Congratulations to King Oak Farm as they celebrated 30 years of eventing with their competition last weekend. Many events have come and gone through the years, and it takes a very dedicated team of owners and volunteers to keep going. Many thanks to Ann Grenier for sending us this lovely tribute to King Oak Farm.
Alison Eastman-Lawler, who competed at the very first King Oak Farm event back in 1983.
From Ann:
King Oak Farm, in Southampton, Mass., is owned by Fran and Tom Cross. On May 12th-13th 2012, the horse trials celebrated their 30th year anniversary. Denny Emerson, former president of the USCTA (USEA) wrote of the event “… events like King Oak Farm have been the backbone of American eventing, local events, beautifully run and ‘given’ to the sport through the generosity of the owners.”
King Oak Farm has the loyalty of its staff, volunteers, and boarders, many who have been with the events for most of the 30 years: Dorothy Lakoma, Joni* Pitt, Dr. Robert Schmitt, Ken Kreuzer, and Janet Ewing as well as the whole Baraniuk family contributing to the success and comfort for all. The first XC course was designed by Roger Haller who continued through 2009 designing challenging and fun courses. Tremaine Cooper has now taken over and added many new ideas to the recent events. Christopher Milanesi, course builder at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, began as our course adviser in 1983. He joined KOF as course builder in 1986 after Major General Jonathan Burton, their first Technical Delegate, recommended King Oak Farm to him.
Event riders return time and again to enjoy the 160 acre farm with miles of riding meadows, varied terrains, a wide variety of cross country jumps, stadium arenas, dressage rings, caring hospitality, and a sincere commitment for the safety of horses and riders. While the who’s who of Area 1 eventing have returned many times over the years to compete at KOF, it was Alison Eastman-Lawler, an Area 1 trainer and ICP instructor, who rode in both the 1983 and 2012 events. Alison was interviewed at this year’s event and said: “Year after year, we are excited to come back to King Oak Farm. I remember how excited I was, in 1983, as a 15 year old eventer, to go to the new event in Area 1. I was just as excited to go back 30 years later because it’s such a wonderful venue. It just keeps getting better and better.”
Over the 30 years, King Oak Farm has hosted a variety of regional and nationally recognized events, such as Preliminary and Novice Championships, The Chronicle of the Horse East Coast Adult Team Championships, as well as supporting local pony clubs and 4H groups. King Oak has contributed to the local collegiate riders by coaching Westfield State College University and Elms College teams. Barbara Giroux and Warren Smith, as an incentive for Open Novice and Open Training riders, created the King Oak Farm Masters Trouphy Project in 1993.
Here’s to another 30 years!!!
Alison Eastman-Lawler competing in the OP at the 2012 King Oak Farm event.
Photo courtesy of Flatlandsfoto.com, used with permission.
