5-8-08
I have a thoroughbred who is built like a tank, but is aslo extremely sensitive. I use a 2 ring french link or a three ring french link for jumping and just a loose ring french link for dressage.... hope that helps! Jessie

5-8-08
It has been noted by some interested Ledyard Future and Young event horse entrants that the Monday event is inconvenient for many people's work schedules. We apologize for that and did realize this when the date was settled on. This is our first year offering this venue and if there is enough interest, we may offer a weekend in the future. We are able to offer stabling only through GHF horse trials on the Mon. We could offer the expertise of international Judge Eric Smiley only on the Mon. Ledyard Farm FEH/YEH organizing Committee

5-8-08
Would love to attend the local summit to discuss a task force. Please keep us posted on the bulletin board so we can attend.

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5-8-08
This is a great idea. I am very proud how the USEA is taking such determined action. Having a forum like this will bring forth voices from all levels and opinions in a very constructive way. I would like to attend the May session in Boston, but I don't think I could get to Lexington in June.

5-2-08
First of all there should be no problem to freely discuss safety issues and concerns- that's an avenue for positive change that could save lives. With the recent numbers of deaths and severe life-altering injuries it's a little hard to believe these are all just freak accidents. The only responsible thing to do is to evaluate the situation and respond. Perhaps we will all learn more on a number of different levels from conditioning to course design. Remember when eventers used to jump their horses with dead lead weights on their backs? Change can be good! What transpired is tragic and I think the recent meetings, position statements from those like Bruce Davidson, and the grassroots requests to solicit ideas is healthy, and judging from the responses there obviously has been a lot on people's minds. I don't think the New York Times twisted headlines: eventers are uneasy about this, and how can one say the sport isn't dangerous? It is. But we can make it better.

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5-2-08
I started eventing back in the late 70's and although I don't have the statistical data, it seems like there were fewer accidents at the higher levels and many of the lower level ones were inexperienced riders. So, I too, just said to my husband yesterday that since they have eliminated the roads and tracks (and made x-c more technical)there have been more accidents. Perhaps in an effort to make our sport safer with the short format we have inadvertently made it more dangerous. The horses are not as fit, and what may seem like a simple "catch of a leg" over a straight forward fence is due to a tired horse who may not outwardly appear to be so. But I know accidents are sometimes just accidents, and hopefully what ever the reasons, this will stop happening to our beloved horses and riders.

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5-1-08
Anyone notice how injury rates at the upper levels seem to be rising concurrently with the prevelance of the short format? It seems that as the short format becomes the dominant form and the long format fades out, the number of injuries at CCIs goes up. Whether this is sheer coincidence or whether it's a function of horses going out less fit and having spent less time training over large fences at speed since they don't have to do steeplechase (both horses euthanized at rolex fell over large, relatively straightforward fences), I don't know, but it's certainly something that could merit consideration by the USEA. Thoughts anyone?

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5-1-08
I, too, am deeply saddened by the death of Frodo Baggins. I was an awful accident. But in this case, it was not the difficulty of the cross country course that put this pair in peril, it was a freak, unlucky accident. The jump she fell on was a fairly straightforward flower jump. They were not approaching too fast or too slow, and I'm not a mind reader, but both appeared to be ready to tackle the task at hand and unfortunatley Frodo just caught his leg which made him do a summersault. It's terrible what happened, but its important that you all are aware of the circumstances before a huge discussion on the safety of xc occurs.

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5-1-08
I hope that before everyone starts another string on this subject, that we all take a deep breath and remember that this is a public forum. This has made the New York Times again and we don't need their twisted headlines... "equestrians' deaths spread unease in sport", "for horses and riders a dangerous triathlon", "dangers of eventing". We (USEA) members are taking action, and are the most qualified and committed to do it. Mandates have been already been implemented. If we start (or Chronicle, or another forum) another public rant, we will be doomed to be regulated by who knows what and eventing becomes a part of our memories.

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5-1-08
If that wasn't enough, a statement from the media reads "When 7 out of the top 10 go double clear cross country one might imagine that the course was too easy or the time too generous." Are you kidding me? How many more people and/or horses have to get hurt or die before they make some changes to this sport??

