. We are so proud to have helped hundreds of girls over the years become successful, contributing members of society. All of the girls who have come through our program have graduated high school, and more than 95% have gone on to college, trade school or the military,” said Founder and Executive Director Mindy Morrow.
Among other USA Equestrian Trust grant recipients was the Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association, which used its $5,000 in funding to organize a free training clinic for its membership of low-budget owners and entry-level exhibitors.
“We so appreciate the opportunity that the grant has provided the Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association and its members,” said Vice President Karine Brooks.
Recipients of grants in 2021 included:
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF EQUINE PRACTITIONERS FOUNDATION ($5,000) to support the Equine Disease Communication Center, which alerts the industry to outbreaks of disease in an effort to prevent their spread. The Center also serves as an educational resource on infectious diseases affecting horses.
AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE & BREEDERS ASSOCIATION ($10,000) to support its Learn to Ride for Free program for youth.
CAMP ONDESSONK ($2,792) to purchase safety equipment for youth taking part in the organization’s equestrian programs.
GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB RESEARCH FOUNDATION ($20,000) to support scientific research by the University of North Carolina Wilmington into equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy.
HORSES N HEROES OF MARION COUNTY ($10,000) to support its horsemanship-focused youth mentorship program.
PEAK PENTATHLON ($6,000) to support its horse and rider safety and welfare initiative.
REGION 10 ARABIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION ($5,000) to support creation of an affiliated organization to award scholarships for youth.
The Sacramento Area Hunter Jumper Association organized a free training clinic in January 2022 for its membership of low-budget owners and entry-level exhibitors.
SACRAMENTO AREA HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION ($5,000) to offer a free training clinic to its members, who are entry-level exhibitors and low-budget owners.
SANTA BARBARA EQUINE ASSISTANCE AND EVACUATION TEAM ($20,000) to renovate barns at California’s historic Earl Warren Showgrounds.
THE SOUTHLANDS FOUNDATION ($2,591.82) to purchase helmets for the organization’s community horsemanship program.
UNITED STATES HUNTER JUMPER ASSOCIATION ($2,500) to support the organization’s Emerging Athletes Program for youth.
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA ($20,000) to support scientific research into collagen defects in sport horses.
USA Equestrian Trust’s mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code.
Karen Pekarne with her seven friends. Diana De Rosa Photos.
Uniondale, NY, April 29, 2019 — As their cheers filled the air and they pumped their fists, it was clear the eight women who had won the Desert Flight VIP Experience at the world class Longines Masters of New York on Saturday night, April 27, were thrilled. The team behind the Desert Flight movie had done it again and won the hearts and souls of not only that night’s winners but those who had a chance to view the trailer on the jumbotron.
The plan was simple. Each afternoon and evening of this four-day show, April 25-28, after showing the trailer the ringmaster would come out and announce to the audience that he was about to make one group extra happy.
It began with a Desert Flight t-shirt tossed into the stands but in one of those was wrapped a unique VIP Experience. The person or persons who caught the winning t-shirt would go on a fun afternoon or evening journey. Combined with that VIP wristband was dinner in the lounge, souvenirs, and photo ops at some memorable sites around the Nassau Coliseum, before being escorted to the VIP seating area to get the perfect view of this powerful sport.
For the Saturday evening toss, the winning t-shirt was the last to explode into the stands. Suddenly a cheer was heard when a woman caught the final t-shirt and as she and her friends looked inside another screamed. She spied and grabbed the wristband and ran up and down the steps while the group of eight started jumping for joy.
In no time, Desert Flight team leader Stephen Williams, who had come up with the idea, was by their side explaining what they just won and guiding them down the stairs to kick off their evening.
The Desert Flight Experience
The years that led to this evening started with a vision and when the Desert Flight team threw their hat in the ring with those creating equine films, they did it with a purpose. Produced by Tell Studios in association with Samia Staehle’s Filter 4 Productions, the documentary is a compelling look at the horses and riders that compete in this highly demanding sport.
