With the USEF’s current moratorium on spectators extending through June of this year, a great way to get out and see some of your favorite local riders in action and help out the hard-working event organizers is to volunteer. Volunteers continue to be essential to the running of every event, and there are still plenty of opportunities available to help out this weekend.
We’ve compiled some resources on volunteering with COVID-19 regulations in mind. We’ll reference this list each week in Volunteer Nation, so take a few moments to familiarize yourself with what’s new and different.
As always, you can earn merit points when you donate your time through the USEA’s Volunteer Incentive Program. Registering to volunteer through EventingVolunteers.com makes it easy and seamless to both find a job and shift as well as learn what your role will entail.
Event: Fresno County Horse Park February H.T.
Dates: Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14
Address: 7430 North Weber AVe, Fresno, CA, 93722
Positions Available: Dressage Steward, Temperature/Waiver Checker, XC Crossing Guard, XC Jump Judge
Event: Ocala Winter I H.T.
Dates: Thursday, February 11 through Monday, February 15
Address: 11008 S Highway 475, Ocala, FL, 34480
Positions Available: XC Decorator, XC Finish Timer, XC Jump Judge, XC Warm-up, Dressage Check-In, Dressage Score Runner, XC Score Runner, SJ Scribe
Event: Pine Hill GHCTA Schooling H.T.
Dates: Saturday, February 13 through Sunday, February 14
Address: 1720 Hwy 159 East, Bellville, TX, 77418
Positions Available: Event Prep – General, Greeter, XC Jump Judge, XC On-Course Timer, XC Warm-up, Event Takedown – XC, Secretary
Event: Pine Top Intermediate H.T.
Dates: Thursday, February 11 through Sunday, February 14
Address: 1432 Augusta Hwy, Thomson, GA, 30824
Positions Available: XC Jump Judge, Dressage Bit Check, Dressage Steward, SJ Jump Crew
As the calendar ticks closer to the postponed 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan (currently scheduled for July 23 – August 8, 2021), Olympic officials have released Playbooks outlining Covid protocol for Athletes, International Federations, Press, and Broadcasters. It remains the intent of the Olympic organizing committee to proceed with the Games despite a surge in cases in Tokyo and a decline in public approval of the Games. Organizers have also stated that a vaccine will not be required of athletes; vaccine distribution in Japan is scheduled to begin this month.
Though it remains uncertain whether or not spectators will be allowed at the Games this summer, the protocol outlined in the Playbooks addresses the other stakeholders that will be participating.
An excerpt from the Athletes Playbook.
“We are #StrongerTogether. The values we share – Excellence, Friendship and Respect – will lead us to a safe and successful Games,” the Playbook states. “We firmly believe that if every single one of us commits to following the Playbook, we will come together in the summer for an extraordinary Games that will stand out in memory for all the right reasons. Our gathering is a symbol of hope for humanity. Our gathering requires the best within us.”
Excerpt from the Athletes Playbook.
Participants will make use of Japan’s COCOA and health reporting smartphone apps for contact tracing and exposure notifications. A negative COVID-19 test must also be provided, along with additional testing upon arrival and throughout the Games, prior to entry into the country.
In addition to these parameters, participants are also cautioned to use normal social distancing and hygiene throughout their travels. All who will be in attendance are also encouraged not to chant or sing as encouragement, but rather to clap only.
“You are responsible for proactively monitoring and reporting your personal health every day via the health reporting app,” the Playbook says. “Testing will be a crucial part of minimizing transmission: used for general screening and for those identified as a close contact of a positive case; as well as used for diagnosis for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.”
All official Playbooks for Tokyo can be found here.
We will continue to monitor the status of the Olympics and are also working on providing an update on the Eventing High Performance program and its preparation for the Games.
Amy Tryon and Poggio II. Photo courtesy of Lauren Ferguson.
Athens 2004 Olympics was the first time I vividly remember watching the entirety of the Eventing portion with rapt attention, and following all of the US riders from start to finish. I was a teenager running around Training level, and I didn’t know any of them personally, so they were superstars in my mind. I particularly remember watching Poggio in the jumping phases, because his style of going over the fences was heart stopping. Not only was he unbelievably catty and quick, but he was pretty wild at times. I didn’t have a clue what it took to get to that level, but watching him go on cross country made me think one day I’d like to do that, and run that fast and jump that high. Thanks Poggio, for inspiring many young girls across the world with your unique style.
