This article is brought to you with support from Blue Horse Entries.
Boyd Martin and Laura Healy. Photo courtesy of Laura Healy.
Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m frugal to a fault. Paying for things like horse shows and clinics makes me gulp. That being said, I still want to get out and have fun with my (very) green OTTB/dragon. Schooling trials and mini horse trials are perfect for me, because they’re low cost, there’s usually an emphasis on fun, and it’s a great way to get more miles on my Thoroughbred and build my own confidence in a low pressure atmosphere.
I scrolled through the Blue Horse Entries website to find five affordable horse trials all over the country, plus one more expensive, but very exciting, clinic. If one of these shows is local to you, consider adding it to your summer schedule for some low-cost fun with your horse.
Hitching Post Farm Schooling Trial 3: $120 – 140, Vermont
The Hitching Post Farm Schooling Trial is part of an unrecognized series in Royalton, Vermont. Presented by Hitching Post Farm, this horse trial is geared towards beginner eventers. Because everything is close together and the entire cross country course is visible, it’s a great event for parents with kids who are just starting to event. You’ll be able to see their entire ride without having to sprint around the entire cross country course! Available levels range from Starter to Training.
This one-day show takes place on Saturday, July 22nd. Registration opens on June 20th and closes on July 15th. If you do attend, let us know if the venue’s claim to have “the BEST food” around holds water!
Hackamore Farm Mini Trial: $75 – $85, Ohio
Ohio-ans! Is the Hackamore Farm Mini Trial in North Jackson, Ohio near you? This unique event has an interesting format that reminds me of the Eventing Academy hosted by Stable View. You can sign up to take your horse cross country schooling at the venue on the Thursday and Friday before the show. Then, when you compete, your green horse or rider will have already built some confidence with, or at least be familiar with, the cross country course.
As this is a low-key competition that’s designed to introduce young horses and new riders to eventing, available levels range from Intro to Novice. Take note of the “Very Green” level. Very Green riders will ride Intro Test B in the dressage phase.
The event takes place on July 2nd. Registration is currently open, but you may want to hurry to sign up– doors close on June 14th.
Flying Cross Farm July Mini Trial I&II: $75 – $140, Kentucky
The Flying Cross Farm July Mini Trial really gives you the most bang for your buck. Flying Cross Farm is actually hosting two separate horse shows in one weekend. You can choose to compete on either Saturday, Sunday, or both days. On either day, you can choose to compete in dressage only, event, or both.
This show is truly geared towards young eventers and green horses. They even have leadline classes available– I hope those parents bring their running shoes, because they’re really going to get their steps in. As a matter of fact, those leadliners owe their parents a big hug at the end of the day. Other levels available include grasshopper (ground poles only), baby starter (18” fences with a mix of logs and poles on cross country), starter, and beginner novice.
Attend the Flying Cross Farm July Mini Trial on July 1st and 2nd. Registration is currently open and closes on June 23rd.
Juniper Hill Stables Mini-Event Derby and Dressage Show: $30 – $75, Montana
The middle of the country doesn’t have a ton of opportunities to attend horse trials, so when I saw the Juniper Hill Stables Mini-Event Derby, I knew I had to include it in this list. Similar to the Flying Cross Farm Horse Trial, this event has two competitions going on in one weekend. Dressage-only riders can come ride three tests of their choice in the afternoons, while eventers will attend in the morning.
This show is particularly affordable for young riders, as formal attire is not required. The only stipulations are that helmets are required for all three phases and a protective vest must be worn on the cross country course. You’re in luck, you won’t have to invest in an expensive show coat just yet.
Available levels range from Intro to Modified for eventers, while dressage riders have the option to ride any USDF test of their choice. The event takes place on July 1st and registration is currently open. Doors close on June 26th.
Chagrin Valley Farms July Mini Trial: $25 – $85, Ohio
The Chagrin Valley Farms July Mini Trial lets you pick a phase to work on or go all-in and tackle all three phases in one day. You can sign up to compete in just the dressage phase, take on a combined training test, or event. Either way, there are plenty of schooling options available for both the show jumping and cross country phase on Friday from 12 to 6pm or on Saturday after the end of the competition.
Combined training and dressage-only riders have the option to sign up for Intro through Preliminary levels, while eventers can compete in Intro through Novice, including a Very Green class. The event takes place on July 22nd and 23rd. Keep in mind when you sign up that Intro, Very Green, and Starter Divisions run on Saturday, while Beginner Novice, Novice, Training CT, and Preliminary CT run on Sunday.
The event is currently open for entries; the last day to sign up without a late fee is July 11th.
Bonus Learning Opportunity for the West Coast: Boyd Martin XC Clinic, $350 – $700, California
Alright California, I have a very cool, but definitely not as affordable, opportunity for you. Boyd Martin is teaching a cross country clinic at RamTap in Fresno, California. Presented by Sunfire Equestrian, this clinic is open to ALL levels. Everyone is welcome, from Intro through Advanced.
The cost of the clinic includes lesson and facility fees. Stabling your horse at the venue is an additional $35 per night. If you’re looking for a more affordable way to learn from Boyd Martin, consider auditing! You can audit one or both days of the clinic starting at $50. The clinic is on June 26th and 27th, but there’s still time to sign up. Doors close on June 24th!
