Eventers in Missouri [Archive]

Painted1

Jul. 7, 2008, 10:53 AM

Hey there!

I am currently in the ideal eventing area - Area 2. I'm extremely happy where I'm at, love the paper chases, horse trials, and local horse community.

However, my fiance wants to possibly move back to Missouri (where he's originally from) and I had lived there a short while in Grundy County and didn't have a clue as to what to do with my horses! I already stated I probably won't go back there. We would live a 150 miles out of Kansas City and 250 miles away from St. Louis.

However, I am looking for any eventers in the Missouri area to talk to that can tell me what there is that maybe I just couldn't find when I lived there! SO... I'd like to network and make associates or friends in the area that can discuss the eventing opportunities in Missouri with me - and I would also love opinions on if the people of Missouri would be interested in equine sports massage therapy for their competitive horses!!

I'd appreciate any Show Me residents to show me that there might be a possibilty.

bludini

Jul. 7, 2008, 02:01 PM

www.usea4.org is the homepage for Area IV. I live 1 hour south of St. Louis. I have friends out where you're talking about and we have quite an active group in St. Louis, several of whom frequent this site.

Come on in! The water's fine!

Blue

devcubber

Jul. 7, 2008, 09:24 PM

I am the organizer of Queeny Park Horse Trials held in St. Louis, MO. There are lots of places to go in KS and MO and IL, and active groups across the state.

PM me and I'll add you to the Queeny Park email list to keep you apprised of what's going on in St. Louis, and point you to other sites you may want to check out in Area IV!

ksbadger

Jul. 7, 2008, 10:27 PM

Painted One,
I send out & keep up a website with the majority of eventing, dressage & associated shows & clinics in both Area IV and Area V. You can check out what's happening on the calendar on the website below. PM me your e-mail & you can get a monthly update. The folks in Missouri (CDCTA in Columbia & MACTA in KC) are great - you'll probably want to contact Painted Wings and Abrownhorse for more local info.
Welcome to Area IV!

fleabites

Jul. 7, 2008, 10:47 PM

St. Louis here! There is a pretty good base of horsey people in St. Louis, and it seems like Kansas City too. In St. Louis there is Queeny Park, in Kansas City there is Heritage park and Longview Horse Park, in Illinois there is Dunnabeck HT. I know I am forgetting some too :).

DEFINATELY let devcubber put you on her email list, Queeny is GREAT!

Painted Wings

Jul. 7, 2008, 10:52 PM

Hey we are few but friendly. There is a great group in KC and then the crazies in St. Louis. I think there are those in KC that stalk some in St. Louis. Or at least that's what I read on the internet so it must be true.

Anyway, you'll be far from anywhere with the price of gas and diesel what it is. Still we have a good time with what we have.

The Queeny Park, Longview, Dunnabeck, Heritage, and Longview facilities are all great.

SmallHerd

Jul. 8, 2008, 09:32 AM

I'll vouch again for Queeny Park. We rode there again last weekend.

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Painted1

Jul. 8, 2008, 10:11 AM

Are there many starter horse trials to school novice horses at before recognized events?

Do you all generally event once or twice a month?

Are there any facilities with open xc courses for schooling (although I know it would be a hike to do so)?

How about jumper shows? And combined tests?

Now, do you all tend to travel with another competitior or do you suck up the gas prices yourselves?

I appreciate all of your information. Please send e-mails to jumpers307@yahoo.com and let's talk!!

Hannahsmom

Jul. 8, 2008, 12:07 PM

abrownhorse is also in MO. She has a really cool private farm. Don't have her website handy.

bludini

Jul. 8, 2008, 02:23 PM

abrownhorse is also in MO. She has a really cool private farm. Don't have her website handy.

http://www.stoneridgeeventing.com

Are there many starter horse trials to school novice horses at before recognized events? Queeny park hosts a mini event and offers a starter novice course at their recognized event. There's another local private farm or two who host unrecognized events which are especially beneficial for greenies.

