Here’s something new and exciting: Area II has over a dozen horse trials scheduled to hold the new “Modified” division this year! Modified has been on the books a few years, but it’s taken course builders and organizers a few years to ramp up new cross-country jumps for the courses, which are set in height between Training Level and Preliminary level. It looks like Area II will be offering the most Modified competitions in the nation this year!

Are you considering Modified this year? It’s a great fit for those who are competent at Training level, but perhaps don’t have the time to condition their horse for the increased speeds and distances of the Preliminary requirements, or have other reasons to keep to the 3’5” basic height parameters of the Modified division.

The Year End Awards program is going to have some changes coming in 2019. Watch this space - we will post the news when the Area Council approves all of the new changes. Basically we will not be changing the Year End Awards for the competitors, but hope to be streamlining things for those who are involved in helping to count the points. In addition, we will be working on more trophies and promotions for year end winners. And an online signup is also proposed! Don't forget that Area II Year End Awards has an 8-hour volunteer requirement. You must volunteer in the area at least 8 hours in any capacity for any recognized event before the end of the season in order for points to count. So line up your volunteer hours today by visiting www.eventingvolunteers.com, signing up, and choosing your event and job online. More info soon!

 

www.eqmtc.com
www.sandyriverequestrian.com
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Winter 2019 Horse Care Clinic Series

Clinics will be held in Axton, Virginia at Sandy River Equestrian Center.  They will run from 9 AM to 4PM each day and include lunch at noon in the bunk house.  The cost is $175 for each clinic, or $750 for all five clinics when you pre-register and pay in advance.  Clinic fees are due in advance to receive the discount.  To register please contact Sam Henley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (540) 488-5416; or Vicky Williams, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (434) 489-6414.  Cash, Check, or Credit Card (5% processing fee) accepted.  The perfect gift for the equestrian on your list.

Special awards

Top ten volunteers of the year sponsored by Maryland Horse Trials
1. Mike Smallwood
2. Vicki Reynolds
3. Paige Ervin
4. Leah Fleming
5. Doug Flick
6. Dennis Davis
7. Tj Costa
8. Lydia Truitt
9. Joan Harper
10. Christy Hughes

From Jenni Autry 

Thank You to everyone who came out to Joseph Murphy Eventing's December clinic at Kealani Farm. It was a jam-packed three days that also conincided with the USEA Area II Annual Meeting, and we had a very full house on Saturday with a slew of people coming out to watch his training demo. We also received a number of generous donations from auditors in support of Jonty Evans and his continued recovery. Thank you to Melissa Stubenberg, Gwen Kriskie, Mike, Juan, and the entire Kealani team for being so wonderful to work with, and a special shout-out goes to the entire Erika Nesler Equestrian team for being jump crew superstars. Last but certainly not least, my horse is a LEGEND. 

https://www.facebook.com/jenni.autry/videos/10104777364036528/?t=0

The logowear site is up and taking orders. The NAJYRC team gets the proceeds. The gear has the II logo on the front and back. Have your name added for just a little more. Adult sizes too! Love to have your support!!

Link to Store

logowear1logowear2

A youth pipeline is vital. Photo by Holly Covey

You can’t have a sport without a youth pipeline. Every successful sport has one. Bringing up children on ponies, then teens on horses, and finally, young adults on event horses keeps our sport alive — literally.

So, even if you, as an adult eventer, may not have a dog in the young rider hunt, you can recognize the vital importance of the Junior and Young Rider programs in supporting eventing horsemanship and sportsmanship. Our sport has a future, basically because each Area in the United States funds Young Rider (riders aged 16 to 21 years) teams to go to an international competition, and learn what it takes to compete at a high level.

Read more at Eventing Nation

Click the image to download the presentation made by Carey A. Williams, PhD, Rutgers University. This informative seminar was held at the Area II Annual Meeting.

carey presentation

CONGRATULATIONS to our top Volunteers!  Area II top Volunteers of the Year are based on the hours recorded by the VIP volunteer program and verified by the participating events.  Thanks to those who participated in the USEA's program sponsored by Sunsprite Warmbloods, and for all you do for the sport.

We will be recognizing the top ten volunteers at the Area II Annual Meeting and Awards Champagne Brunch this Sunday being held at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in the National Harbor. 

2018 Area II Top Volunteers

1 Michael Smallwood (MD) 211:48
2 Paige Ervin  (MD) 140:06
3 Jane Lynch (NC) 131:00
4 Terry Lynch (NC) 124:20
5 TJ Costa (PA) 120:04
6 Bob Rager (MD) 115:15
7 Art Bird (SC) 103:27
8 Diane Bird (SC) 103:27
9 Kent Holden (NC) 96:00
10 Madi Hunter (MD) 94:16

mike smallwood paige ervin
jane lynch terry lynch
tj costa bob rager
art bird diane bird
kent holden madison hunter