Dani Sussman and Jos Bravio clear a Prelim table at the Spring Gulch Horse Trials on July 4, 2020. It was their first event together en route to moving up to CCI3*-S in 2021. Photo by Ashley Horowitz.
USEA recognized events are scheduled to return to Colorado in 2021 with the Spring Gulch Horse Trials on May 22 and 23. The longstanding event held at the Spring Gulch Equestrian Area, a 106-acre public equestrian park owned by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, will feature levels from Prelim to Intro offered as one-day events. On Saturday, May 22, will be Prelim to Beginner Novice, with Intro taking the spotlight on
Sunday, May 23.
“The one-day format that we implemented last year takes advantage of the strengths of the Spring Gulch Equestrian Area and was positively received,” show organizer Andy Bowles said. “Competitors can enjoy a full day of eventing on the day of their level and also have a weekend day outside of the competition.”
Having a day devoted to Intro will also give new eventers and their horses, some of whom will be competing in their first show, a relaxed atmosphere focused on their level.
There will be a second horse trials at Spring Gulch on August 7 and 8. Bowles said he plans to update the cross country course between the two recognized events. The organizer of the Virginia Horse Trials has also overseen the Spring Gulch Horse Trials since 2019. “We like to keep the course fresh and offer riders and horses in this area opportunities to grow,” he said.
The Spring Gulch Equestrian Area is also open year-round for schooling through a partnership between the Mountain Sports Eventing Association Central Colorado Chapter (MSEA-CCC), Friends of Spring Gulch, and the Highlands Ranch Metro District.