5-2-08
My mare has a low pallet and is very sensitive to a regular jointed snaffle AND she HATES tongue pressure. I finally found a Myler bit that works for her. It looks like some sort of torture device, but she is so soft and happy in it. It works on the bars and lips only. Her head tossing that followed even the softest of half halts stopped. Lucinda Green suggested a similar one for her (I would never have thought to try this on my own) and I tried several similar variations and then found this one. Sometimes, the search takes a while, but there is probably one out there that will make your horse happy. You can rent different Myler's for $5, which is a great service that lets you try several before you have to invest. Katherine Cooper

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4-27-08
This is tough, but I have a with a similar issue and have finally found that a mullen mouth works great for us - at least for dressage and stadium. Otherwise, I was always told to try to find thinner bits (i.e. not a thick hollow mouth snaffle). Also, any bit with a double joint (french link, dr. bristol, or the popular sprengerbits) gives the palate more room than a single jointed bit. However, if your horse has a reasonably soft mouth and is not prone to be on his forehand try the mullen mouth/straight bar!

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4-27-08
My mare has similar issues--she happily goes in a french link snaffle, I was told to avoid snaffles that only have the joint in the middle as this would bump the top of her mouth. Meagan

5-2-08
Meg - Have you looked at Cobly Sawyer College in New London NH? My friend is the equestrian coach and would be happy to speak with you. There are many trainers in the area, and Nancy Guyotte is up the road in Hill, NH. Katie

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5-2-08
Centenary Colleges program is excellent, I am a graduating Senior and most people are placed before they even graduate. Near by are tons of top trainers. It is located in NJ and very near to many events. I work for Kristin Schmolze and she is located 20 min from campus and 10 min from the school barn. Marylin Payne and Doug Payne are also located in the same area. There are several other trainers near by as well.

5-2-08
Valley Vet has Flair Nasal Strips. They also have free shipping on orders over $60 (as long as no F.O.B.) good prices on supplements and I also buy injectable Legend from them (need Rx of course) Meagan

4-28-08
I bought a Romfh coll max dressage shirt for shows last year and absolutely love it. It's super comfortable and keeps you cool and dry in the warmn months, and works well with a stock tie. As far as a stock goes, I'd recomend a pre-tied velcro one from dover or smartpak, they're easier then the tie ones and guarenteed to look nice! Good luck!

4-28-08
Go to the main USEA website and click on Links toward the top of the page. Once there, click on Trailering/Transportation, and then clic on the link for Horse Hotels International. That site lists places by state, and often has reviews (not necessarily up to date) of the various places. They range from lovely B&Bs with stabling, to stables that will take a horse for overnight. We used this earlier this year, and found the folks we spoke with to be very helpful. Just be sure to ask if you can bring your horse in very late (some places had reservations about late arrivals), the method of payment (they don't all take credit cards), and whether you can unhook and leave your trailer there while you stay elsewhere (also ask about the availability of human hotels if you can't stay on the property). Good luck. Pat

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4-28-08
I found a great site when I was looking to find a layover. Horse Trip. Hope that helps! =) ~Caroline

4-27-08
I think you mean MSM ... MSN is a Microsoft company!! Maybe Microsoft is making joint supplements...! If you go to SmartPak they have a great joint supplement comparison sheet where you can see the ingredients. You can definitely find some without MSM - for example they make pure Glucosamine supplements or Gluc/Chondriotin combos, etc. Just curious, why was your vet opposed to MSM? Joint supplements are such a mystery so I love getting any new information on what ACTUALLY works. Good luck!

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4-27-08
I work for a veterinarian. It is called MSM and it is an anti-inflammatory...within the same category as Phenylbutazone, but nearly as strong. Perhaps it is not apprpriate for your horse to have an anti-inflammatory in his/her joint supplement. Cosequin is a joint neutraceutical (joint supplement) that does not contain MSM. Becareful, because the new Cosequin ASU does contain MSM...so you should look for the original formula. Laurie

4-27-08
I think it depends on how short the short bed is. I was told the Ram 1500 short bed is designed not to allow window breakage with a gooseneck. I forget how long its gooseneck is though.

