Tag Archives: Virginia Horse Trials

Virginia Horse Trials Welcomes Captain Mark Phillips as New Course Designer

Overlooking the Horse Center cross country featuring Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Lexington, VA – April 4, 2017 – The Virginia Horse Trials (VHT) at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington is pleased to announce Capt. Mark Phillips as the new FEI course designer for the May 25-28, 2017 and October 26-29, 2017 CCI/CIC and horse trials.

The Virginia Horse Center, a state-of-the-art equestrian facility nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, features two separate cross country courses, each with rolling terrain and a stunning view of the mountain range.

Capt. Phillips will design the CCI*, CIC2*, CCI2* and Intermediate tracks, with VHT Organizer Andy Bowles assisting at the two-star level and John Michael Durr, designer of the Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses, assisting at the one-star level.

“We’re glad to be bringing Mark to VHT,” Bowles said. “Our hope is that his experience will increase the quality of our FEI courses and present to the competitors a challenge that is true to the level and appropriate for a destination event.”

The FEI and Intermediate competitors will experience a totally new cross country challenge than in years past. The course has been reversed and a second water complex will be constructed.

“There had been some concern that the Oak Hill course sent horses downhill too long near the end of the course, so to lessen the impact on the horses we reversed the track,” Bowles said. “Now all the significant climbing is done within the first third of the course. This will also place the finish line and vet box closer to the road crossing back to the barns.”

The team also received feedback on the cross country footing and so has committed considerable efforts towards preparing the best possible galloping conditions. Construction and jump placement are scheduled to be completed early to preserve the footing on cross country, and all tracks will be aerated in advance of both competitions. Mowing has already begun and will continue on a regular basis throughout the year.

“This year we’re really focused on good grass maintenance. Between mowing, aerating and keeping heavy machinery off the course as much as possible, we expect the footing to be better than ever,” Bowles said.

“We’re sincerely listening to competitor feedback and making every effort to set a high standard and provide a world-class experience for horses and riders.”

The second cross country area is home to the Beginner Novice through Preliminary courses designed by John Michael Durr. As a USEF “r” Course Designer, he joined the VHT team as part of the Course Design Mentor Program in 2015 under the tutelage of John Nicholson. As part of the natural progression for the program, Durr will be assisting Capt. Phillips in designing the one-star courses this year.

“It feels great to be involved in the design of an FEI course for the first time in my career,” Durr said. “My goal as a course designer is to educate horses and riders and prepare them for the next level. Being a part of the Mentor Program has given me invaluable experience, and I’m excited for the next step in my own education as a designer.”

The Horse Center course will also feature a newly constructed water complex that will be unveiled in May. Durr feels that this addition as well as the multitude of other new fences constructed at VHT in the last two years will “maximize the experience” for competitors.

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Virginia Horse Trials Wrap Up

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revolution. Photo by Brant Gamma Photo.

Rio Olympics individual bronze medalist Phillip Dutton piloted both the Revelation Group’s Fernhill Revelation and David Garrett’s Corazon to double-clear rounds on cross country to finish in first and second place in the CIC2* out of 38 starters. The two horses were second and fifth after dressage, added no penalties in show jumping to move up to first and third and produced two of only nine fault-free cross country rounds.

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream jumped clear in show jumping but added four time penalties on cross country to drop from second to a third place finish overall. Boyd Martin and Kyra finished on their dressage score of 43.5 to move up from 11th place to fourth overall. Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C, leaders after dressage, added one rail in show jumping and four time penalties on cross country for a fifth place finish.

Sydney Solomon and Early Review C, owned and bred by Laurie Cameron, led the Area II Intermediate Championship from start to finish, adding only 9.6 cross country time penalties for a final score of 50.9. Sydney, 19, is a working student for Dutton and says she finds herself constantly improving under his watchful eye.