Do you all generally event once or twice a month? I did. Some do more. I've evented in Area III, V, and VIII as well as IV...WHILE LIVING IN ST. LOUIS!

Are there any facilities with open xc courses for schooling (although I know it would be a hike to do so)? QP. There's another course in IL which has chosen to not host any events for awhile but several of our members have an "in" there and can school there on appointment. Play nice and you'll get to come too!:) Also, there's Hunter Oaks which puts on a few really good clinic/CT combinations (Jim Graham) and a HT in the fall.

How about jumper shows? And combined tests? Yep. St. Louis offers a series at a really cool indoor facility, check MHSA and MOHJO for information, Columbia hosts HJ shows too, I think.

Now, do you all tend to travel with another competitior or do you suck up the gas prices yourselves? We travel in packs like wild dogs. PaintedWings is right about the STL group being the crazies and only the bravest of the KC group dare to hang with us! :winkgrin: :D

achcosuva

Jul. 8, 2008, 02:44 PM

I just moved to Jefferson City, MO 3 weeks ago from Charlottesville, VA. The change is a bit of a shock -- as in, the closest tack store is 30 minutes away, and not even really a tack store. Just Tractor Supply. Charlottesville had multiple tack stores 5-10 minutes from my house/barn, and a Dover Saddlery was one of them! Having to order bell boots from a catalogue this past week made me shudder, but I bore it well and survived.

But I have managed to find a wonderful stable here in Missouri, not far from the city, and with eventers! Moving to the (seeming) middle of nowhere was painful, but it's really not so bad now that I'm here. The countryside is (almost) as pretty as Virginia, the horse people at my barn are just as nice (if not nicer!) as any horse people I've ever encountered, and best of all, board is much cheaper than in Virginia. I could never afford to keep my horse at a nice place with an indoor ring in VA, but now I can! Hay is incredibly cheap, too, though this year it's supposedly more expensive than ever before. Still cheaper than Charlottesville!

I haven't been here long enough to experience any eventing outside of the barn where I've got my boy, but it doesn't look all that bleak. I know an eventer over in Kansas City, and I know there is some sort of big dressage show up in Columbia. I think someone mentioned that in an above post.

Sorry if I can't be too much help, but I can assure you that the move from East Coast eventing to Mid-Missouri eventing isn't as terrifying as it may seem at first. Except for the tack store problem.

achcosuva

Jul. 8, 2008, 02:54 PM

Also, I collected these links before I moved out here. Perhaps they would be helpful to you as well:

The Mid-America Combined Training Association
http://www.macta.info/index.html

Columbia Dressage and Combined Training Association
http://www.cdcta.org/

Missouri Dressage Association
http://www.missouridressage.org/Home.htm

Area IV Homepage
http://www.usea4.org/index.htm

Missouri Horse Show Association
http://www.missourihorseshowsassociation.com/

And I used Grand-Champion Horse Transportation to get Mocha shipped over here. They were great and took care of Mocha, calling me both days to let me know how he was doing.
http://www.grand-champion.com

ksbadger

Jul. 8, 2008, 11:03 PM

Painted1

Jul. 20, 2008, 02:56 PM

Anything close to Grundy County?

I am also looking for a reputable trainer in the area or close facility for work or schooling....

I guess the move is almost impossible to avoid if I want to stay with my other half.

As an unrelated question, are there any racetracks or training farms for race horses near Grundy County? I love to exercise racehorses and would love to find a local place to do that at also.

abrownhorse

Jul. 20, 2008, 11:41 PM

abrownhorse, here..finally checking the COTH board after a bit of a hiatus. AKA..busy week at work and home.

Welcome to Area IV! I moved to Springfield, MO (SW part of the state) 5 years ago from Rocky Mount, NC. It took awhile to adjust to the longer drives, 2 day horse trials and lack of nearby fellow eventers. You'll learn to love it eventually!