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4-27-08
I have always driven a Chevy 2500 short bed pick up (6' bed) and I have never had a problem with my gooseneck and the back windshield. -Kristen

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4-27-08
You definatly don't need a full bed. The only time you have to be aware of hitting the back windshield is when you have it jacknifed while backing up, but you still have to really crank it to hit it. We have both a Chevy (my dad's) and a F 250 (mine) They both pull fine, (both ours are diesel) but the Chevy is more like the sports car truck, where the ford definatly rides like a truck.

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4-27-08
Sounds like we are pulling the same trailer! I just got an F250 with a REGULAR (6 3/4') bed which is the shortest box you can get on that truck. The long bed is 8' which is overkill unless you are pulling something substantially longer. The F250 or Chevy 2500 with a regular bed will be just fine- I have pulled this trailer with both types of tucks. Happy truck shopping! Kristen

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4-27-08
Hi Kris-You don't need a long bed pick-up to pull a 2 horse gooseneck. That would actually make your turning radius too long. The only time you need to worry about the front of the trailer going into your back window is when you are backing up and turning sharply. I have an F-350, short bed, extended cab, with a 2 horse straight load/dressing room GN, my daughter has the same except that her truck has the full cab, 4 full doors, big back seat. Her rig will pop out the back window if you don't watch it carefully, but you shouldn't be jack-knifing your rig anyways! Polly

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4-27-08
Hey Kris, I haul a 3 horse Slant with a dressing room gooseneck with a Short Bed Dodge 2500 Diesel. I have no issue with turns on the road, you do need to watch the cab and the gooseneck when doing tight turn in say a parking area or when backing it in hard on and angle. Stephanie

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4-27-08
I pull a Hawk 2-horse gooseneck with dressing room with a Ford F350 crew cab with a shortbed. It can work, you just have to be careful. I did jacknife the trailer once and broke my rear truck window, but I chalk that up to my inexperience, I wasn't paying attention to the trailer. Since then, I've been pulling this combination for 4 years with no problem. I've parked in tight spaces and made sharp turns. The combo works fine, as long as you keep an eye on the trailer and don't make a 90 degree angle. I like that fact that the combo is not so long. It helps with manueverability.

4-27-08
I have a Prestige eventer and the blocks are velco'd on. I haven't ever moved them. I love the saddle though, and it has worn very well - very good quality. Hilary

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4-27-08
I have an Albion jumping saddle with velcro placement for blocks both knee and thigh. I like it lots. It allows versatility of placement or none at all. My saddle is a regular jump saddle not a XC specific but it has extra forward flaps which allow the raised stirrups for XC which many regular jump saddles do not give me enough room or the flap is to short when I ride on the flat.

4-24-08
I would like to recommend a Dr. Bristol multi-jointed snaffle bit. I used it for my sensitive TB and he really responds. The bit does not have a nutcracker action of the single jointed snaffles. It has a middle link that lays across the horses tongue. I love mine. Sheila SLawiak

4-22-08
It's pretty solid- probably not a great first prelim. Last fall there was a bounce coming down banks, a jump into water, they usually have an off set one stride combo.

4-22-08
i use a natural horsemanship halter or the knotted halters. it works really well. my mare was awful getting on the trailer (once we were stuck for 4 hours trying to get her to load) after using the natural halter she now doesn't even blink when loading. Katherine

4-18-08
I emailed GMHA and they confirmed that they are not planning to offer Novice in August. Nicole

4-18-08
yI have competed many times at King Oak in both BN and N. My very first event was King Oak at BN and I never gave it a second thought riding down hill, side hill, and up hill. The course is very fair and as long as you are under control. The down hills and side hill portions are not slippery at all. Some use studs if there has been lots of rain but I never have required studs even with plenty of rain days before the event. Keep your horse balanced and forward and you will have a blast. King Oak is a terrific event and is very fair and inviting. Bill Stowell

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4-11-08
I am planning on doing this event. How is the X-C at the BN and Novice level. Banks, Ditches, Water? How is the over all feel is it pretty relaxed or highly competitive? Thanks. Becca Sue

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4-3-08
Hi there, I did King Oak as my first event - the stadium really isn't that bad, just remember that the fences can't be above 2"7! I think whats the most tricky about the course is where the stadium course is located. It's in a large field located behind the dressage rings and stadium warm-up. Lots of room, plenty of distractions and the terrain is not flat. I've been there for their last four events and the fences were relatively straight forward. For BN, we there is usually at least 1 in and out complex. However, because it's so hilly, I'd work on lines and up and down hills because they usually throw a couple of those in.