Early Review C, also known as “Coco”, is a graduate of the USEA Young Event Horse Program. She competed at the East Coast Championships as a 4- and 5-year-old with Lillian Heard and won the Safe Harbor Award two years in a row, which is given to the most amateur friendly and rideable horse in at the championships. Sydney has been riding Coco for the last year and is hoping to compete her at the Bromont CCI2* next year.

Tracey Bienemann and Geoni finished second in the Intermediate Championship, adding 23 penalties in show jumping but completing cross country fault free.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg were the ultimate winners of the Open Intermediate division. Placed second after show jumping on 30.8, they produced one of only three double-clear cross country rounds to move into the top spot. Martin also finished third on Santos after finishing only one second over optimum time on cross country for a final score of 45.1.

Jennie Brannigan and As Cool as Ice moved up from third after dressage and show jumping to finish second in Open Intermediate on a 38.4, adding 3.2 penalties on cross country.

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Phillip Dutton Wins Inaugural CIC2* at Virginia Horse Trials

Phillip Dutton and Fernhill Revolution. Photo by Brant Gamma Photo.

Lexington, Va. – Oct. 31, 2016 – Over 500 horses across 30 divisions competed at the Virginia CCI/CIC and Horse Trials at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington and the first winners of the week emerged.

Rio Olympics individual bronze medalist Phillip Dutton piloted both the Revelation Group’s Fernhill Revelation and David Garrett’s Corazon to double-clear rounds on cross country to finish in first and second place in the CIC2* out of 38 starters. The two horses were second and fifth after dressage, added no penalties in show jumping to move up to first and third and produced two of only nine fault-free cross country rounds.

“This is Fernhill Revelation’s first FEI competition in the U.S. since importing him from Ireland, so we are thrilled for his owners to take home the win this weekend,” Dutton said. “He already has a lot of experience at the three-star level with his previous rider Fraser Duffy, and we’re looking forward to bringing him out at that level in the spring. He has an incredible amount of talent and is definitely a horse for the future.”

Hannah Sue Burnett and Cooley Dream jumped clear in show jumping but added four time penalties on cross country to drop from second to a third place finish overall. Boyd Martin and Kyra finished on their dressage score of 43.5 to move up from 11th place to fourth overall. Mara DePuy and Congo Brazzaville C, leaders after dressage, added one rail in show jumping and four time penalties on cross country for a fifth place finish.

Sydney Solomon and Early Review C, owned and bred by Laurie Cameron, led the Area II Intermediate Championship from start to finish, adding only 9.6 cross country time penalties for a final score of 50.9. Sydney, 19, is a working student for Dutton and says she finds herself constantly improving under his watchful eye.

“[Early Review C] is a fiery little thing. She can definitely get hot and excited easily but she really wants to do it. She’s willing and honest,” Solomon said. “Show jumping was amazing; she did not touch a rail. Sometimes we have trouble making the stride when she gets spooky [on cross country] but today she was forward and good the whole time.”

Early Review C, also known as “Coco” is a graduate of the USEA Young Event Horse Program. She competed at the East Coast Championships as a 4- and 5-year-old with Lillian Heard and won the Safe Harbor Award two years in a row, which is given to the most amateur friendly and rideable horse in at the championships. Sydney has been riding Coco for the last year and is hoping to compete her at the Bromont CCI2* next year.

Tracey Bienemann and Geoni finished second in the Intermediate Championship, adding 23 penalties in show jumping but completing cross country fault free.

Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg were the ultimate winners of the Open Intermediate division. Placed second after the show jumping on 30.8, they produced one of only three double-clear cross country rounds to move into the top spot. Martin also finished third on Santos after finishing only one second over optimum time on cross country for a final score of 45.1.

Jennie Brannigan and As Cool as Ice moved up from third after dressage and show jumping to finish second in Open Intermediate on a 38.4, adding 3.2 penalties on cross country.