Nothing we love more here at EN than snooping around famous riders’ farms! Ever wondered what Piggy March’s yard looks like from the inside? Wonder no more, my friends. Piggy is based in Northamptonshire, on a farm that was specifically built to meet all the needs of an Eventer, plus a view from the arena that’ll knock your socks off. Can I move in too? [Arena with a View: Piggy March’s Yard]
We’ve all known a grumpy horse or two, and chances are that it’s just brushed off as “that’s just him”. But new studies into equine behavioral science show that a horse that’s grumpy in the barn is likely not having a good time under saddle either. This study has shown that there’s a relationship between poor welfare in a stall and the expression of behaviors, postures, and even a particular way of moving when the horses are being ridden. [A Grumpy Horse]
Throwback Thursday to the 2010 YEH Championships, and the successful horses that came from there. With the east coast championships at Fair Hill and the west coast championships at Twin Rivers that year, the two championships saw 26 starters. Twelve of those horses fulfilled the program’s mission and went on to be successful at the upper levels of eventing. [YEH Yearbook: 2010]
Science confirms what we all knew to be true: pelvic mobility and control dictate riding efficacy. In general, the rider’s pelvis pitches in the opposite direction and rolls in the same direction as the rotation of the saddle. Riders need core stability to follow and guide the horse’s movements and avoid giving unintended or conflicting signals. In this study, they assessed performance in the saddle by measuring quality and harmony of a dressage test, as well as measuring the horse’s heart rate and salivary levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Riders were also studied on their ability to roll their pelvis on a giant rubber ball. [Importance of Pelvic Mobility]
As I write this, we’ve just received news that the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event will go forward after a massive outpour of donations over the last few days. While the process has been divisive in many ways – there are plenty of wholly valid questions circulating about whose responsibility the initial cancellation fell under, how the figure named will be used, and the apparent lack of financial support levied by USEF – one sentiment is universal: we all love our pioneering American five-star, and we all want to see it go from strength to strength.
It feels redundant to type the words ‘eventing is at a crossroads’ yet again, because it feels like I – and my colleagues and friends throughout the wider world of equestrian media – have done so innumerable times before. The past week has made it apparent that our industry needs increased transparency and more robust support systems to keep it afloat, and in the wake of Kentucky 2021, whatever may happen, these open discussions should be nurtured and taken into account. But in the meantime, in the midst of this whirlwind, I want to take a minute to reminisce about how special Kentucky has been, and to daydream about the extraordinary stories that will flourish in its grounds for many years to come.
Go Eventing.
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An unprecedented outpouring of public support and a grassroots fundraising effort have led to a reversal of the announced cancellation of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI Five Star presented by MARS Equestrian™ (LRK3DE). A new partnership between Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the world-class event, and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation combined with the support of US Equestrian and longstanding sponsors Land Rover, Mars Equestrian, and Rolex will ensure that the CCI5*-L three-day event will be held, without spectators, alongside a new CCI4*-S, April 22-25 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.
“The uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic placed us in the financially impossible position of having to run the Five Star event without spectators, a situation that left us no choice but to cancel the Five Star for 2021 in order to preserve it for many years to come,” said Mike Cooper, president of EEI. “We are humbled and honored by the response of the eventing community as they’ve stepped up in a mind-blowing way enabling us to go forward.”
A fundraising campaign was started by athletes and fueled by the grassroots effort of the broader eventing community, generating more than $550,000 in donations to run the event. “While that still leaves us short of the amount needed, it is enough to convince us that the balance can be raised,” added Cooper. “We are now, with the assistance of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, committed to going forward with the Five Star.”
In the new partnership, EEI and the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, both 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organizations, bring strong and distinct skill sets – the Foundation in fundraising and EEI in event management. Using their respective expertise and resources, the Foundation will take the lead in soliciting donations to supplement the grassroots effort, and EEI will focus its attention on running the nation’s premier equestrian event in an environment that is safe for all during the current world-wide pandemic.