I just googled Grundy county and found out it is in the northeastern/north central portion of the state. Eeeks!

Have you considered trying to get info on the Omaha, NE crowd and the Ames/Des Moines, IA crew? I think you'd be within a reasonable drive, though 150 to KC is pretty darn good, given the situation.

We're a large and diverse group of eventers, but it just makes for interesting weekends at the horse trials. Think family reunion! We chat on-line using the Area IV Yahoo Group a bit as well.

Would love to chat more with you!

Cynthia

ksbadger

Jul. 21, 2008, 11:01 PM

Painted1,
If you're that far north, I'd suggest contacting Camstock aka Cammie Stockhausen who is just over the border in Iowa. Her website, Field Day, is at www.camstock.net.

Your nearest recognized event may well be up at Catalpa Corners (www.catalpacorner.org) which is near Iowa City.

Old Time Rider

Jul. 22, 2008, 05:43 AM

After looking up Grundy Cty, you're nearest recognized events will probably be Longview & Heritage in Kansas City area - should be easy drive since you'll be close to I-35. Welcome to Misery, I mean Missouri.

jump4it

Jul. 22, 2008, 12:23 PM

There is a good scene here and plenty of oppurtunities. There are many places to school XC and there are alot of good schooling shows that are cheap to get into the jumper ring. Good Luck!

Painted1

Jul. 22, 2008, 12:39 PM

I appreciate all of the responses and kind suggestions for information links!

How do you feel a facility for training and selling sporthorses would fair? Do you all buy horses locally or nationwide?

THANKS again!

Painted Wings

Jul. 22, 2008, 12:43 PM

The horse market is rather soft right now everywhere. I don't see how anyone makes any money off of horses. We are in dire need of good eventing trainers which is why it is a great thing that Holekamps did hosting the ICP program at their farm. Kansas City at least had some eventing trainers. It's tough in St. Louis. Hard to have much growth when there are no trainers to bring the people along. Then those people arent' shopping for horses. I think there is more market in dressage horses.

mo2blue

Jul. 22, 2008, 02:03 PM

I actually grew up in northeast Missouri (Putnam County). You will get some drive time in, but it is beautiful. I have a friend in Kirksville, MO that has done alot in the H/J and dressage worlds. She also buys/sells horses and knows everyone and everything going on in that area. Send me an e-mail and I will get you her info.@ linda5819@hotmail.com
I now live in Kansas City, and have evented in the past, just starting to get back into it now. There are quite a few things in the K.C. area for training that have already been mentioned. I think we all end up driving more here, but I wouldn't live anyplace else! Good luck.

Painted1

Jul. 23, 2008, 09:56 AM

Thanks, I'll send you an e-mail!!

Actually, here on the East Coast, I've noticed the market's starting to pick up a little. It was absolutely horrible this spring, but calls are starting to come in about horses for sale.... of course, not many people actually follow through with appts. to come see the horses, but that's par for course!!!

What kind of breeds do you usually see out eventing in Missouri? Are TBs more popular than WBs? Are full paints pretty common?

okggo

Feb. 16, 2011, 11:20 AM

WB Mom

Feb. 16, 2011, 01:45 PM

Here is a listing of places in the general area. William Woods is located a bit north of Jeff (about 1/2 hour drive).
There are also numbers for farrier, feed, tack, vets, etc.
Hope it's helpful!
https://www.williamwoods.edu/academics/eqs/localboarding.asp

archieflies

Feb. 16, 2011, 08:39 PM

Abrownhorse, I love that you are in Springfield. I had no clue there was anything horsey nearby, except for a small pet store that has a banner under their sign that says "& Equine" (where I once found a whole hoard of Davis splint boots for $8/pair!).

