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| A novice-level competitor at the Oct 12 USEA-recognized CBF HT. Photo by Suzanne Adams |
In many ways, our annual fall recognized horse trials is
like a wedding: you spend months preparing every detail—from the guest list and
food vendor, to the decorations and schedule of events. Then one day the guests
arrive, everyone jumps around having a wonderful time, and before you know it
you’re searching desperately for scissors so you can cut the trash cans down
from the fenceline and eating decorative apples out of the fruit stand jump.
Okay, maybe most people’s weddings don’t end exactly that way, but in many ways
our horse trials is even better because we get to do it again
every year!
I can’t say another word about the horse trials without
thanking each and every one of our wonderful volunteers. It says a lot about
eventers that they are willing to get up early (in some cases, in the dark),
spend the day in less-than-ideal-weather, and still have smiles on their faces
at the end of the day. So, to each and every one of you, THANK YOU. It’s trite
but true—we couldn’t do it without you.
Many thanks also to our wonderful sponsors: Nutramax/Cosequin, Bayer Healthcare, Champlain Valley Equipment, Mayo Industries, Platinum Performance, Windy-Lo Nursery, Patterson Veterinary, and USEA Area I. We're lucky to have the support of such dedicated partners!
The weather could have
been better, but it also could have been worse (technically, it didn’t rain).
Whenever I heard anyone whining about it I said, “We’re eventers! We’re
supposed to be tough.” Or, “This is bracing English weather!” As a native of sub-Saharan
Area II, I’d prefer overcast to blazing sunshine any day, especially if the
footing is good.
Speaking of footing, I am allowed to brag because I wasn’t
among the legions of people from CBF and
Mayo Industries that have been slaving
away on our new arenas for the past several months. The footing in them was
awesome. It’s hard to believe that just
a few weeks ago these areas were still coming into being. I can’t tell you how
exciting it is to be out in our large outdoor jumping arena and look over to
the right to see three horses flatting in the large arena that will be the
Renate Lansburgh Arena and two in the small arena just above it. All I can say
is that this place is feeling big time and there’s a lot more to come.
Since I mentioned it, I’ll close with another word on the
Renate Lansburgh Arena. As I wrote in my last post, we decided to dedicate this
new space to one of our closest friends and colleagues. Although the arena is
complete, we are still hoping to meet our goal of raising enough funds to cover
the cost of it. If you have already donated,
thank you. We are so grateful. If you’re still interested in donating
and haven’t done so, please click over to our
sponsorship page.
Now, I’ll leave you with some wonderful photos from our resident photographer Lauren Murphy, our wonderful friend Suzanne Adams, and even a couple by me. For official event
photographs, please check out
Amanda Sylvia’s webpage. She got some great
shots!
You can find the full results from the horse trials
here
(you really don’t need me for that).
Until next time,
Casy
PS Actually, “next time” is on Sunday (10/27), when we’re hosting
our unrecognized Halloween horse trials. I could
really use some volunteers, so give me a shout at
boarders@coursebrookfarm.com if
you think you can help. You’ll get an amazing longsleeved t-shirt and the
opportunity to see our very own Matt Mayo (aka Costume King) dressed as a... well,
you’ll just have to find out!
