Highlight, a very patient OTTB, lets trainer Devin Robel practice her limbo skills for next year's Area VII Trainer Limbo Challenge. Photo by Terri Niles.
If you need proof that Area VII is a pretty awesome place to be an adult rider eventer, then just take a look at the fun from the Adult Rider Luau last Saturday night at Caber Farm Horse Trials in Onalaska, WA.
“The Luau is a yearly event sponsored by the adult riders. Everyone is invited to meet us and see what we are about,” explains event organizer Terri Niles. “This is our third year doing it and it gets better every year. I’m from Hawaii and am the luau coordinator. This year was our first year with the Trainer Limbo Challenge and it was very well attended. Next year will surpass this year’s participation as the trainers that didn’t compete have already committed to participate due to the overwhelming response!”
Trainer Jessica Heidemann of Cain Lake Stables isn’t used to going UNDER the fence in the first annual Area VII Trainer Limbo Challenge. Photo by Terri Niles.
The bravest (and bendiest) of Area VII trainers volunteered to take part in the hotly contested Trainer Limbo Challenge. First place went to trainer Stephanie Parker of Bend, OR who stepped in to snag the trophy from second place finisher Devin Robel. Jessica Heidemann and Karen O’Neal were close behind. Throughout the evening many Area VII eventers stopped by to try their skills at the limbo bar or laugh at others’ attempts.
Stephanie Parker was the Trainer Limbo Challenge champion. Photo by Terri Niles.
According to Devin, “We trainers aren’t so flexible! I held the record for a while at 3’7, and was even handed the trophy. Stephanie Parker swooped in, and we battled it out, but she beat me at 3’5. My knees hurt the next day, and both Jessica and Karen’s backs were sore. My student’s son, Nani, won it overall at 2’4. Insane. He’s about 5’10 tall; you’d have to see it to believe it.”
Nothing more fitting than a tropical luau amidst the horse trailers at Caber Farm Horse Trials. Photo by Terri Niles.
Party participants enjoyed delicious Hawaiian food including Kahlua pork and Teriyaki chicken. And of course Pina Coladas and Mai Tais were flowing well into the night. The luau was made possible by adult rider volunteers and added extra flair and fun to the weekend’s eventing competition.
Bartender Jim at the Area VII Luau. Photo by Terri Niles.
Remember folks: what happens in Area VII, stays in Area VII. (Except when we publish it on EN).