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4-3-08
I have evented at King Oak many times at the B/N level and I LOVE the stadium. If it's in the field it rides like a small Xcountry course, up and down hills with some twists. I like riding in the field. One time I was there, they held it in the flat arena which I found to be more dificult, I think it's the way I ride though. I prefer more room to get around!! As a course though for B/N I found it to be very straight forward. Hope this helps Celia Donovan

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4-3-08
Hi,I had my horse at the King Oak Spring event last year and i really didnt find the stadium course that bad. The location was slightly hilly, but nothing crazy. There was a good variety of decorations which may cause troubles for a spooky horse. There was one awkward line, but other than that as long as you have been practicing you should be fine! My horse is a very skittish jumper ( those jumps might bite) but he did fine through the course. Good luck!

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4-3-08
The course is very hilly and sloping, there are jumps going uphill and downhill. Last time I was there, there was a really tight corner and an two stride at the BN level. Hope this helps! Emily

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4-3-08
It's on the side of a hill, so lots of jumping up or down, or along the hill, and it's grass, so can be slippery. I remember only one combination (2 stride) last year, everything else was singles.

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4-3-08
The course really depends on whether or not they have the stadium in the grass area or in the small sand ring (it may say in the omnibus where they're running it this year)-if it's in the sand ring, in the past they've had some tight turns (partly b/c the ring is so small) or bending lines. If it's in the grass area, the actual course runs smoothly but since the course is set on a hill, the terrain is the biggest challenge-Hope that helps!

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4-3-08
It depends where the stadium is held. A few times in the spring if the ground is still too wet, the stadium is held in a sand ring which is very narrow, so the turns are tight and the jumps come up quick. If the ground is dry enough, the stadium is held in the "bowl". Terrain is the main issue. It has some up hill and down hill jumps that make it difficult.

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4-3-08
King Oak stadium is definitely NOT hard. I would say it is an average course at most. I competed Novice there last year with a green horse and we had no trouble there at all. King Oak is a great early season event, and one of my favorites. I'm sure many people would agree :) Adriana

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4-3-08
It's on a grassy hill with a lot of turns, as well as long gallops to fences which invite your horse to get strong and on the forehand. You should certainly practice all of the above. It's a fair course, just not a cakewalk.

4-18-08
If you are serious about receiving a quality education and having the opportunity to have your horse at school, Wilson College is definitely a school to be considered. I attended Wilson in the early '80s, just after the Board of Directors decision to remain open. The decision was made in part on the volume of alumni support. Of the forty students in my freshmen class, I would say more than half went on to receive advanced degrees in human and veterinary medicine, law, teaching, agricultural studies, psycology, languages just to name a few. I personnally left after my sophmore year, but am still considered part of my class. I have many fond memories at the school and would have stayed if an earth science program was offered. I did ride at the school which has developed a strong equestrian program though the guidance of Colonel Kitts (now retired). Another important factor about Wilson is that the school is part of a consortium that includes Gettysburg, Dickenson and Franklin & Marshall. Good luck with your college search and your future endeavours. Beth

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4-9-08
Having attended Lake Erie for a little while, I will tell you that they make it seem really great when you look at it, but in reality, the program for teacher/trainer majors is borderline remedial, the riding instruction isn't that great, and the school horses are absolutely horrid. I wouldn't recommend it at all for a riding program, but if you're interested in breeding or pre-vet it might be worth taking a look at, because they seem to be pretty good in that area, as you get to do a lot of hands-on things. If you go look at LaKe Erie, definately look at Otterbein... and I believe Findlay has an Equine program, as well. They're both in Ohio, so it might be worth a look. Amy

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4-7-08
Hi! I dont know anything about Wilson College, but I did visit and apply to Lake Erie College. They do have a beautiful facility and campus and offer a lot in terms of riding, but the degrees they offer are limited. They offer a riding instructor degree and a barn mangagement degree. It's a really small school as well, but definitly one to take a look at. If you decide to take the trip to Ohio, I definitly would drive to Otterbein College as well. They have an excellent equine program and are about to get a brand new facility. Although I am a bit biased because Otterbein is where I chose to go. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions...emma.heald@otterbein.edu Emma

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4-7-08
I looked into going to Wilson, but choose Johnson & Wales University. The program is actually a business degree with an equine emphasis. Very helpful if you need to apply your degree to a business setting outside of school, but still very detailed and attentive the how to apply to an equine related business. I do know that Lake Erie has a great dressage team. I believe they have done well at Nationals the last few years. All of the eventers that went to JWU with me were on the dressage team vs hunt seat.

