It was a horse-lover’s paradise — miles of heart-stopping cross-country jumps, winding woodland paths and open fields; rows of clean, well-stocked stalls; free-flowing fresh water and liniment; and the magnificent sights and sounds of stomping, snorting, high-stepping, muscle-flexing equine athletes. The Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials lived up to its promise for the 23rd year in a row for both athletes and spectators.
“It’s a great course,” said Beth Perkins who traveled from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to Murray Road in Victor for the July 12-15 competition. “It’s really different than a lot of the events that we have at home — more terrain, and lots of varied design to the jumps. (Stuart) is really spectator- and competitor-friendly. The fact that all the neighbors get together (and share their land with us) — it’s nice.”
This weekend Perkins rode an Irish bay named Fernhill Cove, and for her the competition was very personal.
“He belongs to Annie Eldridge,” said Perkins, referring to her longtime friend who for many years has been an accomplished rider and instructor. “She had a stroke a couple of years ago and can no longer ride, so she’s letting me ride her horse. She’s very happy he’s in first place so far.”
Perkins was one of about 270 riders from across the United States and abroad who took part in this year’s event. Since the launch in 1990, more than a dozen Stuart Horse Trials competitors have gone on to compete in the Olympics.
“We’re so excited because four of the five riders just named to (this year’s Olympic team) have been winners at Stuart,” said Heidi Stuart Vahue, competition organizer.
Maggie Schafmaster of Cambridge Massachusetts rode Oliver’s Cave, and said the Victor event stacked up well against others she’s been to.
“The cross-country course is beautiful,” said Schafmaster. “The jumps are big but they’re inviting. So it’s challenging but none of them are nasty. And it’s a big long gallopy course so you can really ride.”
Agility, endurance, and bravery were tested over the course of four days through three separate disciplines — dressage, cross country, and show jumping — known collectively as eventing.
“This is a great course — it’s an awesome event,” said Holly Payne of Gladstone, New Jersey. She and her brother rode several horses each and brought along a handful of students from her stable, Holly Payne Equestrian.
It was a horse-lover’s paradise — miles of heart-stopping cross-country jumps, winding woodland paths and open fields; rows of clean, well-stocked stalls; free-flowing fresh water and liniment; and the magnificent sights and sounds of stomping, snorting, high-stepping, muscle-flexing equine athletes. The Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials lived up to its promise for the 23rd year in a row for both athletes and spectators.
“It’s a great course,” said Beth Perkins who traveled from Rutherfordton, North Carolina, to Murray Road in Victor for the July 12-15 competition. “It’s really different than a lot of the events that we have at home — more terrain, and lots of varied design to the jumps. (Stuart) is really spectator- and competitor-friendly. The fact that all the neighbors get together (and share their land with us) — it’s nice.”
This weekend Perkins rode an Irish bay named Fernhill Cove, and for her the competition was very personal.
“He belongs to Annie Eldridge,” said Perkins, referring to her longtime friend who for many years has been an accomplished rider and instructor. “She had a stroke a couple of years ago and can no longer ride, so she’s letting me ride her horse. She’s very happy he’s in first place so far.”
Perkins was one of about 270 riders from across the United States and abroad who took part in this year’s event. Since the launch in 1990, more than a dozen Stuart Horse Trials competitors have gone on to compete in the Olympics.
“We’re so excited because four of the five riders just named to (this year’s Olympic team) have been winners at Stuart,” said Heidi Stuart Vahue, competition organizer.
Maggie Schafmaster of Cambridge Massachusetts rode Oliver’s Cave, and said the Victor event stacked up well against others she’s been to.
“The cross-country course is beautiful,” said Schafmaster. “The jumps are big but they’re inviting. So it’s challenging but none of them are nasty. And it’s a big long gallopy course so you can really ride.”
Agility, endurance, and bravery were tested over the course of four days through three separate disciplines — dressage, cross country, and show jumping — known collectively as eventing.
“This is a great course — it’s an awesome event,” said Holly Payne of Gladstone, New Jersey. She and her brother rode several horses each and brought along a handful of students from her stable, Holly Payne Equestrian.
“We all like to come here every year,” she said. “The atmosphere is just great. When you can draw a crowd of spectators and sponsors to come out that really helps. We’re always trying to get our sport out there because, unlike a lot of other professional sports, we don’t get a lot of air time.”
Payne said it was good for both riders and horses to be exposed to the crowds and excitement at this level as preparation for future big events. But at Stuart, the benefit goes both ways.
“One of the things our spectators say they love the best is getting so close to the action,” said Vahue. “Standing just a few feet from a galloping horse and rider as they speed by over challenging obstacles and terrain is an incredible adrenaline rush.”
For more information, visit www.stuarthorsetrials.org.
