MCTA HORSE TRIALS AT SHAWAN DOWNS

May 1-2, 2010
School Day - Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Sally Cousin's Clinic - Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Winner of the Advanced Division: Charlie Plumb on Westerly.

EXCITING UPDATES FOR 2010

The "powerhouse" of course designers and builders, consisting of
Capt. Mark Phillips, Tremaine Cooper, Eric Bull and Jeff Kibbie,  met on April 7th at Shawan Downs. Revisions were made on all the levels to make all courses more open and flowing.  We have also purchased 9 new portables from Eric Bull, many of which will be at the redesigned coffin jump for 3 of the levels.

SPRING
means it's time for MCTA HORSE TRIALS at SHAWAN DOWNS!

One of the region's longest running horse trials will host over two hundred, including some of the country's best, horses and riders during MCTA HORSE TRIALS at SHAWAN DOWNS. Join us the first weekend in May as some of the USA's finest prepare to qualify for the U.S. Eventing Team for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) later this year in Lexington, Kentucky.

Throughout the weekend you can watch as horses and riders each perform the three disciplines that comprise the art of Eventing: dressage, the equestrian 'ballet' component; then show jumping, over a complex series of painted jumps in a confined arena; and finally the exciting cross country, the open gallops with many very different and challenging obstacles that dot the property of Shawan Downs.

Fresh off a competition season that has seen its share of unseasonable chill in the south, our talented course designer Tremaine Cooper is preparing attractive and rideable courses over the unique terrain of Shawan Downs. Our courses have received the stamp of approval of the US Eventing Team's coach, Captain Mark Phillips, whose storied career spans Olympic gold medals and commissioned service in  The Queen's Dragoon Guards.  

Our sponsors, patrons, partners of Shawan Downs, and competitors can join us on Friday for the preview party and cross country course tour.

Drink in the beauty, color and excitement of the equestrian sport of Eventing. Be sure to come out on Saturday and Sunday to watch the action! 

Captain Mark Phillips approving the MCTA Horse Trials cross country course at Shawan Downs.