Ingvill Ramberg (Johnny's Private Collection), Maia Ramberg (Try N Catch Me), Lindsey Kahn (Kells Accent On Xcellence), and Deah Szymanski (Double Martini) at Otter Creek Summer HT. Photo by Jackie Metelak
The more I get into this obsession sport, the more I am amazed by the camaraderie and positivity I see shared between competitors through the ups and downs. Fortunately, there were plenty of “up” moments during the Otter Creek Summer Horse Trials. It was a gorgeous weekend at at the Warner’s Otter Creek Farm in Wheeler, Wisconsin; between the spectacular weather and well-organized event that attracted riders from all over Area IV and beyond (including Ontario, Manitoba, Florida, and California), I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. After speaking with other competitors, it sounds like many others shared my sentiments!
Rachael Walker sent us this photo of her Novice cross-country run with her mare Liliana X; I swear these girls have wings. In the words of the indomitable Ralph Hill, “Hot dang!”
Rachael Walker and Liliana X blasted through Novice XC. Photo courtesy of Diane Stoffel.
Team Woodloch had a fabulous time as well! Ingvill Ramberg and her ISH gelding Johnny’s Private Collection made cross-country look easy during their Beginner Novice run, and her daughter Maia had a blast schooling her Section B Welsh pony MeMe on the flat over the weekend.
Try N Catch Me (MeMe) and Maia Ramberg. Photo by Lindsey Kahn
Onyx and I congratulate Jennifer Rogness and Lambeau Gold on their double clear stadium round. Photo by Jackie Metelak
I couldn’t be happier with my little black bowling ball of a pony, who jumped double clear in stadium and found his confidence during cross-country after one run-out at a cabin at the bottom of a hill. Once Onyx realized that it was actually fun to scoot and bounce across the countryside, he seemed to wake up and become as enthusiastic about XC as he is about stadium. Needless to say, I’m a proud lady.
Boing! Photo by Jackie Metelak
Minnesota-based eventer and trainer Liz Lund shared this photo of the Liz Lund Eventing Team in a rather precarious-looking human pyramid, with the hashtags #llersdoitbetter and #wehavefun. Indeed!
How many eventers can you fit on a pyramid? Photo courtesy of Liz Lund Eventing.
Liz, who finished third on Marcia O’Hagan’s gelding Minnesota Bound (LOVE the name!) in Open Training, said, “Couldn’t have asked for better weather and better people. We were even able to bust out the picnic table competitor’s party dancing!” Oh, really?
Yes, really.
Table dancing at the competitor’s party? Oh yes, they did! Photo courtesy of Liz Lund Eventing.
I think that fellow Woodlocher Lexie Baldwin summed it up the best. “I think eventing is the only sport where you can finish a competition in last place and be the most proud person in the world,” Lexie said. “This weekend, my mare, Sonata, and I officially became Training level competitors after nearly 8 years of partnership. Even though we finished in 8th place out of 8 competitors on a score of 88 (I sense a theme), we ended the weekend with confidence, smiles, and positive attitudes. This weekend was a great learning experience and a huge stepping stone to a very bright future. A huge thank you to the Warners, Betsy, and all the volunteers that make Otter Creek such an amazing, well-run show!” Amen to that!
A spectator’s-eye view of Otter Creek’s gorgeous, inviting XC course. Photo by Sissel Helle Jørgensen
Go Team Woodloch. Go Otter Creek. Go Eventing.