Executive director, Staehle, who competes herself, wanted to show the drive that it takes to be the best in the sport, and the compelling bond that is the only way to make the horse and rider team successful in competition. The goal was to create a film that would become a love letter to the sport of show jumping. It wasn’t long before Desert Flight became just that, evoking heartwarming emotions from everyone who watched or took part in it.
Since its inception, Desert Flight has been traveling the globe and has been showcased at some of the world’s most eminent equine events. In 2018, that journey took them to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, NC and later that year to the prestigious EQUUS Film Festival where the film won Best of Festival as well as Best Sports Documentary. Since then it’s been traveling to cities large and small enriching the hearts of many and this evening was no exception.
Meeting Some of the Desert Flight VIP Experience Winners
Among the members who will cherish the memory of this unique opportunity was this group of eight friends who decided to enjoy their first horse show together, since how often do you get a world class horse event right in your own backyard? Encouraged by their colleague, Karen Pekarne, from Little Neck, Queens, they decided to have a girls’ night out never realizing how special it would turn out.
When Karen caught the flying t-shirt that revealed the winning wristband the team of eight were over the moon ready to enjoy their magical night. When given the choice of heading to get some nourishment, their minds were focused on only one thing. What they wanted most was to watch all the world class horses from their VIP seats.
“It was a total surprise and makes a great evening even better,” commented Karen as she and her friends posed for pictures.
While rushing off to catch up to her friends before the class began, she yelled back, “I’m excited to see the performances and the beautiful horses. This is really going to be a wonderful night.”
After the night was over, Karen couldn’t contain her thrill for what she and her friends had experienced. “The competition was exciting and different from anything I’ve ever seen. I loved the way the class was run. The riders and horses were just spectacular and talented and gorgeous to watch. We also attended the after party — so fun!”
On Sunday it was a family of four that caught the elusive t-shirt and wristband. Mackenzie Wood, who lives in New Hampshire, had never seen a horse show of this caliber before. So her father surprised her with tickets to the show. She went with her parents and grandfather and was overjoyed when the VIP Experience was added into the mix.
“It was so cool to catch the t-shirt and I was super excited to get the VIP Passes,” she commented as she and her family were getting ready for the competition to start.
Thanks to Desert Flight, a fun-filled afternoon and evening really did get even better!
Just What Is Desert Flight About?
Enamored by the horses, they all wanted to know more about the Desert Flight movie and how they could see it. In fact, this documentary short film delves into the unique relationship with the horse and why those who have been bitten by the horse bug dedicate so much time and energy to their equestrian life.
It is that sense of bonding and the visceral way in which horses enrich our lives and heighten our senses that the team of writers and videographers succeeded in capturing. It shows the strong passion and love that comes with being one with your horse and the incredible connection that these horse show people share. Whether it’s a child with a backyard horse, or an Olympian competing at the highest level, that horse-human bond is very strong.
Initially, the goal was to do something modest, just a 4-5-minute piece. However, that soon changed and grew like the branches of a tree into a full 39-minute documentary.
The film features some of the top equestrians, even some Olympic gold medalists and hearing their stories will melt your soul. The beauty is that even their candid honest words will touch your core as you attempt to hide a few tears.
If you are one of the few who has not seen this film, don’t despair: you can stream it for free via the USEF Network. For those who are not yet members of US Equestrian, a free fan membership is available to anyone using the promo code “desertflight” on the federation’s website (https://www.usef.org/network). For additional information, visit www.desertflightmovie.com and follow #desertflightmovie on social media.
Equine Non-Profits Must Submit Applications by Wednesday, April 24
April 19, 2019 — Lexington, KY — There is still time to submit proposals for USA Equestrian Trust’s 2019 grants program. IRS-registered equine non-profits are invited to apply by filling out the online grant application at www.trusthorses.org.
The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for initiatives that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. The Trust welcomes proposals for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.
Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline to submit applications is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, April 24.
Funding available for grants includes more than $28,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.