Hubby and I have talked about moving there someday. He was born there and still has some family in Springfield. We just love it there, but I really hunger for horses when we go visit. Maybe next time we make one of those too-long visits to ailing grandparents, I'll have to come by your farm for my horsey fix. :)

mustangsal85

Feb. 17, 2011, 12:09 AM

I believe the Kirkwood Show is the combined test every year, it's usually held in August (?) I think. Correct me if I'm wrong. It's held at the NEC in Lake St. Louis.

ksbadger

Feb. 17, 2011, 12:22 AM

I realize this is an old thread, but we are getting ready to do a similar move (MD to MO - Jefferson City area) so I'm hoping to revive it :)

Also, I'd love recommendations for temporary board. I was given a couple suggestions and e-mailed the people but have not heard back. A safe place we can have them until we get the farm relocated...

Sounds like you may be near our Area IV Adult Rider Coordinator who's at Fort Leonard Wood. Area IV has a Facebook page that's largely taken over from the Yahoo group but the Area IV website is still a great source of information mainly as abrownhorse is the webmaster. The Area 35 website will give you a regularly updated source of clinics, events & shows (see link below).

Jamie2337

Feb. 17, 2011, 09:59 AM

The "english" community in Springfield is growing a bit. I board at a place called Blue Springs Boarding Center, and their trainer, Monet is pretty talented. She is a more hunter/jumper trainer. It has been exciting to find other non-western riders around here! :)

Abrownhorse, I love that you are in Springfield. I had no clue there was anything horsey nearby, except for a small pet store that has a banner under their sign that says "& Equine" (where I once found a whole hoard of Davis splint boots for $8/pair!).

Hubby and I have talked about moving there someday. He was born there and still has some family in Springfield. We just love it there, but I really hunger for horses when we go visit. Maybe next time we make one of those too-long visits to ailing grandparents, I'll have to come by your farm for my horsey fix. :)

wildlifer

Nov. 27, 2011, 07:55 PM

I know this is an old one, but found it in a search and wanted to ask if the links on the first page were still the best place to start and if folks who posted were still in the area? There is a distinct possibility I may have to go from Area II over to the Kansas City area (my weeping heart bleeds, I love my Horse Park and fabo instructors) but my hope is revived a bit finding this thread with some great links. I don't mind doing some driving, I have a great young OTTB coming along and I want his career to be spectacular (well, as much as it can be with me on his back, haha). Would love to know if folks have any feedback on great trainers -- I have been spoiled rotten by an absolutely fantastic team here who have taught me so much, I can't understand why they don't want to move just to follow me!

Oh yeah, that, and if I can't event I will die. ;-P Yeah, you know it's true.

sdlbredfan

Nov. 27, 2011, 08:05 PM

I have heard/read some good things about Stoney Meadows farm in Bonner Springs. I am more of a saddle seat background and dabbling in dressage/hunt seat type rider so am not super knowledgeable on the dressage and H/J barns. My mare is boarded at Abby Road farm and she and I both love it! (www.abbyroadfarm.com is the URL) The care is awesome, the facilities are really nice and so are the people. Contact the owner, Kelly Stewart, as there are just a few stalls left.

One thing that eventers and H/J riders might especially enjoy about Abby Road farm (besides the nice arena) is they have built, or are almost done building, a double fenced lane around the perimeter of the property. Since there are 25 acres, both stall and pasture boarding options, plus that outdoor lane, I imagine that could facilitate keeping an eventer conditioned.

ksbadger

Nov. 27, 2011, 11:29 PM

Wildlifer,
All the links are still valid except that the USEA Area IV website was updated to http://www.useaiv.org/. There is also an active facebook page. If you're going to be in Kansas City then MACTA (www.macta.info) is the local affiliate and hold regular schoolings & clinics at Heritage Park in Olathe.

Stoney Meadows is an excellent facility but is mainly a dressage barn. Carlie Biesel runs Settlers Acres (http://www.settlersacre.com) an eventing barn in the S.E. corner of the KC area in Greenwood, MO and should be able to help you.