CCI2* Division

Lindsay Kelley and Cooley Cruise Control jumped the only double clear round in the inaugural CCI2* division to hold their overnight position and win on their dressage score of 51.8.

“He’s a super show jumper. I was a little bit nervous about how he would feel after pushing him so hard yesterday but he jumped better than he ever has today. He must have known it was the real deal,” Kelley said of the 7-year-old Irish Sport Horse.

Boyd Martin and his homebred Ray Price, an 8-year-old Thoroughbred/Warmblood owned by Windurra USA and Amy Lindgren, dropped a single rail to finish second.

Woods Baughman and his and James Baughman’s 9-year-old Thoroughbred Montesquieu made a steady climb up the leaderboard, placing 13th after dressage, moving up to sixth after a double clear cross country round and finishing third overall with just one rail down in the final phase.

Kim Severson and Ellie Brown’s Ringfort Fighting Chance led CCI*-A from start to finish, adding nothing to their dressage score of 40.6 to top the 39-horse division in the 11-year-old Irish Thoroughbred’s first FEI appearance.

Martin was second again in the one-star, this time with Barry, a 7-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Martin and Windurra USA, finishing on their dressage score of 43.0. Plain Dealing Farm’s 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse MTF Cooley Classic was piloted to third place by Lucia Strini, adding only two time penalties for a final score of 43.8.

Cornelia Dorr and the elegant chestnut Louis M likewise led the CCI*-B division from the start. Dorr, 18, and her 11-year-old Rheinlander gelding scored 40.2 in dressage and added only four penalties in show jumping to finish with the only final score in the 40s out of 20 talented juniors and young riders in the class.

Charlotte Collier and Parker Collier’s 10-year-old Holsteiner Clifford M moved up from sixth after dressage to finish second on 50.5. Will Zuschlag and his 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding RF Southern Command added only time penalties in show jumping to finish third overall on 51.0.

Area II Championships and Adult Team Challenge

Virginia Horse Trials was pleased to once again host the Area II Championships. New this year was the addition of Junior Championship classes. Congratulations to the 2016 Area II Champions:

  • Intermediate: Sydney Solomon and Early Review C
  • Junior Preliminary: Katherine Christopher and Frodo of the Shire
  • Open Preliminary: Allison Springer and Fairvoya S
  • Junior Training: Olivia Hayes and Beaujeste
  • Training: Colleen Rutledge and Paul Just Paul
  • Junior Novice: Charlotte Stillfried and Pepper
  • Open Novice: Leslie Chelstrom Lamb and Quinn Lane
  • Junior Beginner Novice: Annabelle Kress and Batteries Not Included
  • Open Beginner Novice: Lauren Chumley and Nikolas

The Area II Adult Rider Team Challenge has long been a popular activity at the fall Virginia Horse Trials. This year, 17 teams made up of adult riders from Areas I, II and III competed in a friendly team competition at the Beginner Novice through Preliminary levels. “My team and I are very pleased with the success of the competition this week and grateful to all the riders, owners and volunteers for their participation. For me it’s about providing a high-quality but personable event that makes everyone who attends feel special,” said VHT organizer Andy Bowles.

“This event is the final competition of the year for many riders and we hope it will continue to be a destination event for eventers around the country. Thank you to everyone who makes Virginia Horse Trials an important part of their year. We will see you at the next one in May!”

For more information about the Virginia Horse Center and our complete line up of events, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
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Virginia Horse Center to Host Virginia Horse Trials Oct. 27-30

Virginia Horse Trials organizer Andy Bowles. Photo by Brant Gamma.

Lexington, Va. – Oct. 11, 2016 – The Virginia CCI/CIC and Horse Trials (VHT) at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Va. has several exciting developments in store for the October 27-30 competition. This event serves as the 2016 Area II Championships for Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels, and the VHT team is preparing to host a CCI2* for the first time in addition to the established CIC2* and CCI*.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting ready for our first CCI2* and we are excited that it has all come together,” said VHT organizer Andy Bowles. “To host the CCI2* and our other FEI levels in addition to the Area II Championships and our popular Adult Rider Team Challenge will make for a great weekend with a good atmosphere and hopefully a lot of fun for everyone who attends.”