“The Kentucky Three-Day Event is the foremost event held at the Kentucky Horse Park and the lifeblood of the eventing world,” said Clay Green, Chairman of the Board of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. “The Horse Park was established for the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships which gave birth to the annual Kentucky Three-Day Event whose success is responsible for the Park’s position of prominence and so much that has happened at the Park, including the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Seeing the number of people pleading for the event to happen this year made it very clear that we must do all we can to ensure that it does.”
“Seeing the athletes, community, our sponsors, and these two organizations, the KHP Foundation and EEI, come together in a united way to allow the CCI5*-L and CCI4*-S to go forward despite the challenges presented by the pandemic is nothing short of remarkable. This will allow our athletes and horses aiming for Tokyo this summer the best opportunity to qualify and prepare, while ensuring the safest possible environment for participants seeking to complete a CCI5*-L or CCI4*-S,” shared Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian. “We extend a huge thank you to all involved, especially to our sponsors, for their flexibility and continued commitment to this event.”
“We are thrilled to return as the title sponsor for the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event CCI5*-L, CCI4*-S and support the event broadcasts on NBC, NBC Sports Network, and USEF Network so everyone can watch this historic event from the comfort of their homes. We applaud the efforts of the equestrian community who have gone above and beyond to raise funds to support this event and ensure another great year of world-class eventing can take place at the highest level at the Kentucky Horse Park,” said Michael Curmi, Director Brand Experience, Jaguar Land Rover USA.
“We applaud the efforts of so many organizers, fans, competitors, and sponsors, supported by MARS Equestrian, which will allow the CCI5*-L competition to continue forward in 2021. This event is an equestrian treasure we are proud to sponsor as we all look for safe ways to hold top level competition,” stated Geoffrey Galant, VP Mars Equestrian.
Spectators are not allowed at this time, but USEF will continue to monitor the effects of the pandemic to determine if a limited number of spectators can be permitted at some point closer to the event with priority given to 2020 rolled over ticket holders. Those who paid for the 2020 event and chose to roll their money over for 2021 will have the option of full refunds or rolling their money over again for 2022. “Ticket holders can expect an email regarding their options, one of which will be to join this incredible grassroots movement on behalf of the sport of eventing,” said Cooper. “Those who wish to do so can donate some or all of the money they’ve paid. We applaud and thank everyone who has contributed so far; without you there would be no Five Star this year and all of you have our utmost gratitude and appreciation!”
Those wishing to be part of the growing movement to save the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Five Star can do so through the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation website.
We are saddened to report that Poggio II, the longtime partner of the late and great Amy Tryon, has passed away at the age of 29. Amy Tryon’s husband, Greg Tryon, posted the following tribute on his social media:
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
On February 9th at 21:30 Amy got an early birthday present, her beloved Poggio. …
On February 9th at 21:30 Amy got an early birthday present, her beloved Poggio.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more.
I met him for the first time nearly a quarter of a century ago. “See my new horse!” Calling the orange and grey, half clipped, long-haired caterpillar a horse was in my eyes a bit optimistic. Knowing what her intentions for the horse once known as Chester’s Time to Fly in the racing world were, calling him a horse was way out of the box thinking, even for Amy. You thought he was a bit unorthodox later in life, wow, you should have seen him that first day.
Poggio II, yes, there was a Poggio in the world prior. Whether he was called Poggio, Pogi, or just plain P, he left an indelible mark in your heart. There were no bad days with P, he was eager each and every day, and he usually let you know about it from the get-go.
