Michigan’s Cobble Stone Farms Horse Trials (July 27-29) is quickly emerging as one of Area VIII’s nicest events. This year the event hosted a Jump for the Cure fundraiser. Theresa Foote was kind enough to gather some pictures and a report from the event. [Cobblestone Results]
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Photo via Kirk Donaldson
From Theresa Foote and Jennifer Merrick-Brooks:
Conceived from a dream owners Jim and Darlyn Daratony had in March of 2003, Cobblestone Farms hosted its first horse trial in 2008. The Cobblestone Farms Horse Trial’s fifth year in existence was a rocking success.
Despite the challenges posed by the very dry weather in the mid west this year, the Daratonys, with the help of around the clock staff, watered, aerated and watered some more. Several neighbors assisted, giving access to their ponds to pump water from, in an attempt to soften the galloping paths for the cross country course, designed for the 5th year by Jeff Kibbie. After having many weeks with very little rain, competitors were happy to have the drizzle as they pulled into the property.
Competitors came from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Ontario. Dorothy Crowell, Bruce Mandeville, and Cathy Wieschhoff were only a few of the 240 riders who attended.
Cathy
Jennifer Merrick-Brooks, the organizer since the event’s birth in 2008, was overwhelmed by the fantastic turnout, positive comments, and cooperation and support of numerous property owners. The volunteers were fantastic. After starting our five year plan in 2008 it is wonderful to see the plan become reality. Despite the economic challenges felt in Michigan and throughout the United States, the event is becoming well recognized by competitors not only from Michigan but many other States. This was Cobblestone’s first year hosting the USEA Area VIII Novice and Beginner Novice Championships. The goal is to add an Intermediate division by 2015.
The Jump for the Cure, and “Pink out for Cross Country”, added another flavor to the event. Two years ago two of the teenagers at Cobblestone came up with the idea to add the cancer fundraising. Initiated after Darlyn’s mother was diagnosed, the fundraiser hopes to support the many people in the eventing family who have loved ones fighting this horrible disease. This year the sale of shirts and silent auction items increased our fundraising to over $8,000. On Sunday, riders “Jumped for the Cure” in their stadium jumping. Even one of our officials donated a portion of her fee for the cause!
Winner of the pink-out cross country competition
The core family of volunteers has been with us since the beginning. Those members continue to grow each year. The enthusiasm and devotion is noticed by all. A special thanks to the friends and neighbors of Cobblestone of their ongoing support. While walking the cross country course the competitors enjoyed cold, bottled water donated by Outaway Farm, while further along the course, the Callahan Family allowed us to ride across their property as well as irrigate using water from their pond. Mark and Jenna Helsel donated the use of generators to power the irrigation systems day and night!
We welcome your suggestions and comments. Port-a-Johns…we got that; pumped and added 3 more Saturday! Keep sharing your suggestions!
It really is a huge undertaking to pull off an event – without all the kindness and support of the owners, competitors, vendors, sponsors, and volunteers, we would not have met our 5 year goals…onward. We hope to see y’all again next year ‘cause “Eventing Rocks at Cobblestone Farms”.
Ready for XC!
