June 4 and 5th brought many Area I riders up to beautiful Woodstock, Vermont, for the Green Mountain Horse Association (GMHA) June Horse Trials. This event is an absolute favorite with us because of the beautiful scenery and lovely cross-country course.
The weekend started out beautifully with sunny and warm temperatures on Saturday for dressage and show jumping. Many riders reached extreme Dressage Queen status with a very generous judge handing out lots of scores in the teens and twenties.
The lowest score of the weekend was an 11.5, which was awarded to the winner of the Novice Rider B division, Julia Marrinan on Gunni. While we enjoyed the sun and walked our courses, we all tried to deny the weather reports that called for rain all day on Sunday. How could it possibly rain when it’s so nice out?
As feared, we woke up Sunday to rain. No question about it — everyone was going to get wet on cross country. The Training folks went first and had the benefit of mostly intact footing. Our winners were Anna Loschiavo and Fernhill Swatch (OT), Denise Goyea and Revelation (TH), Zea Palthey and Sunny Idea (JT), Katherine Lambert and My Combination (TR-A), and myself aboard Almost Famous (TR-B).
Next the Preliminary riders headed out. A lot of folks slowed things down to ensure a safe and fun trip so time faults became a huge factor in the final placings. Our winners were Rachael Gill and Castiel (OP) and Corinne Ashton and Call Calvin (PR).
The Novice winners were Shannon Baker and Carlingford Wells (NH), Zea Palthey and My Friend Flicka (JN), Pamela Bolek and Well Decorated (NR-A), Julia Marrinan and Gunni (NR-B), and Kylie Lyman and Glennwood Mer Calido (ON).
Finally, our Beginner Novice riders got to go at the end of the day. After sitting around in the rain for hours they happily trotted over to the startbox ready to go. Winners were Hallie Coon and Captain Chacco (BN-H), Hanna Slater and Kynynmont Black Tuxedo (BN-Jr), Beth Bristol and Skip (BNR), and Laurian Pope and Daily News brought home the blue in the OBN division.
Saturday night we were treated to an Adult Rider Wine and Cheese party hosted by Area I Adult Rider Coordinator, Suzanne Adams. Suzanne is doing a wonderful job this year with the Area I Adult Rider Program.
GMHA was the first Adult Rider Team Challenge of 2016, with over 25 teams competing. The winning team was comprised of Sue Berrill, Lila Gendal, Denise Goyea, and Daryl Kinney. They won beautiful embroidered coolers for their prized mounts, and the 2nd and 3rd place teams took home prizes as well.
Additionally, Area I Adult Riders are competing in a season long Virtual Team Challenge. Teams of six were assembled randomly at the beginning of the season and members earn points for their teams by competing and volunteering at events. It’s really turning out to be a fun competition that lets you meet some fellow area riders and is getting lots of people to volunteer at events! Much applause for the work Suzanne is doing.
Many thanks to Joan Davis of Flatlandsfoto for these lovely images.
Go Eventing.