MCTA Horse Trials at Shawan Downs hosted more than 360 competitors throughout the 3-day event. Horses and riders hailed from 16 states and represented 3 countries. The sponsors' party at the end of the first day of competition offered an outstanding opportunity for competitors, volunteers and sponsors to tour the newly designed cross country course with course designer Tremaine Cooper and co-designer/builder David Wisner via tractor-pulled hayride.
Enjoying a season with generous rainfall, the turf and conditions for the 2008 MCTA Horse Trials at Shawan Downs could have hardly been better. Friday May 2 was sunny and warm to the point where jackets were excused for the afternoon's competition. And by the time the first several riders took to the cross country course on Saturday, the property was enveloped in a chilly mist. As the day warmed, the mist lifted as the competition continued. Sunday's weather supported good rides in the Preliminary and Training divisions.Twenty four divisions from Novice through Advanced enjoyed the picturesque views, inviting jumps and warm hospitality of our volunteers.
Audi Welcome fence and auto display
Young Event Horse competition
Buck Davidson on Cruise Lion
Sharon White and The King's Spirit.
Emily Beshear and Blue Devil, Advanced champion
Buck Davidson and Grace Under Pressure.
XC course designer Tremaine Cooper emcees the cross country course tour.
Friday evening course tour hayride
Sharon White and The King's Spirit (Audi water).
Boyd Martin and Benwald (Audi water).
Emily Beshear and Blue Devil.
Ryan Wood on Wynella Wolverine
Phillip Dutton and his chestnut horse Bailey Wick
Henry Davenport and Nile Tour
Looking to the next fence.
Boyd Martin & Remington XXV
Steuart Pittman and True Muse 1st 5YO YEH and 9th Novice
Rising to the occasion
BFF In Disguise gallops toward the water with Colleen Rutledge
Courtney Cooper gallops through the water
Splash!
Boyd Martin and Falcon Splash, Open Preliminary champion