Alec Lochore gives a tour of the cross-country course at The Event at TerraNova CCI 4*-L, November 2023.
Photo by EQ Media.
Events at TerraNova is pleased to announce the appointment of Alec Lochore as course designer for The Event at TerraNova CCI 4*-S, CCI 3*-S, and Advanced divisions alongside Mogie Bearden-Muller, course designer of the CCI 2*-S, CCI 1*, and Intermediate-Intro levels. The Event at TerraNova will be held March 27-30, 2024, at TerraNova Equestrian Center in Myakka City, Florida.
Hosted on a biannual basis, The Event at TerraNova has offered a world-class competition experience for eventing athletes from the Intro level through FEI CCI 4*. Living legend Captain Mark Phillips lent his expertise during the development and construction of TerraNova Equestrian Center’s cross-country course and has served as course designer from the inaugural event in 2021 through last November’s CCI 4*-L.
Upon announcing retirement plans, Captain Mark Phillips passed the torch to Alec Lochore for this spring’s event. Formerly serving as TD at The Event at TerraNova, Lochore boasts an extensive resume as a consultant, Technical Delegate, organizer, and course designer for high-profile events including three Olympic Games, the World Equestrian Games, and European Eventing Championships. Over the last decade, Lochore has worked closely alongside Captain Phillips to develop courses across Europe. The Event at TerraNova will be Lochore’s first 4* course in the United States.
Lucienne Bellissimo and Tremanton. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
“Alec has huge shoes to fill,” says Shelley Page, organizer of The Event at TerraNova. “Similar to Mark’s world of experience, Alec sees the courses from many different perspectives that are current and relative to what is currently happening in our sport, offering a well-rounded experience for both horse and rider.”
With The Event at TerraNova running just one month before the Kentucky Three Day Event and Badminton, Lochore hopes to bring new features to the course to complement horse and rider combinations early in their spring season. “It is important that those heading to the big spring events have a proper run and jump bold fences and good lines,” says Lochore. “It is equally important that those horses coming through to 4* for the first time are encouraged, educated, and challenged appropriately, so my challenge will be to create something to suit all.”
The Event at TerraNova CCI 4*-S division also provides a minimum eligibility requirement opportunity for riders pursuing qualification for selection on the Olympic eventing team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.
“We look forward to welcoming back our international competitors and riders of all levels to enjoy The Event at TerraNova this March! We are looking forward to continuously improving this event and are excited about the future growth,” says Molly Oakman, President of Events at TerraNova.
