Open Prelim A winners Andrew McConnon and Bossinova. All photos courtesy of Stable View.
Even amid the polar vortex, 156 competitors braved the cold in pursuit of prize money totaling up to $15,000 at Stable View Winter Horse Trials, held Wednesday, Jan. 30, in Aiken, South Carolina.
The event hosted Preliminary through Beginner Novice levels, with two large and competitive Open Preliminary divisions. This was the first outing of the winter season for many Aiken-based professionals. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners in every division went home with a
prize money check, and the first place winners also received a $100 FITS voucher to be redeemed at FITS’ new retail outlet in Aiken.
Three dressage rings ran throughout the morning with the sunshine keeping the grass in great shape despite the freezing temperatures.
A photo gallery of the action, courtesy of Stable View:
The show jumping start times were delayed slightly due to frozen footing, but Chris Barnard’s course provided an appropriate test of both horse and rider as the competition heated up throughout the day.
The cross country course, designed by Mogie Bearden-Muller, ran over portions of both the old course at Stable View and the newer Eventing Academy area, and featured the wonderful sandy footing Stable View has come to be known for. Technical questions and combinations required riders to be at the top of their game if they wanted to go home with some prize money, especially in the larger divisions!
The cross country course, designed by Mogie Bearden-Muller, ran over portions of both the old course at Stable View and the newer Eventing Academy area, and featured the wonderful sandy footing Stable View has come to be known for. Technical questions and combinations required riders to be at the top of their game if they wanted to go home with some prize money, especially in the larger divisions!
Riders enjoyed taking advantage of the Rider’s Lounges to warm up with a complementary cup of coffee and snack.
Photo courtesy of Stable View.
Photo courtesy of Stable View.
The smiling faces at the in-gates, warm-up, bit-check, and cross country fences help to create a warm environment even with the chilly weather. Without the support and loyalty of sponsors and volunteers, these events would not be possible.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Open Preliminary A: Andrew McConnon & Bossinova
Open Preliminary B: Waylon Roberts and Fortunate Rebel
Preliminary JR/YR: Katherine Christopher & Frodo of the Shire
Preliminary Rider: Morgan Batton & Toby the Coal Man
Open Training: Lindsay Beer & El Caballero
Training Rider: Elizabeth Welker-Ebling & Santana II
Novice Rider: Campbell Jones & Aura CF
Open Novice: Waylon Roberts & FE Lobo
Beginner Novice Rider: Nancy Z. Wilson & Lagerfeld
Open Beginner Novice: Alison Eastman-Lawler & Lexington II
Full results are available here. For more information about Stable View, visit www.stableviewfarm.com.