USA Equestrian Trust’s mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational, and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code.
Skye Anna Nye-Smith teaches Tale of the Heart to dance at the Harmony Horsemanship clinic organized by Second Chance Thoroughbreds. Photo by Collette Duddy, Second Chance Thoroughbreds.
Applications due Wednesday, April 24
March 6, 2019 — Lexington, KY — USA Equestrian Trust® is pleased to announce it is now accepting proposals from IRS-registered equine non-profit organizations for its 2019 grants program.
To submit an application, visit trusthorses.org and complete the online form. Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline to submit applications for the foundation’s 2019 grants program is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, April 24.
The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for initiatives that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. The Trust welcomes applications for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications. Among the past recipients of Trust funding are:
Second Chance Thoroughbreds: $1,200 was awarded in 2017 to fund an educational workshop on retraining Thoroughbreds. “Without the grant from USA Equestrian Trust, Second Chance Thoroughbreds would not have been able to bring expert trainers Steuart Pittman or Lindsey Partridge to our rural area location in Spencer, NY,” said Executive Director Collette Duddy.
The Livestock Conservancy: $10,500 was awarded in 2017 to support a summit on endangered breeds. “The greatest accomplishment of the gathering was to bring together a wide diversity of breed groups, scientists, and horse industry leaders in one place to unify their efforts, learn from each other’s expertise, and collectively work toward common goals,” said Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger. “A year later, the ripple effects are still being felt throughout this community, opening doors to new markets and reproductive technologies previously underutilized or even unknown by most rare breed owners. The effect of the grant money was more than any of us could have imagined, giving all involved a solid sense of direction and the tools to accomplish meaningful breed conservation across the country and beyond.”
Funding available for USA Equestrian Trust grants includes more than $28,000 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.
USA Equestrian Trust’s mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational, and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code.
Equine Non-Profits Must Submit Applications by Monday, May 2
April 26, 2016 — Lexington, KY — There is still time to submit proposals for USA Equestrian Trust’s 2016 grants program. IRS-registered equine non-profits are invited to apply by filling out the online grant application at http://www.trusthorses.org.
The Trust’s financial support has been dedicated largely but not exclusively for initiatives that are productive across several national-level discipline and/or breed boundaries. The Trust welcomes proposals for need-based projects and encourages applicants to detail those in their applications.
Any organization applying must submit copies of its IRS non-profit determination letter and most recent Form 990, as well as a proposed budget for its project. The deadline to submit applications is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, May 2.
Funding available for grants includes $41,500 reserved for Hunter and Jumper non-profit programs and activities in California and Nevada. Applicants for this fund should make clear their intention to apply for grants available from this specific reserve.
USA Equestrian Trust is a New York Not-for-Profit Corporation whose mission is to assist in preserving and/or enhancing the quality of equestrian sport in the United States of America. Its objects and purposes are exclusively charitable, educational and dedicated to the fostering of equestrian sports. The Trust is a private foundation pursuant to the United States Internal Revenue Code.
Deadline Date is January 23 for 2015 AHP Student Award Contest
The 2015 AHP Student Award Contest recognizes the talents of students by awarding up to three $750 travel awards to attend the AHP Annual Seminar in San Antonio, Texas on June 18-20, 2015. Travel Award winners have an opportunity to meet leading equine publishing professionals and discuss career possibilities during the three days of educational sessions and related activities. One Travel Award winner will be selected at the seminar as the 2015 Student Award winner and win a cash award of $1,000. Additional cash awards may be awarded at the discretion of the judges. All cash awards are sponsored by AIM Equine Network.
Students are eligible to enter the contest if they are a high school senior or an undergraduate college student during the 2014-2015 year, with at least one semester before graduation at the time of application. All qualified applicants will receive a complimentary Student annual membership, a complimentary Student registration certificate for the annual seminar, and a critique of their resume. The AHP Student Award Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada only.
Student Award applicants are required to send a completed application form plus additional information by January 23, 2015. Eligible students may access guidelines and application at the AHP website at http://www.americanhorsepubs.org/students/student_award/.