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4-18-08
With the amount of money that we already spend, I think that the events can afford the frangible pins with out us paying more. If you do the math these events are making alot of money.

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4-18-08
The NY Times article gives the impression that Frangible Pins are the answer to all the safety ailments eventing suffers from and that is really not the case. Most fences are not pinnable such as coops and tables which tend to cause a lot of the rotational falls. There is no single answer and while the pins should be utilized they should not be depended upon.

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4-18-08
I'm not convinced that pins in cross country fences will necessarily reduce all accidents. I have been told of terrible accidents that have occured during stadium jumping when rails have impaled horses. I am concerned that high level competitors/horses are inherently at risk due to the level at which they (riders) push their horses limits. All you need to have is a nasty fall which results in broken bones and your mortality starts to become evident. This is especially true for me as not only am I an amatuer but my wife and three children hope to keep me whole and keep the mortgage payments on schedule. I continue to enjoy riding and my instructor pushes me and my horse to higher levels. With that said, I'm not going to put myself/horse in any dangerous situations. I have nothing to prove to anyone.

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4-18-08
I don't think it is that simple. I think the frangible pins have to be designed into a fence. I don't think you can just add them. So the venues would have to re-build their fences to use the pin.

4-18-08
I don't know where you are located, but I have some leftover rubber from when I installed my sand/rubber outdoor (love it!)-- Would be happy to give it away to get it off the property!! (We have about 1 1/2 to 2 dump truck loads... We are in Salisbury, CT. Bobbi at bobbicarleton@aol.com Bobbi Carleton

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3-7-08
Where did you buy your rubber from? We are in the market of adding rubber to the indoor.

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3-6-08
We just replaced our arena footing with sand and rubber and love it! As long as you put magnesium chloride in it, there will be no dust. It retains its spring and does not pack down . People that have had the misfortune of falling have said that it is very soft and forgiving! I would definitely recommend sand and rubber. It is a bit on the expensive side, but well worth it for you and your horse .

4-11-08
Advanced Saddle fit in NH. Check out there web site. Sarah C.

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4-3-08
Collin Kimball Davis, I"m not sure on how far he will travel but he's gone up to NH before!

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4-3-08
Hi Tori - Nancy Shedrick out of Wentworth does saddle fitting throughout NH. She's Master Saddlers UK certified and very honest. I'm hoping to have her come to my barn in the next month (Hopkinton NH). Katie

4-7-08
Are you a serious student who has taken CP /AP courses, and an avid competitor, or a student who has taken courses and an avid competitor? There is a difference. Apply to the colleges, then defer. That way, you have a year a ride, and a place to be academically. If you don't apply, you might not later, for a myriad of reasons; two being, the teachers who write your recs. either won't be able to write one when your need it, or might have moved on to another school. You can always ride-- intercollegiate programs abound, and they are very competitive!! Century, Midway, Bethany, UMass, UNH, UVM, Mt. Holyoke, Skidmore ...Do you want to stay in the east, or venture south? UVA, KU, Eastern KY University is outstanding. Good luck. milo

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4-7-08
UNH Is NOT AN EVENTING TEAM COLLEGE. They one do showing in hunter jumpers and dressage. I went to school there for 3 years. you can board your horse there and when they have their two trials you can enter in them. sabz

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4-4-08
If you are motivated about going to college, consider taking a year or two off before going so you can concentrate on riding or even spend some time down south during the winter. I took three years off, I knew I definatly wanted to go to college but riding was more important to me at the time. It ended up being the best decision for me. That way when I did finally go, I was ready to study and I wasn't juggling serious riding, training and school. I do know that UNH has an eventing team and that's a really good school, also St.Laurence University. Hope this helps! Mad

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4-3-08
i agree with jenna. i am a freshman in college this year and i took the year off from riding (recommended by my parents) to get acclamated to school. it was really tough at first since i have been riding for 15 years, but you get used to it. and when you come home for breaks you just ride a lot! but i am satisfied with my decision to not look for a college that has a good team. it made it easier for me to get the true college experience my senior year.

