INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL HORSES COME TO WEATHERFORD FOR TRIALS

By today’s April 13 closing day, Greenwood Farm has received a record-breaking 267 entries for the 15th annual Spring Horse Trials. Two divisions are international horses, and 17 divisions are national sport horses arriving from coast to coast.

Horse Trials, also known as Eventing, is a horse triathlon where horse and rider pairs compete in dressage, stadium jumping, and cross-country jumping tests. Originally a race between Berlin and Vienna, the “Raid militaire” became an extended training event for cavalry horses in the 1800’s. In 1912, eventing became an Olympic sport for male military officers, and in 1952 rule changes allowed civilian men to participate in events. The first women entered the sport in 1964, and now equestrian sports are the only ones where men and women compete against each other at an Olympic level.

The cross-country jumping phase of the competition is unique to Horse Trials. Cross-country jumping requires a unique level of equine conditioning and rider skill as it is modeled on the need for cavalry officers to negotiate a long, hard-run battlefield race, including clearing fences, solid obstacles, banks, drops, and ditches, Nowadays, predetermined vet checks and safety requirements are in place to ensure the fitness and safety of horse and rider.

Greenwood’s competition is privileged to have several of the pioneers of this time-honored sport at the event. Maj. Gen. Jonathan Burton will be the Steward for the international classes, and Oklahoma trainer Lee Troup Johnson, one of the first female Eventers, will bring a string of horses. Experienced Olympic-level equestrians abound, as do a number of World Games and Olympic hopeful prospects.

Admittance to the Horse Trials is free of charge and food and tack vendors are on grounds. Spectators are welcome to take part in the thrill of cross-country jumping by walking the course and cheering the riders along the way. Volunteers are always needed, so please call 817-599-8159 if you are interested in helping.

GENERAL SCHEDULE:

Friday, April 30: 9:30 am -4:00 pm: Dressage

Saturday, May 1: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm: Dressage

9:30 am – 3:30 pm: Cross-Country Jumping

10:30 am – 3:30 pm: Stadium Jumping

Sunday, May 2: 8:30 am – 2:00 pm: Cross-Country Jumping

10:30 am – 3:30 pm: Stadium Jumping

The Horse Trials are located at 2100 Greenwood Road. Directions and more information are available at  www.greenwoodfarmonline.com. For further questions or requests, contact Christie Tull at 817-599-8159 or email [email protected].