VHT is dedicated to providing great events and has heard the requests and reviews from competitors. In response, the team is making improvements wherever possible. One major new component of the Championship will be the addition of Junior divisions at all levels except Intermediate. There will also be two show jumping arenas featuring Brody Robertson’s beautifully crafted show jumps on courses designed by Chris Barnard. For divisions that finish on Sunday, awards will be given out in the competition rings at the conclusion of each class.

“Horse trials are a continual work in progress and we are always hoping to offer a bigger and better experience every time. Our hope is that the competitors at the fall event will recognize the changes we’ve made and feel encouraged to keep coming back.”

John Michael Durr Unveils New Championship Courses

Cross country course designer John Michael Durr joined the VHT team as a participant in the first cycle of the Course Design Mentor Program. With VHT’s FEI course designer John Nicholson as his mentor, Durr took over designing the Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Preliminary courses.

“Part of our role as event organizers is to support bringing in new designers and help train them,” Bowles said. “One of the key decisions in choosing John Michael was that he has a feel for ‘old-school’ thinking. Not everything is made of machined timber. It’s open and flowing with natural fences and the idea to train the horses through the levels.

“Riders first tackled Durr’s new tracks at the May 2016 horse trials which featured brand new fences and a focus on horse and rider education. At the fall horse trials and Area II Championships, riders will see more new questions on course and paths that differentiate the difficulty of the horse trials compared to the Championship.

“The Championship is an opportunity to showcase what the level has taught the horses and riders all year,” Durr said. “The cross country should be difficult enough that it plays a role in the final results of the Championship, but riders should also feel like if they are successful at the Championship then they will be ready for the next level.

“Durr has designed the Beginner Novice through Preliminary horse trials and Beginner Novice, Novice and Training Championship courses on the Horse Center side of the road of Maury River Road while Nicholson has designed the two-star, one-star, Intermediate and Preliminary Championship courses on the Oak Hill side of the road.

All Areas Welcome at Friendly Adult Team Challenge

The October event will once again include a friendly Adult Rider Team Challenge for Beginner Novice through Preliminary competitors. Adult riders from any Area are invited to compete in the Challenge, and you do not need to be a member of the USEA Adult Rider Program to participate.

“The team challenge is a great way to meet people and learn what the Adult Rider program is all about,” said Donna Bottner, Area II Adult Rider Coordinator. “Even if you don’t already have a full team when you sign up, we will find a team for you to join. The Adult Riders are a wonderful group of people and we always have a good time at VHT.

“One would be hard pressed not to leave the event without having made new friends, thanks in part to social opportunities like a Friday night dinner and a wine and cheese party sponsored by Stackhouse Saddlery and VTO Saddlery. Team challenge riders will also be stabled together in one barn, fostering team spirit and friendly competition with neighbors.

“The Adult Riders are always so enthusiastic about the team challenge,” Bowles said. “They are extremely supportive of each other and there is a great sense of camaraderie that adds a special element to the event. We are glad to have the Adult Rider Team Challenge back again this year.”

Riders who are competing in the Area II Championships at VHT may also be a member of a team for the challenge. However, all members of the team must compete at the same level. The challenge is for Beginner Novice through Preliminary teams only. Team ribbons will be awarded through eighth place and Area II Adult Riders will receive a gift sponsored by Sagmae.

For more information about the Virginia Horse Center and our complete line up of events, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Edited press release courtesy of Leslie Threlkeld.

Media Contact: Rebecca Walton
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University of Georgia Crowned 2016 USEA Intercollegiate Champions at Virginia Horse Trials

Devon Olivier and Karisma riding Training for the University of Georgia Red team. USEA/Shelby Allen Photo.