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3-30-08
Instead of looking for a college with the best riding program or its location to an event barn, I would highly reccomend finding the school that's going to be the best fit for you academically. If there isn't a stable nearby that really fits your riding goals, you can work out attending clinics through out the year or traveling a little further occasionally to a better instructor. You can also look into being a working student during the summer. But please please please put your education as a requirement for school before riding. I've had a few friends who choose schools based of a riding team, only to find that they hated the school and really regretted the choice! Good luck o your search. Jenna

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3-30-08
Mount Hoyoke College in South Hadley, MA has a great riding program. They have a good low level xc course on site. Most of the trainers have evented are dressage riders. Sarah Carlan

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3-30-08
It depends on what level you are looking at. There is University of Maine at Orono. Which is an excellent school for enginnering. With Peppergrass Farm which is about 25 minutes away. It has an amazing facility and awesome atmosphere for the serious rider and a great coach/trainer. Look it up on-line! Erin

3-29-08
Will Darren Chiacchia still be presenting?

4-2-08
We as a riding community should be more concerned about the well being of Mr. Chiacchia than if he will be presenting...only time will tell how this horrible event will be resolved...and if he is not presenting it is obviously because he is not in any condition to be...im sure that when he is ready to make his way back into the eventing world he will.

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3-30-08
Darren is in the ICU with a severe brain injury. I doubt that he will be presenting.

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3-22-08
Please check out the Ledyard Farm web site (ledyardfarm.com) for a pleasant surprise. If it's not up yet, it will be this week. Anne Hezzey

3-30-08
If you're having doubts about going training at Groton House II they are also offering a Novice/Training division for the first time (I don't think it's listed here on the area 1 site but on useventing.com's omnibus TN is included in the divisions section).

3-30-08
Thanks for catching that; the Area I site has been udpated. Webmaster

3-29-08
Check out the points made by Mark Phillips, Bruce Davidson and Leslie Law on the USEA site. I thought they were interesting. Among many interesting points Phillips had a great idea about a 3'5" level to transition between training and prelim; Davidson talks a lot about footing as a foundation to the courses and creating courses with more flow and less gallop and jerk; and Law makes interesting observations about each events context to others in the season (such as progression) and the mindset of riders/parents -some of whom do not heed professional advice when it comes to moving up the levels appropriately. I think footing is a critical point to overall safety at any level and something TDs and organizers can prepare and respond to, such as altering speeds in bad weather and conditions, and designing courses that makes sense in the context and progression of the season. There are a lot of good viewpoints in there.

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3-22-08
What happened to Darren C and the horses?

3-22-08
Read the USEA site and/or the COTH board.

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3-22-08
My question is why are there not qualifiers as there are in t-bred racing and standardbreds....where are our standards??? Do we not understand the value of our horse and rider???? Why are there not STANDARDS of qualification...we need to get our act together!! for the safety of the horse and rider!!!!!

3-24-08
I have a 16 yr. too (QH X) that I event novice and may try training. Some recommendations from my vets and things I have noticed: Keep her at a good weight, Make sure they get turned out regularly, Blanket if its cold and windy/rainy/snowy--they become more sensitive to weather, Keep UTD on vaccines, Regular farrier visits, and address any problems (soundness/sickness) ASAP. The older they are the less easily they recover. Keep them in regular work, but don't overdo it. I make sure my girl is fit enough for the job, but also avoid really intense jumping or schooling sessions (she also doesn't need it by now-she knows her job). For supplements I use platinum performance and HA along with IV Legend injections every 2-3 mos. Most importantly--have fun! Meagan

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3-24-08
Hi Megan, 16 is not old! I have a 22 year old mare that I still event Novice! I keep her sound and healthy by giving her plenty of hay, hot water to drink the in winter and I keep her turned out pretty much 24/7 (except in inclement weather). I think the turnout is the key. I also give her plenty of variety as far as exercise - a couple days off a week, trailride/hack, 1 day of jumping & the rest dressage. Gail & Touch Gail Kirkman

3-22-08
Kingsbury Hill is a good place to move up to Novice because not all the fences are maxed out... also they don't have water. It is a really well-organized event and is a lot of fun to participate in. Also Stoneleigh-Burnham has an awesome and very fun Novice course (I think it is almost maxed out though).