Welcome to Area IV.

wildlifer

Nov. 28, 2011, 09:07 AM

Thanks, badger, I appreciate it! I am hoping that if we end up over there, we can set up a little farm. It is great to see active folks in the horse community there and I'm hoping to learn/meet as much/many as I can. Thank you so much for the names/info!

:-)

lovetojump2

Nov. 28, 2011, 11:25 AM

The Midwest is fine. You have to go further for upper level training but on the flip side the events are friendlier and down to earth. You don't have to ride against Olympians at training level. I have competed in areas 1thru 5 and love the Midwest events. It's really fun. There is schooling show series at heritage park, queeny has the mini and horse shows in St Louis should keep u busy. You are close enough to Kentucky Horse Park.you didn't say what level you aim to ride

wildlifer

Nov. 28, 2011, 02:20 PM

Thanks, lovetojump! I actually really like the competition here in Area II -- it certainly keeps you honest and humble when every other person you ride with trains with Phillip or Bobby or Jimmy or or or (not that I can lie, I train with one of those types too on occasion)! And our community is great, I have met so many wonderful, generous, helpful people. But I can also see the appeal of a more laid-back experience -- heck, I just enjoy spending time with great people who love great horses. It's just the loss of my lovely (nonexistent) Carolina winters that pains me most, LOL. Anyway, rambling, sorry.....

I am hoping new guy will take me at least to Prelim; my original partner has retired due to injury at Training. I did check drive time to KHP (haha, I think that was first thing I google) should we ever get to where we have Interm. aspirations, but that's a ways off. So for at least the next couple of years, I'll be navigating him through N/T shooting for a T3DE and then see what he's got at that point. I have been exploring the links in this thread and googling some farms and it seems like there are some options, just a bit further then I am used to driving. But hey, I can use this as a bargaining chip to convince SO that he needs to buy me a big comfy trailer for all that traveling... ;-)

ksbadger

Nov. 29, 2011, 10:15 PM

You don't have to go all the way to Kentucky for CICs or CCIs. In Area IV there's Fox River Valley near Chicago and both Greenwood in Texas (straight down I-35) and Colorado Horse Park (straight west on I-70). We also have many local ICP-rated instructors (http://www.useaiv.org/content/instructors). If you want to try the long format at a lower level, Heritage Park will have both N3D & T3D in the fall.

wildlifer

Nov. 30, 2011, 10:00 AM

Thanks, badger, I had seen the long formats at Heritage Park, was thrilled to see that out there as I am definitely a diehard disciple of "real" eventing!

cobsize

Nov. 30, 2011, 06:02 PM

mustangsal85

Dec. 1, 2011, 08:12 AM

cobsize, sending you a PM. :)

ksbadger

Dec. 2, 2011, 12:11 AM

I don't want to detract from Wildlifer's questions, but if anyone has any suggestions about boarding/training in the St. Louis area I would love to hear them.

I'm moving to St. Louis this summer and bringing one horse. I'll be working squarely in the heart of the city, so boarding not too far away would be great, since I try to be at the barn as often as possible.

An eventing barn would be super, but I'm open to a range of possibilities. I just want my horse to get good care. Access to a trainer would be a bonus.

Thanks for any insights! There's no rush, of course, since the move isn't happening until summer... I'm just looking forward to it, I guess!

Cob,
I know there are several eventers in the Bridlespur Hunt (http://www.bridlespur.com) and, of course, they organize Queeny Park HT (http://www.qpee.org). On this forum, Painted Wings knows the St. Louis eventing scene as well as anyone.
Looking forward to seeing you on XC in Area IV.

cobsize

Dec. 2, 2011, 03:35 PM

Thank you to everyone who has written! I now have so many more places to start looking than I came across with my own internet searching. I can't wait to get out there in the spring and start barn shopping. (Also a place for me to live, but evidently that's secondary to a barn!) I'll be in touch!