Lexington, Va. – May 31, 2016 – The Inaugural USEA Intercollegiate Championship came down to a nail-biting finale with the first and second place teams separated by less than a point. It was The University of Georgia (UGA) Red Team who hunkered down this weekend to finish victorious, walking away with the top spot. The Bulldogs won on a combined score of 99.06, advancing ahead of the overnight leaders, Clemson University, on the final day of competition.

The team was made up of Seniors Emily Cox, Kaityn Ruff and Devon Olivier in the Training division and Sophomore Emily Cardin in the Novice division. They held second place after their dressage and show jumping phases on Saturday. Cox, Olivier and Cardin had the lowest collective scores, giving them the win after three double clear cross-country runs around John Michael Durr’s new track.

Clemson University saw some unfortunate rails for their CCI* combinations which set them back in the rankings, but the Tigers still finished as the Reserve Champions. Their team was made of Seniors Samantha Hay and Anna Fogerty, Junior Sarah Pyne and Sophomore Alex Peterson.

Auburn University finished as the third place team on a combined score of 105.27. Team members Andrea Glazer, Sallie Johnson and Kayley Bush competed in the Training division and Lydia Kennedy rode in the Novice division.

In addition to walking away with top honors and as many prizes as they could hold thanks to the Intercollegiate Program’s generous sponsors, the University of Georgia girls also claimed the coveted Spirit Award for showing the most school pride throughout the weekend. “We went all out,” said Team President Emily Cox. “We wore all our matching gear and we did something special for cross-country: we covered our horses in paint.”

UGA riders could be spotted across the hillside at the Virginia Horse Center with the famed “Georgia G” painted across the rump of each horse.

“Overall this team has so much spirit. We’re all there for each other, and we each had somebody waiting at the finish line for us on cross-country, and it was just great team spirit all together,” Cox elaborated. Team members earned refunded entries from the Virginia Horse Trials for their impressive show of school spirit.

Kaley Bush and Cooper competing Training for Auburn University. USEA/Shelby Allen Photo
Kaley Bush and Cooper competing Training for Auburn University. USEA/Shelby Allen Photo

This championship brought together students from across the East Coast for a weekend of great riding, school spirit and healthy competition. Event Organizer Andy Bowles was thrilled with the outcome of this trailblazing weekend, commenting, “I’ve officiated at young rider championships all around the world, and the camaraderie I saw here rivals those events.”

Many schools met here for the first time, sharing strategy and tips for the weekend and beyond. “It was cool to see the whole collegiate atmosphere and to compete with [the other teams]. It’s really fun to be able to stable with them, and all of the colleges talked through courses together. We all really wanted everyone to do well,” said Cox.

The Intercollegiate Championship is slated to return to the Virginia Horse Trials next year, and all affiliated colleges and universities are challenged to send teams. This weekend was made possible by the sponsors of the Intercollegiate Program, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), Ride Safe, Fleeceworks and the Virginia Horse Trials.
-Authored by Shelby Allen, USEA Staff

Hannah Sue Burnett had a fantastic weekend in the CIC** taking first place aboard Cooley Dream, an 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, and second place with Under Suspection, a 12-year-old Holsteiner mare. Burnett and Cooley Dream led the weekend placing first after Dressage and keeping the top spot finishing just off their Dressage score of 34.8 with 3.2 time penalties in the cross-country phase. With Under Suspection she again finished just off her Dressage score of 39.10 with .8 time penalties cross-country. Rounding out the top three was Doug Payne and Lysander, a 9-year-old Thoroughbred/Holsteiner gelding.

Alanna Regan and Ice Blue, an 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood, were the winners in the CCI* competition finishing on their dressage score of 49.10 at their first CCI* competition. Rounding out the top three were Fylicia Barr and Galloway Sunrise in second with just one rail in the show jumping and Jessica McCabe and Shannondale Topaki.