For 2015 Student Award Contest guidelines or more information on American Horse Publications and its programs, visit our web site at www.americanhorsepubs.org or contact: Judy Lincoln, American Horse Publications, 49 Spinnaker Circle, South Daytona, FL 32119; Phone (386) 760-7743; Fax: (386) 760-7728; E-mail: AHorsePubs2@aol.com.
American Horse Publications is a non-profit association of over 500 equine-related print publications, digital media, professionals, associations, and businesses which share an interest in equine publishing. Established in 1970, AHP has continued to promote better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. Started in 1993, the AHP Student Award program was initiated to promote awareness of the career opportunities available to college students.
Kathy Viele and Matariki. Photos by Diana De Rosa.
Amateur Competitors Applaud the Sponsors for Their Support
The competitors in the third annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas” were not just overwhelmed by how wonderful the event was but also by the generosity of its sponsors. The event took place May 2-5 in Chesterfield, SC. Amateur riders competing in Beginner Novice, Novice, and Training levels went home not only with a sense of accomplishment and accolades about an event well-run and facilities that are beyond comparison but also with a bounty of gifts.
A huge thank you went to the title sponsor NIKON who presented the winners of the three divisions with a Nikon D3200 Camera Kit (with an 18-55mm VR lens). Kathy Viele, Aiken, SC, rode Matariki to the victory in Training (T3D), Sarah Zimmer, Martinsville, VA, and Mardi Gras were the Novice (N3D) winners and Sara Miles, Assawoman, VA, and Misty’s RainDrop were the Beginner Novice (BN3D) winners.
The competitors weren’t the only ones going home with NIKON products. Gay Glenn was the volunteer who was the lucky recipient of a NIKON Coolpix S5200 Camera after her name was drawn out of the Most Valuable Volunteer’s bucket.
Everyone was a winner, thanks to the sponsors at this year’s event because every Competitor, Clinician and Official went home with a souvenir NIKON item ranging from laptop bags, to flexible keyboards, t-shirts, mood lights, luggage tags, umbrellas and so much more. The title sponsor NIKON was extremely generous with their support of this event because they recognize the value of the amateur riders.
Sarah Zimmer and Mardi Gras
“We here at NIKON are proud to be involved with Southern 8ths Farm’s recognized three-day event to support the amateur riders and their passion for Eventing. It is this same passion that drives NIKON each day. We look forward to a long relationship with So8ths!” remarked Bill Pekala, General Manager, NIKON Pro Services.
“Our sponsors have helped make the Southern 8ths Three-Day a destination for the amateur riders,” remarked Southern 8ths Farm owner Brad Turley. “NIKON’s support has been fabulous. Besides providing the winners with high quality cameras, they added in a camera for volunteers, provided a dozen cameras for the competitors to take part in a photo contest and then sent many extra items that impressed everyone.”
The Sponsors Say Thank You to the Amateurs with Their Many Prizes
The list of sponsors continued with Adequan, Bit of Britain, Brant Gamma, Breyer, CelebrityCafe.com, Cosequin, Dressage Collection, Ecolicious, FITS, Foxden Equine, Higher Standards Saddle Soap, Horse Quencher, The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program, Kan Teq, Mane Street Horse and Pet, Mrs Pastures Cookies, SciencePure/Pureform, Smartpak, Southern 8ths Farm, and USEA. Every sponsor donated products that made this event extra special for the amateurs who competed.
Both Adequan and Cosequin provided buckets that went to the competitors and were used in the veterinary box and other locations throughout the weekend. Cosequin also presented a bucket of prizes to the second place recipients. The 2nd place winners included James Baker, Southern Pines, NC, and Wings in T3D, Samantha DiMaria, Kendall Park, NJ, and Valentine for N3D and Catie Pannill, Martinsville, VA, and Kokoa Kat for BN3D.
