James Alliston and Pandora topped the Advanced division of the Twin Rivers Winter H.T. in 2019. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Tamie Smith with her 2019 Pan Am Games team gold medalist partner Mai Baum along with five-star pairs Andrea Baxter with Indy 500 and Frankie Thieriot Stutes with Chatwin headline a strong Advanced field when Twin Rivers begins an exciting season of eventing competition this weekend.
Weather for the Winter Horse Trials looks distinctly un-wintery on Feb. 28-March 1, as the Baxter family-owned venue on California’s Central Coast welcomes 300-plus contenders. Joining the aforementioned pairs running Advanced are newly-anointed members of the USEF’s U25 Eventing Program — Maddy Temkin, Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Megan Sykes — plus seasoned competitors Helen Bouscaren, Gina Economou, Auburn Excell Brady, Amber Levine and Emilee Libby.
Twin Rivers’ 500 acres are green and tracks designed by new upper level course designer Hugh Lochore are full of new tests. Plus, teasers for what’s to come at April’s inaugural Spring International CCI4*-L, one of only six competitions at this rigorous level in the United States.
“They are a progressive bunch,” says Lochore of the Baxter family. Along with Andrea Baxter, organizer Connie Baxter has extensive eventing experience and Whirlwind Excavating owner Jeff Baxter happily applies his expertise and equipment to bringing Lochore’s ideas to life.
“The venue has interesting topography and it’s a good canvas to play with,” Lochore adds. “It’s exciting when you put things on paper, then you have a team that is keen to get the bit between their teeth and make it happen.” Lochore designed the Preliminary through Advanced courses; Marc Grandia designed the Intro through Training. Show Jumping course designer Jose Nava has colorful new obstacles to work with in the arena.
The Winter Horse Trials are presented by Auburn Labs, makers of adaptogenic APF Formula for horses, riders and dogs; and Professional’s Choice, manufacturers of top-of-the-line sports medicine boots for horses. Supporting sponsors include Best Western PLUS Black Oak, which offers great exhibitor deals on nearby lodging; and Riding Warehouse, the horse gear and supply company located in nearby San Luis Obispo. Vendors include Equestrian Habits, Chubby Cov, Whitehorse Tack, Cahoots Catering and Katie’s Coffee.
Volunteer opportunities abound and all those helping out will have their name entered in a raffle for generous prizes. These include Twin Rivers entries, stabling and a cross country schooling certificate; and a family four-pack of tickets to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari. More hours equals more raffle tickets! Sign up to volunteer here.
Other useful info for competitors: the show photographer is Marcus Greene Outdoor Photography, and the official videographer is Ride On Video. For competition-related inquiries, contact Christina Gray of Gray Area Events at [email protected].
Twin Rivers: Website, Entry Status, Ride Times
