Mary Hirsch: Curragh Schooling Horse Trials

Curragh Schooling Horse Trials – “A Bit More” Strengthens Competitors

 

 

From Mary Hirsch:

 

One detects a sense of purpose in a schooling horse trials Novice course with lots of galloping room and a number of wide max-height jumps, along with a “baby trakhener” (log over ditch) and an optional drop into water.  Norleen Corlett of Curragh Equestrian Center describes her course philosophy as “Novice is a bit more, and Beginner Novice is a bit less than recognized.” That was the theme of Curragh’s one-day horse trials Sunday, Sep. 24th, just southwest of Fort Worth, Texas.   An opportune preparation, as many of the riders are also entered for Meadow Creek’s recognized horse trials in Kosse, Texas the following weekend.

 

Dressage judge Mary D’Arcy O’Connell scored riders accountably, following each test with a brief verbal consult with the rider for explanations and pointers.  Show jumping followed in the sand arena over a course designed by Angela Gryzwinski.  Angela included an inviting triple combination for Novice and Training, as well as a plank jump boldly inscribed “Rolex Olympics Badminton” (just to keep the future clearly in mind!).  The course jumped well, as did the cross-country, leaving most with a confidence-inspiring, learning experience.

 

Training winner Olivia Alland and When It Counts

 

Olivia Alland’s mount When It Counts lived up to his name, securing the Training level win.  Trooper was well-moniker’ed as well, winning Senior Novice with rider Jenny Andrews, while Kirstie Headlee and Sterling took the Junior Novice.

 

 

Beginner Novice was well-attended with three divisions.  Winners were Lynda Lewis on Luna in Senior, Chloe McCombs on Joey in Junior A and Albany Castor on Mandy in Junior B.  Elementary finished out the afternoon, with Heather Lowry and Caleb taking the Senior and Halle Thomas and Joseph winning the Junior.

 

Curragh’s courses also show the influence of instructor and former Irish Olympic team coach Mary D’Arcy O’Connell, and Angela Gryzwinski , upper-level competitor, instructor and Curragh boarder.  Angela was named to the 2012 USEF Eventing Developing Riders list, and has placed in the top 5 in upper-level divisions at Ocala, Galway, Texas Rose, Colorado Horse Park and other events.

 

Curragh began as a dedicated eventing stable true to its Irish roots in 1993.  The Corlett’s philosophy of stable management and teaching is based on the British Horse Society Instructor’s program.  Many Area V riders have come through Curragh’s program, well-prepared at lower and upper levels to Go Eventing!

 

Barrett Phillips and Mercedes

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