The Jockey Club Low Score Thoroughbred Incentive award of a ribbon, $50 cash prize and embroidered Jockey Club duffle bag also was won by DiMaria.
Sara Miles and Misty’s RainDrop
James was also the recipient of the Foxden Goodwill Ambassador Award for his leadership throughout the weekend. Baker noted that the support of the sponsors at the So8ths/Nikon HOTC event has a much deeper meaning because for once the pomp and ceremony was not being focused on the top level, but rather on those who also deserve it.
Baker’s words were echoed by many when he said, “It makes a great deal of difference to me that these sponsors will recognize and support us at the lower levels. Too often only the top level gets any recognition yet it is the lower levels that provide the financial support through their membership, through day to day products and entry fees.”
In addition James won the highly sought after Bit of Britain Adult Rider Low Score grooming tote with brushes, a Bit of Britain bridle and a gift certificate all valued at just over $500. After the event Jim expressed his gratitude to Bit of Britain owner and Eventer, John Nunn, noting, “Thank you for your support and the quality of your products, but you should be here. This is the premier Training Three-Day that knocks the socks off of other T3Ds. You need to ride this event.”
Brant Gamma was the official show photographer. She provided the winner of each division with an 8×10 picture frame to include a photo of their choice. One of the winners, Viele, commented, “This weekend has been a long-term goal and your photos will help me relive the great moments and share them with friends.”
“I’d like to thank Brant Gamma for her support and helmet cams coverage as well as John Nunn at Bit of Britain for all he does for Southern 8ths and the adult riders,” remarked Turley.
Breyer donated a couple of model horses to the young volunteers in the group while CelebrityCafe.com provided a gift basket to volunteer Carolyn Sellers. Higher Standards Saddle Soap jars were given to the top three finishers in each division. FITS provided shirts that were added to the Horse Quencher Sportsmanship award won by Taylor Pence, Concord, NC, who was competing on Goldie.
Everyone received some Mrs Pastures Cookies and there were lots of happy horses being fed those cookies throughout the competition. SmartPak provided each competitor with a paste supplement and all the Officials received a SmartPak tote. Cosequin gave them all vet wraps and coupons. Both Foxden and SciencePure provided gift certificates to many of the competitors.
As a way to help thank the sponsors, notebooks were put out on a table throughout the competition so that anyone could write a note to the sponsors. Taylor wrote to Horse Quencher, “I won many of your products this weekend and cannot wait to try them. Thank you so much for contributing to such a wonderful event.”
Sarah Zimmer and Mardi Gras
The Dressage Collection Low Dressage Score prize of a beautiful Classic Handbag will probably end up with the trainer, Suzanne Lacy of Riverbend Farm, since she brought a bunch of riders to compete at this year’s event. Sarah Zimmer, Martinsville, VA, had the lowest dressage score of 30.70.
The Ecolicious Best Turned Out award of their all natural shampoo and conditioner went to Pannill, Baker and Manny Diemer, Raeford, NC, who placed 4th on Krugerrand in N3D. Ecolicious products were also given out to a number of the other competitors who placed at the top.
Additionally, Ecolicious owner Petra McGowan was thinking out of the box and offered a donation of all of their products to one lucky recipient who would use them and document their use. That recipient was Erin Hite, Durham, NC, who commented, “I won the raffle and used your products over the weekend. They smell great and work. I love that they are natural. Cody and I worked a year to get here and really appreciate your support at our own mini-Rolex!”
The Mane Street Best Conditioned Horse Award and the Kan Teq Closest Lady to Optimum X-C Time was won by Sarah Baker, Southern Pines, NC, who rode Poetic Justice to a 4th place finish in T3D. Sarah was thrilled with her gift basket filled with cool horse items and an embroidered cooler from Mane Street as well as a Safety Vest from Kan Teq.
“This is an amazing event,” commented Sarah. “Nobody treats the competitors better!”
Wendy McCaughan, owner of Kan Teq, was there throughout the competition and provided vests to competitors to try out. Wendy even took part in some of the contests and won the prize for the SmartPak Most Innovative Hat and received an embroidered vest from Southern 8ths Farm.