He did not like to be last, oh how the other riders didn’t enjoy going on gallops with the effervescent P bounding by their horses’ side as they prepared for some event around the world. P thought it was a game, “please, can we go again?!?”.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
Oh, the places Poggio showed us. Traveling across the US and Canada. From the west coast to small towns in Pennsylvania and the rest of the Eastern seaboard. A passport that would take us on journeys through England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Greece, Germany and China. All to return home to small towns in Washington State to live a life with his miniature donkeys.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
He astonished people left and right. That’s the horse that jumped double clear? He’s so, so, so… downhill? He’s so short. He doesn’t have a trot, or other gaits for that matter. You’re riding him in a hackamore?!? Please have him stand still… Please make him stop cribbing, he’s teaching my horse bad behavior…
I prefer to remember the time an international show jumper walked up and offered a “blank check” for him in those early days. During Pogi’s first trip to Ocala, the rider apparently sat and watched P jump into and out of his paddock all day long, just for the sheer joy of jumping.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
But as I hear from people around the world, some known, and most unknown, the power of Poggio was his ability to bring people together, for his personality reminded all of the beauty of horses, our “Why”. Horses are expensive, we get hurt, they get hurt, they break our hearts, but I can see why some child gets lost in the world of the horse from a very early age.
When I received the call on Friday, “hey, Pogi isn’t feeling so hot, all should be good, just wanted to let you know…” It caused me to mindful of the old man’s age. It caused me also to think how lucky I have been to know him, and to meet all the amazing people he has introduced me to. From every starred event, to Pan Am’s, to World Games, to Olympics, to neighbors back yards, Poggio was a statesman operating far above his station in life.
The phone call yesterday came with much emotion on the other end. A decision needs to be made, or nature will make it for us. There are the details, the what ifs, but in your heart you know the first responsibility is to be as faithful and loyal a friend has he. I assure you as I sit here typing, I am unable to stop the tears that stream down my cheeks.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
Sitting in his stall that last evening, surrounded by some of those who have loved and taken care of him over the years, was both tough and peaceful. There were tears, and there was laughter. I promised him his forelock would never have to be braided again, no dreaded dressage as the courses would only be x-country and show jumps. I noted of course, he could jump them in whatever particular order he chose, as he was wont to do anyways. Most importantly, Mom would be waiting for him with open arms and an endless supply of Mrs. Pasture’s cookies.
The Old Man’s heart beats no more
I have left out so many of his accomplishments, and I have deliberately left out the names of so, so many people that have cared for and loved Poggio. He has become the linking point amongst a great many of us. He is neither the end all or be all… and as one person wrote: “Another chapter of life closes, but he leaves behind for us so many memories and connections he made happen”. Let us celebrate that about Poggio the Second.
Last night, I kissed his ear one final time whispering my thank you’s and telling him what a good boy he was.
The Old Man’s Heart Beats FOREVER More!
Indeed, the Thoroughbred gelding’s resume is full of accomplishments. He and Amy competed in two FEI World Equestrian Games and two Olympic Games; they collected team bronze and finished sixth individually in the 2004 Olympics and won individual bronze in the 2006 World Equestrian Games. The pair also finished third at Kentucky in 2002, 10th in 2005, and in the top 20 at Burghley in 2003.
But it wasn’t just the accolades and medals won that made Poggio II so great. It was his pure joy for life and for his job, made evident by his quick thinking and his incredible jumping style. He possessed a true love and a keen understanding of his job, and the results and partnership he had with Amy are proof of that. Poggio was also named Best Conditioned Horse at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in 2002. He was also named the 2006 Eventing Horse of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse.
Amy found Poggio II in the classifieds section in The Seattle Times and would go on to produce one of the greatest and most consistent talents that modern American eventing has seen. Please join us in sending our condolences to Greg and everyone who loved Poggio. We’re picturing Amy and Poggio reunited, galloping cross country together once again.
Welcome to EN’s latest educational series, “Teaching Truths”, in which we tap up-and-coming and established professionals for their core training philosophies. Having a strong foundation and a good system is key for our next trainer, Kaylawna Smith Cook. Kaylawna started K. Smith Equestrian to compete professionally, train and sell horses, and help students gain confidence and belief in themselves.
Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Passepartout at Rebecca Farm. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photogrpahy.
Kaylawna Smith-Cook has had a busy past few years. She launched her own business training, selling horses, and coaching – advancing her own riding career at the same time – while also managing to get married and give birth her first baby. This girl is, in one word, resilient.