In the Jr/Yr CCI* first place went to Ellis Rold and Fernhill Spring Lightly, a 10-year-old Thoroughbred gelding. The pair finished just off of their 45.30 dressage score with one rail in the show jumping. Also in the top three were Sydney Solomon and Early Review in second place, finishing on their dressage score of 49.90, and Parker Miller and What Law in third, also finishing on their dressage score of 57.60.

For more information about the Virginia Horse Center, please visit www.horsecenter.org.

Shelby Allen and Sarah Harper for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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US Pan Am Eventing Team Members to Ride at Virginia Horse Center This Weekend

Phillip Dutton.

Lexington, VA – May 21, 2015 – The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) announced the U. S. eventing team for the 2015 Pan American Games on Wednesday, and this Friday through Sunday, three of those top eventing riders will head to the Virginia Horse Center for the Virginia Horse Trials. With free admission, local spectators have the rare opportunity to watch these Olympic-level riders right in their own backyard at no cost.

Phillip Dutton, Lauren Kieffer and Marilyn Little have all been named to the team and all are scheduled to compete at the Virginia Horse Trials, to be held at the Horse Center on Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24. Also competing at the Virginia Horse Trials are team alternates Will Faudree and Michael Pollard.

The Virginia Horse Trials continually attract top riders from throughout North America for the CIC1* and CIC2* level competition, in addition to welcoming riders competing at all levels starting at Beginner Novice.

Dutton, a frequent attendee to the Virginia Horse Trials, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former winner of the renowned Rolex Kentucky CCI****. Faudree, Kieffer, Little and Pollard all share impressive accolades, having each secured victories at top events around the world.

Spectators wishing to watch the highest levels of competition this weekend can plan to attend from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday for the cross-country phase and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. for the show jumping phase.

To find out more about the Virginia Horse Trials, view a full list of entries for the weekend and see the complete schedule, please visit www.vahorsetrials.com.

The Virginia Horse Center is situated on a 573-acre site with eight barns to accommodate 750 horses in permanent stabling. Indoor stabling can be increased to 1,200 horses with the use of temporary stalls. The Virginia Horse Center hosts 19 show rings, including two large arenas and a five-mile Olympic cross-country course. Four of the Virginia Horse Center barns are winterized with close access to the 4,000 seat indoor coliseum. The Virginia Horse Center is recognized for the excellent footing of its show rings and the durable construction of the concrete stalls. The Virginia Horse Center also offers camping facilities and on-site food and beverage services. Find the Horse Center online at www.horsecenter.org.

Emily Riden for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International

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Optical Illusion Makes Magic in USEA Preliminary Three-Day at the Virginia Horse Trials

Hope Nicyper-Meryman and Optical Illusion lead the victory gallop as winners of the Preliminary Three-Day. Leslie Mintz/USEA Photo

What could likely be the very last Classic Preliminary Level Event at the Virginia Horse Trials concluded today in Lexington, Virginia. Seven riders entered the SmartPak Equine/USEA Preliminary Three-Day Event, five started the competition, four completed all the phases of Endurance Day, but only one took home the blue ribbon.

Seventeen-year-old Hope Nicyper-Meryman traveled with her own ten-year-old Thoroughbred gelding, Optical Illusion, from Pine Plains, New York to tackle the Preliminary Three-Day. Despite being the youngest competitor by nearly ten years, Hope proved she had what it took to win by adding no jumping penalties to her dressage score of 39.8.

“I competed in the Training Three-Day competition at GMHA about four years ago and absolutely loved it,” said Hope. “So when I was thinking about a goal for this year I looked at the calendar and decided that the Preliminary Three-Day would work well with my school schedule. I have been preparing since January, and it was all worth it as there is nothing like the feeling of doing steeplechase on a fast Thoroughbred.”

Continue reading Optical Illusion Makes Magic in USEA Preliminary Three-Day at the Virginia Horse Trials