Hillcrest Farm parking area
While Burghley was keeping everyone’s attention over the pond on Saturday, I was coaching two students at a schooling horse trial in Mocksville, NC. Hillcrest Farm is a beautiful little farm owned by Dan and Janet Cagle. It is one of my favorite places to take greenie horses and my students to get some miles under their belt. Kate Samuels wrote an article a few weeks ago on the positives of going to schooling shows.
The grass show jumping arena
Janet does the show organization, course design, and secretary work. She is usually the show jump judge as well. Dan can always be seen at the shows with a big smile and a bicycle, as the official parking attendant. He also helps Janet with moving jumps, etc to get ready for the shows.
The crowd of volunteers around Janet (jump judge) during show jumping
Mom's could be seen everywhere helping out!
Each year, Hillcrest has schooling horse trials, combined tests, dressage shows, and eventing derbies. They offer green bean stuff through Training, as far as the horse trials go. The shows are always well run and organized with plenty of room for parking and warm ups. It is a friendly place with a low key atmosphere that is really great for the young horses. The dressage arena is sand and sits in front of the Cagles’ home. The show jumping is in a grass arena that is next to the XC course, and is usually a good test of turning and related distances without being too difficult. The XC course is on slightly hilly terrain and winds through fields and wooded areas. The questions are always straightforward and appropriate for the levels.
Hillary Irwin and The African Queen, owned by Wits End Eventing, getting ready for their Novice dressage test. They ended up winning the division on a 32.
The show on Saturday was a huge success. There were a lot of entries at all of the levels. Janet even offered combined tests for those wanting to brush up before the AEC’s without having to run XC. Riders ranged from pros on young horses trying to get more mileage to adult amateurs and young riders. It was a very hot and humid day, but there were smiles all around. I, for one, had a great time watching and coaching!
Love this duo! Super cute.
Maddie Whisnant and My Daddy's Cash competing in the Novice
