As opening dates approach for summer events, consider this: The organizers of the 23rd Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials have added beginner novice divisions to this year’s repertoire, spanning the levels through CIC* and CIC**.
The destination event takes place on 100 beautiful acres in Victor, New York, July 12-15, and while mid-summer footing has traditionally been a concern, Stuart recently received a donation of 244 tons of sand. All courses will also be agri-sliced. It’s fair to say Stuart’s footing game has been seriously upped.
Stuart’s 244-ton sand donation, photo courtesy Amy Blum
Special prizes will be awarded to top-placing Irish Draughts (click here for info) and OTTBs (click here), and riders in the Training Junior and Training Rider divisions will be automatically entered in the Charles Owen Technical Merit competition, receiving score sheets with written cross-country technique commentary. Technical Merit winners will be awarded a Charles Owen Body Protector and helmet bag.
Stuart’s Doggie High Tea 2011, photo by Jerry James
Attendance is free for spectators, parking is $10 per car per day or $25 for the weekend, and Kids’ Day on Sunday will feature face painting, an obstacle course and pony rides.
If that’s not enough, Stuart’s convenient to the scenic Finger Lakes area (hiking, wineries, golf), and if lakes aren’t your thing, there’s also a potentially haunted museum nearby.
The opening date of the 23rd Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials, presented by SmartPak, is May 29.
For more information, visit www.stuarthorsetrials.org.
Colleen Rutledge and Shiraz, CIC** helmet cam 2011:
