Aspen Farms Advanced Cross Country Course Preview

Fence 6AB. Photo by Chesna Klimek.

The final qualifying division for the Adequan Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series kicks off this weekend at Aspen Farms Horse Trials in Yelm, Washington. Once again Tin Men Supply stepped forward to sponsor the Advanced division — the only of its kind in Washington state. The winner will take home $2,000 from Tin Men Supply and a host of other prizes.

Tremaine Cooper designed this year’s Advanced cross country track with 23 numbered questions over 3,800 meters with an optimum time of 6:40. Tremaine took advantage of Aspen Farms’ natural terrain to create unique questions over the turf. Spectators will surely enjoy watching the competitors jump through the Kerrits’ mound keyhole and several one-of-a-kind A/B combinations.

The show crew has taken extra care to prepare the footing this year. After an entire summer of record-breaking hot and dry weather conditions, many celebrated the arrival of recent rainstorms. The course has been aerated and topsoil and sand added in certain places to ensure ideal conditions for Saturday’s cross country competition.

Only four competitors will take on the Advanced division this year. Mary Burke will be looking to pilot her OTTB gelding, Prince William, to a successful finish in his first attempt at Advanced. They are fresh off their win in the Intermediate USEA Area VII Championship division at Caber Farm Horse Trials.

Karen O’Neal is no stranger to Aspen Farms’ Advanced track. This year she’s riding Barbara Flynn’s warmblood mare, Hollywood Diva, in the mare’s first Advanced. Hollywood Diva has had success at Intermediate this summer with both Karen and her daughter, Patience O’Neal.

Allison Sparks and Mystic Mojo join the field with confidence after a successful completion of their first CIC3* at Rebecca Farm in July. Rounding out the field will be Washington-based rider, Marc Grandia, aboard Team Rebecca LLC’s experienced gelding, Fernhill Eagle.

Over 300 competitors will vie for more than $24,000 in cash and prizes at Aspen Farms Horse Trials. The most competitive division is shaping up to be the Cornerstone Forest Products Intermediate, which offers $1,500 for the winner. The class attracted 20 starters, including many pairs experienced at the level.

Follow full show coverage on Aspen Farms Horse Trials’ Facebook page, and click here for ride times and results. Advanced dressage starts at 10:30 a.m. PST today. Keep scrolling to view a full photo gallery of Tremaine’s Advanced cross country course. Go Aspen Farms. Go Eventing!

Aspen Farms: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Facebook