Who Jumped It Best? Big Cheese Schooling H.T. at Ashland Farm

This Who Jumped It Best? takes us to a place that I hold very near and dear to my heart, Ashland Farm in Walnut Grove, Ga. Ashland is where I grew up riding with longtime coach, mentor and friend Ann Haller. Ann spent many years as the resident trainer on this special property, owned by Lucy and Clay Calhoun. Together, they hosted many schooling shows here, all which formed the foundation of my competition experience. Ann’s husband Roger Haller, famously known for designing the cross country course for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, only 20 minutes away, laid out what we called the North Gate Pasture to offer cross country schooling and courses for grasshoppers through preliminary riders.

The place was and is still an oasis for local riders. In addition to the cross country field, Ashland boasts two dressage arenas, a full size show jumping ring and 400 acres of sprawling trails. While the local pony club has hosted combined tests, it’s been ten years since the Calhoun’s property had seen three-phase competition, until this weekend.

This weekend Ashland Farm hosted the first Big Cheese Horse Trial, CT & Dressage Show. Organized by Caroline Templeton, 72 local riders of all ages and levels took part in the event, and it was an astounding success. As Lucy Calhoun said, I think Ann would’ve been proud.

To celebrate this homecoming of sorts, y’all help us pick which Beginner Novice horse and rider combination you think presents the best overall picture. Scroll through, and vote in the poll at the bottom of this post.

Thank you to Rebecca Lever of Rebecca Abney Photography who provided these lovely photos. For more from the show, you can check out her Facebook Page. Big Cheese Eventing has a full calendar through the end of the year with three more horse trials. For more information, click here.