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3-10-08
I'd recommend ENYDCTA or Riga Meadows or Kent for move up to novice, i moved up last year (both horse and rider) and those worked out the best, King Oak I didn't feel i was ready for last year.

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3-3-08
I really enjoy King Oak Farm's spring and fall horse trials. it is a good one to move up to novice at. it is well organized and the people are friendley and the cross country has good footing. but like all warm up rings, it gets hectic. if you're looking for an event that has a bigger XC course i would recommend Stoneleigh Burnham in Greenfield,Ma. good luck this season!

3-19-08
Let's not also forget that when jumping at a faster speed not only does the horse jump flat, but the riders, especially at the lower levels, get left behind. This can cause them to pull on the horses mouth to balance, not allowing the horse to stretch and arc over the fence. If you look at pictures of Olympic riders, their horses do stretch down over the fences even while jumping from the gallop. T Johnston

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3-1-08
This is because eventers tend to develop a flat jumping style due to thier need to jump at speed. Many never develop the same bascule as show jumpers because of this. However a good eventing horse will be able to switch from the flat jump used at speed over solid obstacles to a rounder more careful jump. I learned most of this from reading George Morris's jumping clinic column in the Practical Horseman Mag. It's an excellent column where he critics 4 pictures of riders each month. It's my favorite part of the magazine!

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3-1-08
If referring to cross-country, remember that event horses gallop fast across varying terrain. "Fly fences" in particular are meant to be jumped from a big gallop stridem where momentum helps a lot. The horse's form is less critical than negotiating the obstacle cleanly. In show jumping, event horses generally face smaller fences than the big grand prix show jumpers, who need every ounce of scope and clearance they can get. And if you're comparing to show humters, remember that there, form is the utmost priority, so that is what they breed and train for.

3-19-08
The cross country IS maxed out and also quite hilly with several jumps going from light to dark and vice versa. So be prepared!

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3-17-08
I did Groton House for my first novice last year and even though most of the crosscountry jumps were fairly maxed out height-wise (if I remember correctly), all of them were straight forward and inviting. There was also a small up-bank and a run through water (with no jump out).

3-17-08
I did the fall BN and it was awesome. The xc reminded me of Groton House but level appropriate. Great overall event. Wasn't crazy about dressage in the indoor, but loved everything else! Stadium was challenging and part of the ring was sloping, but a very nice technical challenge(stadium is my least favorite and I had a lot of fun with the course). Overall, I would definately go back for another event there! Tiffany

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3-17-08
I've done BN & Novice at Valinor and it's a great course- it does ask ALL the questions though - there's a drop, an up-bank, a ditch, water, and plenty of fences with hills before or after. It's not big and gallopy like Groton House, but I really liked it and there are definitely places to move along. Stadium is held in a field with a bit of a slope - but it's not as difficult as King Oak can be. Hilary

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3-17-08
it was some time ago, but I went to Valinor to school XC and did all the BN jumps. they were alot of fun and completely appropriate for the level; very straight-forward. Rachel

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3-13-08
Awesome, dude! Well, their Training course is, anyway, but the other courses, from what I saw, looked really well done. They make great use of hills, have super footing, a gorgeous water complex, and the courses were fair.

3-13-08
I love the Back on Track Products! The no-bow wraps leave my mare's legs so clean and tight. I use them all the time, especially before and after shows. I would highly recommend them. As they say it is fantastic drug free pain relief. I also have one of their sheets and have found that my mare is much looser after having it on before work. They have a sponsored rider who is local who could give you more information about the specific products than I can. Her email is gibberish21@gmail.com Good luck eventing this season! Emily S.

3-7-08
Congratulations and Hooray to Corinne and Dobbin!! What a great accompliment to finish on a dressage score of 27.3 at Advanced - WOW.. (Most of us would be happy with that at novice) Best of luck at Redhills - we'll be cheering you on from afar. Catherine Williams

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