Wendy took some time after the event to offer her comments noting, “I would like to say how impressed I was by the amazing energy shown by those behind the scenes. They were truly tireless in their mission to gather every ounce of feedback, every sponsor photo opportunity and every moment of action whether on the magnificent cross-country course or in various clinics.
“Everything in the indoor arena was so beautifully presented with no detail left to chance. I particularly liked the vast display of prizes. Also the effort given to reinforce every sponsor’s contribution was absolutely brilliant (i.e. the Nikon Photo Contest, the sponsor books, the Sponsor Hat Contest) with each idea cleverly feeding all media and social media requirements! Clearly the pre event organization and the commitment of a loyal and quality team helped make this the slick, professional event that it turned out to be.
“All the online postings on Facebook, also on Chronicle of the Horse, reveal clearly how happy the riders were. With facilities that are second to none, clinics and demos that were simply great, added to the generosity and interest of the host and hostess, So8ths event is an absolute must for any enthusiastic rider wanting to progress in the sport of Eventing.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for Kan Teq and I am so pleased to have had the time to meet riders, trainers, grooms and the wonderful organizing team. It is so valuable to me to be able to explain, fit and let the riders take and try out our innovative vest with no time pressure. Plus the relaxed evening activities made for the easy striking up of new friendships and because of that my social network just got a whole lot wider! My thanks to everyone who not only gave me the opportunity to become a sponsor of this event but who helped me maximize my sponsorship.”
USEA also supported the event through their USEA Classic Series sponsor package.
A Final Heartfelt Thank You
Of special note was all the support given by Southern 8ths Farm owner Brad Turley and his girlfriend Pati Martin. They provided t-shirts to all the volunteers, fans to the competitors and gifts to the clinicians and officials.
Both Brad and Pati were extremely heartened by the sponsorship support. The Long Format is something Brad truly believes in and recognizing the amateur competitors has always been his personal goal. “I was truly overwhelmed by the sponsorship we received for our amateur level competition. These competitors are the ones who deserve to be recognized. All of us at Southern 8ths Farm, from the staff and volunteers to the officials and clinicians and especially the competitors were and still are extremely appreciative of the support given by 21 well-known equine companies. We are all touched that these companies were willing to show their support to a host of riders who represent the foundation of the sport of Eventing. I personally want to say thank you to each and every sponsor that made this year’s So8ths/Nikon HOTC Three-Day such a success,” Brad commented.
Finally, it was Viele who echoed many of the words spoken by the competitors when she wrote this note to Brad and Pati: “You have built an amazing facility here: well thought out, outstanding footing for Dressage, beautiful tracks and grassy gallops, and challenging, interesting cross-country courses. I can’t imagine the countless hours and generous financial support it has taken for you to put this three-day on. But you have made this adult amateur’s dream come true.
“It’s been many years that I wanted to compete in a Long Format and finally doing it I’ve found the experience has exceeded my expectations. I’ve learned things about competing, about myself, about stable management. But most importantly I’ve been reminded about what a wonderful, enthusiastic and supportive community eventers are; from the staff, clinicians and volunteers, to my own friends and coach. The enthusiasm for the Long Format runs deep and I’m honored to have gotten to take a crack at it. Thank you for making it possible.”
For more information about this annual event and links to photos and videos, visit their web site at www.so8ths.com and be sure to “Like” them on their Facebook page.
Kaitlyn Mosing & Powerhound. Photos by Diana De Rosa.
On Friday, May 3, competitors in three different divisions rode Dressage tests in the beautifully manicured Southern 8ths arena for the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas.” The riders, who traveled from several different states, seemed thrilled with the first day of the Long Format Event.
In essence the best Dressage scores set the tone for the remainder of the competition. If a horse and rider have a low score, and accrue no penalty points over the next two days, they come out on top.
