Alison Springer and Arthur on their way to winning the CIC3* at Red Hills in 2011
There is no doubt that I have a soft spot for the Red Hills Horse Trials. Having been part of the team two years running I can see the passion and dedication of every single member of the team that help to make it special.
That said, the whole sport of Eventing is based on highly dedicated and often, just a little mad, volunteers who put their personal lives on hold to bring us the best possible event that they can. I know in my heart that Red Hills is very different to every other event I have been involved in and I think I have figured it out.
Red Hills has an enormous level of community support that helps to drive the event. From the County Sheriffs Office, the Fire Department, the City itself in particular the Parks department, the list is endless and I will stop here for fear of missing someone and offending. What I do know is that this direct involvement from so many people, businesses and Government Departments from outside the equine community is what helps to make Red Hills special.
Following an event in 2008 that would leave many committees on their knees and the GFC in 2009, the Red Hills community picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and brought a spectacular event in 2010. I know how good it was, I was lucky enough to be there.
In 2011, they shook off all remains of the hoodoo that had dogged them since 2008, the course rode well, more riders were part of the event and the weather was nothing short of spectacular. A spring day in Tallahassee is something to behold.
Only one thing let Red Hills down in 2011, rider attendance. Whilst the field was bigger and better than 2010, there were NOT enough riders to make the event viable. Thankfully, by grace of the amazing weather, the gate takings covered the void. But as the Board of Red Hills contemplate 2012, they need to shore up their financial base to cover themselves against a not so brilliant weather weekend.
Pretty sure this is Isabella II with Phillip, of course, what a beautifully careful jumper
I spoke with Red Hills Organizer Jane Barron to understand exactly where they stand on the future of the event. In the last two years they have lost several significant supporters, including the late Kate Ireland, who succumbed to cancer this spring.
So where does that leave the event? As Jane indicated “We must have commitments of $100,000 in NEW money by October 1st, or we will not run”. That’s it Team EN, we need to help Red Hills find new sponsors or donors to cover a $100 grand shortfall in the budget to ensure that this signature event in the South continues to run. Once we find the $100 grand (and I have NO doubt we will), then the Riders, yes that is you, need to enter and come along.
Admittedly, Red Hills runs only Prelim to Advanced plus One Star to Three Star, so how can lower level riders get involved? What about getting a group of friends together and book a weekend away to go and spectate at Red Hills. (Don’t forget we need to help find the $$$ first). No event can survive without the support of the eventing community and now Red Hills needs our.
How can you help?
Become a Red Hills member! Click here, I have already.
Make a donation online here.
Or pledge a sponsorship by talking to the Red Hills team about your business or yourself becoming a sponsor, by calling 1-850-997-8484 or emailing [email protected].
It is up to us as the Eventing community to re-affirm our support for this important and signature event.
Yours in Eventing,
ESJ