Kaylawna’s riding resume is impressive: she has competed in Young Rider Championships for both eventing and spent some time focusing purely on dressage while working for Grand Prix rider Niki Clarke, competing up through the Prix St. Georges level. Eventually, she made her return to eventing to further her career as a professional. She has since moved up the ranks to the Advanced level with Passepartout, a 12-year-old German Sporthorse owned in partnership with Mark and Gretchen Cook.
Working alongside her mother, Tamie Smith, Kaylawna says she’s appreciated having so much expertise in her corner while she is in the process of building her own business. But Kaylawna is also intent on setting her own identity, establishing her own core training philosophy that’s a blend of all the mentors she’s learned from throughout her life.
We gathered Kaylawna’s thoughts as a new mother, a budding professional, and a newly minted Advanced rider:
Kaylawna Smith-Cook and and Tamie Smith. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
On setting up her own business after learning from Tamie through the years:
“Having her and utilizing her has helped me tremendously. I’ll always look to her for advice when making decisions, and it really helps that she is here with me and can be that second opinion or give me the confidence that I’m doing right by my horses and my clients.
I also know I’ve worked really hard – she has made me accountable and responsible and hasn’t just thrown everything at me. You only get a reputation and a first impression once, so building that, for me, has been super important. So I feel lucky to have her guiding me because she’s done all of this before.”
On her core training and teaching philosophy:
“Be confident in your system. I’m a big believer in having a routine at home and at shows. Your horse can come out different everyday, but having a solid routine helps you gain consistency. Horses are partners, so if you have that foundation in your system, you can be more confident.
I work with a lot of adult amateurs, and confidence is very important for me as a coach. I want all of my students and amateurs to be very confident, especially going to a show. I’m a bit of a go-getter – I’m likely to tell my students to go ahead and rip the Band-Aid off and believe in their preparation at home and their system.”
On the most impactful riding advice she’s received:
“We recently started working with (new Eventing High Performance dressage coach) Johann Hinnemann, who has been a tremendous help. He made a quote and it has stuck with me: ‘A supple horse is not necessarily submissive, but a submissive horse is for sure supple.’ I thought this was really important to remember in achieving connection through partnership and having the horse on the same page.”
Kaylawna Smith Cook & Passepartout. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
On setting goals as a young professional:
“I learned over time that competing and producing horses is something I love to do. When I was first starting my business, I wasn’t quite sure if I wanted to be an upper-level rider and have my goal to represent the U.S.. But as I started competing more and gained support from owners (Kaylawna’s in-laws, Mark and Gretchen Cook, as well as Dr. Marcella Ashton have been wonderful supporters as owners and business partners. She also has had support from The MB Group LLC, who own the horse on which she did her first Advanced, MB Maiblume.), I really got a taste of it. We’ve also brought a horse over from Germany to sell, so we may incorporate that into the business as well.
Basically, I went from wanting to be at home and have a riding school to being a mom and wanting to travel around the world! I really do enjoy the eventing. When I was working in the dressage world for Niki Clarke, I missed the eventing and the eventing community. I had grown up around them and was really familiar. Now I can get the best of both worlds and continue to work with the adult amateurs in my program.”
On coming back to riding as a new mother:
“I worried that I wouldn’t be up to speed anymore, but I know I am confident in my horses and my partnership with them, so my first show back felt great. I wasn’t sure if I’d feel scared or nervous or different in any way, but as soon as I was able I was back out on a horse. It’s also important to know that you can make mistakes and not be perfect – having the right team, program, and coaching makes a huge difference.”
Donations have now reached $543,959 with one day left to raise enough funds to keep the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event in operation this April. Organizing body Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI) began adding substantial private donations to the running total yesterday, and supported by nearly $200,000 of grassroots donations the total collected inches closer and closer toward the goal. Tax-deductible donations can be made through 6 p.m. EST today by visiting the kentuckythreedayevent.com/donate. To read more about the circumstances surrounding this unique situation, click here and here.
7:30 AM on Wednesday, February 10: Save 2021 Fundraising Update. We're on the final stretch! Let's bring this home💥
https://kentuckythreedayevent.com/donate/
We’ve also seen riders and eventing stakeholders sharing their favorite memories of the event formerly known as Rolex Kentucky on social media, and sprinkled among those are additional offers to incentivize donations. Canada’s Kyle Carter, who headed up the 2017 Horses for Harvey fundraising drive, has offered up a day of cross country lessons at Barnstaple South (generously donated by owner Derek Strine) on February 23 for those who make donations ahead of this evening’s deadline.
