Sunny and I flying over the brand new ditch brush! Photo by Kris Waldo
A few weekends ago the eventing community in Alberta was out in full force for the Alhambra Victory Tack Summer Event. The three day competition hosted 170 horse and rider combinations, a slight decline in number from the record breaking 190 entries the event attracted last year.
All divisions were well represented, from Starter to Preliminary. Mother Nature cooperated for most of the weekend, with just some fog first thing for preliminary cross country, and some showers during the afternoon during the Pre-Training and Entry cross country.
Cross country course designer Barry Tyerman created fun tracks for each level that asked the appropriate questions of horse and rider. Some new jumps were added to the courses, as well as a brand new ditch brush, which rode very well for all of the Preliminary riders.
The ditch brush is a memorial jump that was sponsored by Sandridge Stables in memory of Tricia Dahms’ upper level partner, Calling All Cars, aka “Carson”. In a touching ceremony at the competitor’s supper, a plaque was presented which will be mounted on the jump. “He taught me how to fly…” Tricia said fondly as she spoke of her horse who had recently passed. The jump built in his honor will help teach up and coming Alberta event riders how to fly as well, for years to come.
Regular Pre-Training B: Marlene Bieri & Buenos Aires
Open Pre-Entry: Suzanne Hanley-Hawkins & Smokey
Preliminary division winners, Becky Farrell and Gia. Photo by Kris Waldo
Sunny and I were competing in the preliminary division, and I was pretty happy with the weekend overall! In dressage we had a great test with only a few minor bobbles, improving on our score from Rebecca Farm, so I was very happy with that.
On cross country, Sunny was an absolute rock star, we went double clear and she totally saved my butt when I didn’t see any distance to a few straightforward galloping fences. I apologize to the jump judge at fence three, as they probably had to go change their underwear after witnessing the horribly scary flyer we took there! Our stadium was great except for a silly mistake on my part which cost us a rail. So we finished up in 4th place just adding one rail to our dressage score!
Photo by Kris Waldo
Here is my cross country helmet cam:
Following the delicious competitor’s supper on Saturday night, the second annual Spartan Race took place, sponsored by Sandridge Stables. 8 teams entered, each with 4 human and 1 canine member.
Hilarity ensued as each team was timed as they raced to negotiate a number of obstacles, such as a mud crawl, rope climb, balance beam, etc. It was a great turnout and great entertainment as the spectators laughed and cheered on their favorite teams, who were competing for cash prizes.
Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
Winners of the Spartan Race – Mudweiser! Photo by Jessica Kerschbaumer
