Photo via the Catalpa Corner Facebook page.
We are saddened to hear that Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials will no longer be hosting USEA recognized horse trials. The Area IV event, founded in 2007 in Iowa City, Iowa, offered Starter through Prelim divisions and had two events planned for 2020: its May Madness H.T. on May 2 and its Charity H.T. on Aug. 1-2.
You can read a wonderful profile of the event via the USEA’s “Events A-Z” series here.
From a post on Catalpa Corner’s Facebook page on Wednesday:
“With a heavy heart but clear conscious, please note that CCCHT has withdrawn from USEA recognized competition in Area IV. We are an aging population of labor, and it has become too physically strenuous with accidents/trauma waiting to happen.
“Honestly, this past weekend as I was planning the jumps for the cross country course, having moved approx 75 plus obstacles, I had a near fatal accident with the Bobcat trying to elevate and move a 12 foot oak log. No matter how many wonderful CCCHT volunteers that come and go, I am usually alone working on the farm with heavy equipment, and despite common sense and a healthy paranoia, situations just got out of hand.
“My family has was wanted us to pull back our commitments and obligations, and the time has come. I am confident Area IV will continue to thrive with new venues emerging and expanding events in the future. Catalpa Corner will continue to be open for schooling. We at CCCHT wish you all the best and thank you for the wonderful memories.”
EN salutes the dedicated group of people who have worked tirelessly to put on this event for so many years. For more information about Catalpa Corner, visit the website here. Go Eventing.
