One of the things I love about Eventing Nation is that we can spend a weekend writing about one of the biggest events in the world at Luhmuhlen, and then turn around a few days later and cover the smallest three-day event in the world--literally.
Full Moon Farms, in Finksburg, Maryland, is hosting an educational "1/4 Star Three-Day Event" this weekend. There are no title sponsors from European sports car companies, no huge VIP tents with roast beef buffets, just eventers getting together and having a great time with their horses.
At the 1/4 Star, competitors can compete at the Elementary (18"), Baby Beginner Novice (2'), Beginner Novice (2'6"), Novice (2'11") and Training (3'3"). The lower levels don't have actual steeplechase fences, but instead practice riding at speed over a marked course. Competitors checked in on Monday afternoon ready for a week full of education and friendly competition. Dressage begins on Wednesday, with Endurance and Show Jumping following on Thursday and Friday.
Katie Wherley, who spoke at several of the educational sessions at the event, was kind enough to send us a report from the 1/4 star. Katie, a graduate 'A' pony clubber, has trained and competed horses through the Advanced level of eventing, and has significant experience in the jumpers, hunters and dressage. A top professional, Katie operates Rock Solid Training out of her lovely Middletown, Maryland facility. Thanks for writing this Katie and thank you for reading. I'd also like to thank Margaret Rizzo for putting the right people in touch with the right people.
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Katie and "Jeffery" at the Morven long-format
From Katie:
Earlier this summer I was asked by Full Moon Farm to speak at their 2nd annual 1/4 Star Three-Day Event at their Finksburg, Maryland facility. Modeled after the educational training-level three-day event at nearby Waredaca, this competition is more about the education than anything else. For many amateurs, competing at a three-day event is a pie-in-the-sky type goal. And this 1/4 Star makes it reachable for everyone from the Elementary-level on up.
Besides myself, several other area professionals were asked to take on one aspect of a three-day event and run with it. I was asked to cover the care of your horse on endurance day. I started off with the 10-minute box and continued with after-cross-country care. The room was filled with mostly young riders eager to learn how to better care for their ponies. Questions ranged from how to get your horse cooled down to a very simple, "What are electrolytes?".
One thing I could tell from my short time with these competitors is that this 1/4 Star Three-Day Event is a great idea for amateurs and young riders. It gives them something a little different to do, which in the end will build their confidence. I think in the end the 1/4 Star is best served solely as an educational activity. It gets everyone really excited about the long-format and gives them insight to the history of the sport.
I had a great time at Full Moon and can't wait to hear from the riders after endurance day.
I had a bit of EN karma the other day. I needed to ride one of the mares at my farm so idecided since it was sooo hot i would go in the woods where we have trails and various jumps that i usually do not attempt to even look at going over. Well this particular mare and I click well and we both like to go fast and we both like to jump so what the heck she is sure footed and steady lets go play cross country and jump these huge ( see tiny 18' 2 foot) logs and other natural wood jumps that we have and a drop jump HUGE (tiny lol) it was sooo much fun! racing thru the woods full tilt to a jump that i never thought i would make it over outside of an Hunter/Jumper arena! Some were a tiny bit wide so it gave her a good stretch and me a great thrill! the ride gave me the biggest boost of confidence! Although i did jump a "largish" jump about 2 foot 6 and was the best feeling ive had in a while! Thanks EN for that boost of Karma!!! :)