First to go were the Training level riders. Interestingly, these are the highest level riders at this event, which is geared for amateurs. Coming in first place was Kaitlyn Mosing on her horse Powderhound with a score of 31.4. Second were Kathy Viele and Matariki.
Kaitlyn has been competing about 12 years, but she’s had this horse only a few months. Since Kaitlyn had never done a three-day competition, she thinks this will be a good bonding experience for her and her horse. This is their third Dressage competition, and she was pleased with her win.
She especially appreciated the perspective from the officials. “Everyone here is so welcoming and so eager to help you. It’s a great facility, and I’d recommend it to anybody.” She’d like to return next year.
Sarah Zimmer & Mardi Gras
Sarah Zimmer and Mardi Gras won the Novice division. In Eventing, the scores represent penalty points, so the lowest score wins. On the second and third day, penalties are assessed for mistakes on the cross country and show jumping rounds. Again, low penalties — or none — are the goal of every rider.
Despite her horse being a little wound up, he delivered a stellar performance, Sarah said. They actually had the best score of the day, 30.7. “I love the Long Format. I wish there were more of them. It’s like a whole different sport; it adds a lot and it’s more fun.” This is the only place where professionals come together and help the amateurs, she added. This is her second year at Southern 8ths and she thought the competition was great. Finishing just behind her were Samantha Hay and Tre Jolie.
The Beginner Novice division is for horses and riders who are just starting their careers in Eventing. Taylor Pence and her lovely mare Goldie put in a solid ride with a score of 32.8.
Taylor Pence & Goldie
Taylor loved the judges’ advice and heeded it. Goldie knows the difference between a schooling session and the show ring, and Taylor actually has to work a little harder in the ring because Goldie gets lazy there. The pair has been in five or six events. “It felt great to win, especially at an event of this stature.”
Two judges score each ride and combine their points for the final score. Only .2 point separated the top riders in this division, with Carol Mahoney and Mercury Rising coming in second.
On Saturday the event continues with Roads & Tracks, Steeplechase, and Cross Country.
The third annual So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event in the “Heart of the Carolinas” takes place May 2-5 in Chesterfield, SC. Now’s your chance to see what this event is all about by reliving all the action thanks to a creative video produced by nFocus Pictures and visible on Southern 8ths’ YouTube channel.
This video showcases Long Format Eventing at the amateur level but with the aplomb of a professional level event. If you are a horse lover, have a passion for Eventing or are simply curious to peek behind-the-scenes at the 2012 So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event then settle into your seats and fasten your seatbelts for an amazing 4-minute ride by going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUBHfKnVc_E.
You’ll get a chance to watch not just the competition but see who is teaching the educational clinics and how up close and personal the competitors are with the clinicians. These clinics are taught by some of the top horsemen in the Eventing community. Well-known riders and trainers Charlie Plumb, Will Faudree, Holly Hudspeth, Rebecca Howard and Susan Beebee are joined by “R” Dressage judge Sue Simpson and FEI course designer Tremaine Cooper educating the competitors on all aspects of the Long Format. FEI veterinarian Dr. Debbie Williamson and local vet Dr. Marsha Severt ensure the horses are fit to compete. Groom Natalie Varcoe Cox covers caring for the horses. Marc Donovan walks his show jumping course with the competitors.
Diana is one of HorsesintheSouth.com’s long time contributors for equine articles and events. This is a special highlight to her, so be sure to watch Worst Cooks in America on the Food Network this Sunday!
Bio of Diana De Rosa (Huntington, NY): Diana’s late parents wished their daughter would learn how to cook, and she is ready for culinary boot camp. She grew up in a family where dinner was waiting on the table when she got home, but she is now on her own and needs to take care of herself. Diana, a photographer and health fanatic, currently survives on nuts, dried fruit, Greek yogurt, protein shakes and leftovers from friends. When she does attempt the kitchen basics, she burns food and can’t even work a blender without spilling the contents all over the kitchen. She’s been a successful equine journalist covering events around the globe, but cooking is the one thing she still needs to master.
