Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
When was the last time you attended an unrecognized event? For many eventers, these horse trials tend to get overlooked. But these events play a crucial role in opening up the competition field to riders of all levels and financial backgrounds. The Eventing Academy at Stable View in Aiken, SC is one option for riders who are looking to put in more practice time and start competing in a low-pressure environment.
This unique event combines schooling days and unrecognized horse trials to allow riders and horses to build their confidence on the cross country course. On day one, riders can come to Stable View to school all three rounds: Stadium, Dressage, and Cross Country. On day two, riders can enter an unrecognized horse trial. Points are tracked all year long so riders can still get that special feeling of attending a year-end banquet and coming home with a championship ribbon.
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
The Eventing Academy format is perfect for green riders and horses to get their feet –- or their hooves — wet before diving into a recognized competition. If your horse struggles with arena or course familiarization, Eventing Academy can help them get over the hump by giving them the day before the show to get used to the facility.
The unique format of the Eventing Academy is just one way that Stable View is supporting the local horse community.
In 2010, owners Barry and Cindy Oliff transformed Stable View from a quail hunting lodge into a top notch equestrian facility. Located in the close-knit equestrian community of Aiken, Stable View has become a gathering place for eventers. Hosting everything from unrecognized competitions to FEI shows on its 1000 acres of rolling hills, the Oliffs are passionate about creating a venue that’s a keystone of the Aiken community and accessible to all riders. Featuring among their many community involvement initiatives is the growing Brave Today program, which gives local youth from disadvantaged or marginalized backgrounds a chance to learn and interact with horses.
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
2023 is a big year for Stable View, as the venue celebrates a decade of horse shows. As always, Cindy and Barry are sharing their success with the community. To celebrate 10 years of horse shows, Stable View is offering discounts, loyalty programs, and waived stall fees, office fees, and free parking for specific events. While the rest of the world is going up in price, Stable View is working hard to keep eventing accessible for all riders.
Mark off the following dates on your calendar for the 2023 Eventing Academy:
February 17th – 19th
March 10th – 12th
July 21st – 23rd
August 11th – 13th
October 13th – 15th
November 17th – 19th
December 15th – 17th
For more information on the Eventing Academy at Stable View, or to sign up, check out their website.
Photo by Christine Quinn Photography.
Wherever you’re located, look for unrecognized horse shows in your area. These shows are not just a great tool for riders, they’re great for your local community. When you attend a schooling show, you’re supporting your local competition venues, getting in more practice time, and saving some money. Venues that host unrecognized competitions play a crucial role in keeping eventing accessible for riders from all backgrounds.
If you want to fill your summer show season with events that support local horse trials, keep the unrecognized calendar in mind. Schooling Horse Trials at Full Gallop Farm and the Mid-South Eventing & Dressage Association, the War Horse series at Carolina Horse Park, multiple schooling opportunities at Waredaca and Maryland Horse Trials, at Florida Horse Park and other locales near Ocala, as well as Stable View’s calendar — and this is by no means an all-inclusive list! — in mind when creating your schedule for 2023.