My first Rolex in 1993 with Rumors.
As this is all a bit late to raise the money needed I will do a xc coaching day for…
Here are some other favorite Kentucky memories collected from the eventing masses. While there are still many questions surrounding this year’s event and the future of the Kentucky Three-Day, the outpouring of support from the community has been quite strong despite these unknowns. Let’s make one final push to Save Kentucky 2021!
Sisters Horsing Around, the dynamic content creators also known as Emily and Sarah Harris, have been doing an excellent job this month featuring trailblazing Black equestrians in honor of Black History Month. “Our parents always taught us to appreciate and love who we were as Black people, to remember the struggles and celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our people, and to honor their legacy,” they wrote on Instagram. Be sure to give Sisters Horsing Around a follow to learn more about the history of Black equestrianism!
The fundraising effort to save the 2021 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Eventhas reached over $500,000, with private donations now being worked into the running total. The fundraising deadline to reach the initial goal of $750,000 has been extended to Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. EST. Click here to make your tax-deductible donation.
If you pre-ordered a copy of Kareem Rosser’s memoir, Crossing the Line, you’re in for a real treat! Kareem will be doing a virtual Author Talk free on Zoom in partnership with the National Sporting Library & Museum in Middleburg, Va. The talk will be held on Thursday, February 25 at 6 p.m. EST. Click here to sign up.
We’re seeing a heavier level of investment into the athletic programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and the polo team at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga. has just reached a huge milestone with an official invitation from the U.S. Polo Association to be involved in competition. “First and foremost, [the team’s existence is] historic,” team cofounder Miguel Wilson said. “I think we as a people aren’t used to seeing ourselves playing this game. For a black institution to be involved with polo, it’s sure to inspire a whole lot more people.”
Only a few more days before our nifty Patreon promo ends! Sign up as an EN supporter on Patreon by Sunday, February 14 and we’ll send you an EN Tumbler or wine mug! We’re up to 50 Patrons and growing fast – you’ll get access to the party private Facebook group full of community and cool ideas as soon as you join. Click here to sign up!
The USEA has released the competition calendar for its New Event Horse program. These classes are open to horses four years and older and are a way for inexperienced riders to gain more mileage. Check out the calendar and make your plans here.
So, are the Olympics really going to happen? The short answer is: no one knows (still). But the organizing committee did release detailed official Playbooks outlining the procedures that will be in place to keep the Games Covid-free. ESPN breaks down the latest information here.
In other Olympic news, Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori is in hot water after recently making a questionable comment about women. The International Olympic Committee promptly released a statement affirming their commitment to gender equality in the Games.
Can you have competitive success with kissing spines? Advanced eventer Meg Kepferle has had success managing kissing spines with her partner, Anakin. Learn more in this informative piece from Practical Horseman.
Want to explore the concept of becoming a sponsored rider?For budding and established professionals alike, the skill of marketing is one that must be honed in order to secure sponsors and supporters. The West Equestrian gathered some advice on becoming a sponsored rider in this recent article.
Wednesday Video Break:
Want to work on your lower body strength? Improve your strength and stability in the saddle with this quick video from British Eventing and Nicola Stuart:
Now here’s a cool look into the world of a very close cousin to our sport: combined driving. You may recognize the name Chester Weber – he’s one of the most accomplished combined driving competitors in the world. He was also member of the gold-medal winning combined driving team at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon.
We get a glimpse at some of the at home training young horses in Chester’s program go through. Note the berm in the arena that serves as terrain for the young horses to get accustomed to variance and strengthen their toplines in the process. There’s also a driving obstacle situated in the arena for additional practice, and even a single horse and cart practicing their lines. There’s a lot to take in for these young horses, which I can imagine only serves them better when it comes time to shoulder the harness and pull for the team.
I thoroughly enjoyed this peek at the combined driving training. How similar it is to our own work at home – though you might need a neck strap to navigate your event horse around this particular arena!
