They Came, They Schooled, They Conquered: Inaugural Stable View Eventing Academy Recap

Photo by Christine Rhodes.

The Inaugural Eventing Academy at Stable View successfully raised the bar for both schooling and unrecognized horse trials in Aiken last weekend, Feb. 24-25. With the opportunity to school all three phases on Saturday, horses and riders alike were prepared and confident to tackle the Schooling Horse Trial on Sunday.

Some 103 horses took advantage of the schooling day, and 109 entered on Sunday. Competitors loved the open, galloping feel of the new cross-country course at Stable View, which made its debut for this event.

This event also introduced two new levels: Sprouts (18”) and Tadpole (2’3”). The addition of these lower levels provided the opportunity for less experienced horses and riders to participate. With miniature versions of typical cross-country fences, these courses offered a true taste of eventing. Very few horse and rider pairs had trouble on the cross country course, a testament to the value of schooling the day before!

Photo gallery:

There will be five more Eventing Academies as part of the 2018 Series: April 14-15, May 19-20, July 21-22, Aug. 11-12 and Nov. 17-18, with a Dec. 8-9 Academy kicking off the 2019 season. Competitors earn points from each show of the series, and a year-end awards ceremony will be held in the new Pavilion during the December Eventing Academy with prizes totalling in excess of $10,000.

The Eventing Academy Series makes Stable View’s world-class facilities available to up-and-coming riders and those just beginning their journey in eventing. The emphasis on the lower levels encourages grassroots participation in this series. The cross country course allowed great
visibility for spectators, with multiple fences within sight at any given place on course. Many competitors brought along their family, friends and trainers, giving Stable View the “gathering place” atmosphere.

Mogie Bearden-Muller designed the new cross country courses and riders loved the confident ride they were able to give their horses. The show jumping courses, designed by Julie Zapapas, rode nicely throughout the day.

Photo by Christine Rhodes.

Click here to view full results.

Read below what some of the participants had to say about the weekend!

Congratulations to student, Rohena Armstrong, and her horse, Rtisan! They competed in the novice division at @stableviewaiken Eventing Academy today finishing 4th!! This schooling series is a great experience for all horses and riders and I am highly impressed with how smoothly it was run. Definitely will be adding this series to the show schedule! " " " #eventing #crosscountry #dressage #showjumping #stableview #aiken #eventer #jumper #coaching #useventing #twohearts #myviewfromstableview

A post shared by Candice Salisbury (@candicesalisbury) on Feb 25, 2018 at 2:19pm PST

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfouaARDvKi/

Absolutely thrilled with Maggie today at Stable View! It wasn’t our best dressage test to date, but she put forth amazing efforts in the jumping phases to have 2 rails- one a bit unlucky and one in attempt to get out of the horse 1 stride (it’s hard being a 14.3hh moo moo)-in an otherwise really great round, along with an extremely confidence-boosting and double clear cross country run! I am over the moon with her for once again being the best teacher at my second training and showing me how fun it is to run fast and jump big. love my moo❤️ • @stableviewaiken #myviewfromstableview

A post shared by Sophie Kager (@eventing_dorothy) on Feb 25, 2018 at 12:06pm PST

Mark your calendars now for the next Eventing Academy on April 14th and 15th — you won’t want to miss it!

For more details about any upcoming events at Stable View and the full 2018 Calendar, visit www.stableviewfarm.com.