Pat Schmidt kindly sent us a write-up from Roebke’s Run Horse Trials, held in Minnesota last weekend. I’ve never been to Roebke’s Run, but it sounds like a fantastic, fun event! Many thanks to Pat for writing, to D&G Photography for sharing the lovely photos, and thank you for reading.
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The Open Preliminary competition was won by Ann Bower and her horse, Prospero. (Photo by D&G Photography, Center Junction, IA)
Roebke’s Run Horse Trials
by Pat Schmidt
Only in its second year, the annual fall series of Roebke’s Run Horse Trials held Oct. 6-7, at Magister Equitum Stables in Hector, MN, turned out to be a huge success, despite cold and windy conditions. Riders from the five-state area and Canada participated in cross-country, dressage, and jump events on a course that continues to be touted as one of the best privately-owned courses in the United States.
“I will say that I and the Ground Jury were very impressed. This is one of the best events I have ever officiated. Area IV and USEA need to give as much help as possible to expand and utilize the Schweiss events,” noted Cleon J. Wingard, a FEI and USEF Licensed Official at the event. “The entire course made very good use of terrain. This course is one of the best courses I have seen. Control, announcer and radio communication worked very well together. In my opinion, the event would be an excellent choice for a FEI One Star event. I do not think USEA/Area IV could have a better event to host an FEI One Star,” added Wingard.
Ann Bower and her family dressed up for the Halloween costume competition. Prizes were awarded for Best Personal/Group; Best Horse Costume and Best Haunted Stall. (Photo by D&G Photography, Center Junction, IA)
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One of the highlights of this fall horse trial is the fun they put into it. Participants are encouraged to “Come Creepy and Win.” This means they have an opportunity to win cash prizes for the Best Personal/Group Costume Contest; and Best Haunted Stall Contest.
The coveted prize, however, came in the competition phase with the Grand Champion taking home $2,500. This prize is co-sponsored by Roebke’s Run Horse Trials and Otter Creek Horse Trials and was won by Makenna Rold, riding her horse Badland’s Echo.
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Makenna Rold, riding Badland’s Echo, won the North Country Challenge Grand Champion event prize of $2,500 and the Roebke’s Run Pony Club Challenge, netting her an additional $500. (Photo by D&G Photography, Center Junction, IA)
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John Williams, the nationally recognized designer of equestrian courses across America, predicted
interesting, challenging, and exciting additions to the already intriguing Roebke’s run layout. “They’ve made so many wonderful improvements to their overall facility. I’m talking about their arenas, the cross country layout and other amenities of stabling and social perks,” said Williams. “The entire atmosphere of Roebke’s Run is very appealing. Because of what they offer, their entries will continue to rise over the next several years.”
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Next Summer, Roebke’s Run Horse Trials are slated for July 12-13, 2013.
