Fresh off their team gold medal win at the 2015 Pan American Games, Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin just announced they will host an educational symposium called Eventing With The Stars on Sunday, Aug. 23 at Windurra Farm in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, covering topics ranging from how to improve your dressage scores to training off-track Thoroughbreds.
Boyd said the idea behind the symposium is to give eventing fans of all ages and backgrounds a unique insider’s look at their respective training programs. While he and Phillip can share their knowledge and experience one-on-one in clinics and in lessons, a symposium like this gives them the opportunity to interact with a lot more people.
“Philip and I do a lot of clinics throughout America, and at best we can teach 24 riders over the clinic,” he said. “This way we’re hoping to give the same experience to people who might not be able ride in a clinic with us, as well as eventing enthusiasts that want to learn more about all the ins and outs of the sport.”
You might remember that Phillip and Boyd hosted the wildly successful Aiken Masterclass earlier this year at Stable View Farm in Aiken, where 350 people packed the covered ring to watch two hours of demonstrations. Phillip said they are taking that idea and greatly expanding on the educational impact.
“It’s going to be an exciting day and a great opportunity for everybody to get to know Boyd and myself and our training programs in an up-close-and-personal type of situation,” Phillip said. “There will be plenty of time for questions and answers, too. It offers people a way to learn and experience how we train horses at the beginning of their careers through to the Advanced event horses.”
Attendees will also learn from Grand Prix dressage rider Silva Martin, who will co-host the dressage session, as well as Phillip’s head groom and barn manager Emma Ford, who will lead a session on grooming during the lunch break. The day will end with a question and answer session and a meet and greet around 4 p.m. Here’s a look at the topics Boyd and Phillip will be covering:
Session 1: Improve Your Dressage Scores
Session 2: Training OTTBs for Second Careers
Session 3: Addressing Safety in the Sport
Session 4: Schooling Cross Country Obstacles In Your Jump Ring
Session 5: World Class Grooming for Horses with Emma Ford
Session 6: Cross Country 101: Warm-up, Rider Position & Techniques
Session 7: Answering Cross Country Questions
Brian O’Connor will be providing radios and headsets so participants can easily hear Boyd and Phillip’s commentary all day; that’s included in the ticket price at no extra cost. Tickets are $60 at the early-bird rate (must pay online before the event) or $70 at the gates, which open at 9 a.m. Kids 12 and under get in free.
“The audience will be a cross section of kids and Pony Clubbers all the way through to upper-level riders and aspiring professionals,” Phillip said. “There will be something in it for everybody.” Boyd Martin added: “It’s going to offer a real behind-the-scenes look at the techniques we use at home. We’re hoping to educate the audience with tools they can use on their own horse.”
Click here for full descriptions of the sessions, a full schedule and for all the information on Eventing With The Stars. You can save $10 by paying the early-bird rate of $60 now by using this PayPal link.
[Join Phillip Dutton and Boyd Martin on Aug. 23 for Eventing With The Stars!]
