Maryland Horse Trials Gets into Holiday Spirit with December Donation Derby

Photo by Maya Kuntze.

The Maryland Horse Trials doesn’t slow down for the winter months — it just leans in harder, offering a variety of schooling opportunities to keep eventers busy throughout the off-season.

Last weekend Loch Moy Farm played host to a holiday-festive MDHT Donation Derby in support of Platoon 22. Donations were accepted to help the charitable organization’s mission of raising awareness of for the suicide epidemic facing veterans and first responders while providing empowerment through programming and research. The Derby was a success, raising $3,876.82 for the cause.

Competitors decked the halls their horses with boughs of holly, strings of tinsel, jingle bells and more (there appeared to be one rogue Easter Bunny) as they tackled cross derby courses of Elementary through Modified levels.

Photo by Amy Flemming-Waters of AFW Photography.

Many thanks to photographers Ashlee Fleming of FoxtographyMaya Kuntze and Amy Flemming-Waters of AFW Photography for these fun pics of the event!

Many thanks to MDHT for putting on such a great event, and a high-five to the event’s volunteers as well who braved the chill to show everyone a good time.

Visit the MDHT website for a full calendar of events. A few dates to circle on your calendar:

January 5, February 2, March 9-10: MDHT Winter Cross Derby 
The Maryland Horse Trials at Loch Moy Farm will be hosting a Winter Cross Derby Series in 2019. The cross derby incorporates cross country and stadium jumps across eight acres of all-weather footing. Obstacles will include ditches, banks, water, and various portable fences. The goal is to provide an opportunity for riders to keep horses fit and competing over the winter on safe footing, in a low-pressure environment. The levels range from Poles/Crossrails through Modified. A brief schooling period is offered prior to every division. Ribbons are given through 8th place. Each cross derby is a registered USEA Educational Activity. Competitors may enter electronically via evententries.com or eventclinics.com. More information at www.themarylandhorsetrials.com.

December 3-March 8: Cross Country Schooling on All-Weather Footing at Loch Moy Farm 
School cross country obstacles on eight acres of all-weather footing. Ditches, banks, water, and portable fences from Intro height (18″) through Preliminary. By appointment only. The cost is $50 per horse/rider combination and includes use of the regular schooling course and trails. A ground person is required and safety vests must be worn. Call ahead and jumps can be customized to what you’re working on. Derby course is closed for schooling during competition days, but the schooling course remains available. Call or text Carolyn at (301)514-0111 or email us at [email protected] to schedule an appointment. More information and download the waiver and rules at https://themarylandhorsetrials.com/schooling-opportunities/cross-country-schooling.

Go Eventing!