Karen and Steve Fulton and Dave Taylor at the Maryland Horse Trials Cross Derby. Photo by Carolyn Mackintosh.
I cannot think of a better way to start off 2016 than enjoying an afternoon of beautiful weather, amazing equine partners and some good old fashioned competition. This past Saturday we loaded up the OTTBs and headed to Maryland Horse Trials for their first cross derby of 2016. The course contained about 20 jumping efforts with a mix of stadium and cross country jumps spanning all three arenas.
Maryland Horse Trials used this opportunity to show off a bunch of their newly built cross country jumps, the expanded lower arena and the new bank complex connecting two of the arenas. This only leaves me even more excited for the 2016 competition season, which might have me making sure this event is on the “must go to” list again.
Events Opening Today: Fresno County Horse Park CIC & H.T. (CA, A-6), Rocking Horse Winter II H.T. (FL, A-3), Paradise Farm H.T. (SC, A-3)
Events Closing this Week: Poplar Place Farm January H.T. (GA, A-3)
Tuesday News and Notes:
Bill Levett is Coming to Maryland: For riders staying north this winter in Area II, you are the lucky ones. Bill Levett will be in Mt. Airy, Maryland, at Woods Lane Farm on January 30-31. This will be a two-day clinic focusing on gymnastics and show jumping course work. For more information contact Barbra Cohen King at 410-703-7168. [Bill Levett Clinic Flyer]
Retired Racehorse Project Seeks 500 Trainers for $100,000 Thoroughbred Makeover: Yesterday marked the first day of the 2016 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover. Until Jan. 31, applications from trainers will be accepted and reviewed for the Thoroughbred Makeover. The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium will be held the last weekend in October at the Kentucky Horse Park. [Thoroughbred Makeover Application]
Ian Stark to Visit Carolina International: As preparations are well underway for the 2016 Cloud Eleven ~ Gavilan North, LLC Carolina International, Ian stark has scheduled a visit. Between Feb. 1-3, Ian Stark will be on site to continue to develop the upper level tracks that will be taking new routes as well as asking new questions of riders. The track for 2016 will also utilize the new water complex featured in the horse park’s bank field. [Carolina International Course Designer Ian Stark to Visit the Park in February]
And The Winner Is: The winner of the USEA Facebook Auction to support the Collapsible Fence Study is Sunset Hill at McCuan Farms! The auction ended at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, with a last-minute battle between two bidders. McCuan Farms will be working with several recognized events in Area II to have this cross country jump featured out on course. [USEA Facebook Auction to Support the Collapsible Fence Study]
Two Show Jumpers Killed in Wellington Car Accident: International Show Jumper Andres Rodriguez and adult amateur Sophie Walker were both tragically killed after a single car accident early Monday Morning. The accident occurred inside the gate of the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club after the car struck a concrete pillar. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the families of both of these riders. [Andres Rodriguez Killed in Fatal Car Accident]
Tuesday’s Video:
One of our favorite drone pilots, Jamie Rees, was back at it again this past weekend. Check out the video that he put together from Maryland Horse Trials Cross Derby:
