Photo via the Dunnabeck H.T. Facebook page.
We are very sorry to share the news that two USEA horse trials, Dunnabeck Horse Trials and Five Points Horse Trials, have cancelled horse trial divisions at their upcoming events due to lack of entries.
On Tuesday Dunnabeck H.T. in Carbondale, Illinois, announced that its Sept. 7-8 horse trials would not run due to lack of entries. From the event’s website:
“We want to thank everyone for their support over the years. Dunnabeck is exploring new dates and new opportunities. We will be issuing FULL refunds to everyone who has submitted payment via check or Xentry this year.”
As an alternative the event announced that it would be hosting a mini trial and combined test on Saturday, Sept. 14. Divisions include Poles (6″), Green as Grass (18″), “Intro” Starter (2′), Starter (2′-2’3″), Beginner Novice (2’3″-2’7″), Novice (2’6″-2″11″) and Training (3’3″). Closing date is Sept. 9. View more information and access the entry form here, and keep an eye on Dunnabeck’s Facebook page for future announcements.
Yesterday Five Points H.T., held at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, North Carolina, announced the cancellation of the horse trial divisions for its Sept. 7-8 event. From the Carolina Horse Park Facebook page:
“Due to a severe drop in entries, the Five Points Horse Trials organizing committee has made the difficult decision to cancel the horse trial (A,I,P,M) classes of this competition. Full refunds will be made to current entries within the horse trial divisions.
“All Combined Tests, YEH and FEH divisions will run as scheduled on Saturday, Sept. 7 and Sunday, Sept. 8, respectively. In addition, we are now offering a Derby Cross competition (I,P,M,T,N, BN) on Sunday, Sept. 8. The Derby Cross ($75 entry fee) will feature outstanding course design and décor with a mix of show jumps and cross country fences including combinations, water complexes, banks, ditches, grob and mounds all within the Montrose Pool Field.
“Please understand the Five Points Organizing Committee deeply regrets having to make this late decision, yet we are committed to offering a streamlined group of classes that will allow horses and riders to compete and experience an outstanding day of sport.
“It is best to contact Sarah Thomas by email at: [email protected] to discuss refunds as well as Combined Test, YH and Derby Cross entries.”
Photo courtesy of Stone Gate Farm.
These events aren’t the only horse trials that are struggling. Jackie Smith of Stone Gate Farm H.T, to be held Sept. 14-15 in Hanoverton, Ohio, reached out to EN for help draw attention to how fragile many of favorite events are — Stone Gate Farm included.
“Our fall horse trials has been struggling for entries the last few years, but compared to our spring event which was the biggest one ever, this is a little disconcerting,” she says.
Whether the reason has to do with back-to-school, competition from the American Eventing Championships (Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at the Kentucky Horse Park), or otherwise, Jackie says, “Whatever the reason, we’re way down on entries. The same thing happened last year so in order to save a little money we have made it a one-day. However, it’s as much work preparing the farm for 70 entries as a 170 entries. You do the math. Like the others I should cancel, but I won’t but a few more entries would really help.”
Entries for Stone Gate Farm H.T. will be accepted through Sept. 3, with entries made after the Aug. 27 closing date to be made via Xentry including a $25 late fee. On-ground stalls are still available. Due to lack of entries, the YEH and NEH classes have been cancelled but the FEH (yearling through 4-year-old) classes will still run on Saturday, Sept. 14. Also on Saturday, show jumping schooling rounds begin at 3 p.m.; online signup is available via the SGF website. USEA Starter through Prelim horse trial divisions will take place on Sunday, Sept. 15 — view the Omnibus listing here.
Now more than ever, Go Eventing.
