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View Full Version : onstruction at Frying Pan Park, Difficult Run Horse Trial, & Cost of Eventing


steves
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:25 AM
Normally I wouldn’t post to advertise our event since we usually have a waiting list. The purpose of this posting is threefold: 1) dispel rumors that the Difficult Horse Trial(DRHT) is full 2) that the barn construction at Frying Pan Park (FPP) will make the event a problem; and 3) point out that our event is probably the least expensive HT almost anywhere and point to the services we offer eventers from a successful HT.

1) DRHT is alive and well and not full. I have received a number of calls asking if we are still taking entries because they heard we are full. That assertion is not correct. How many entries we take is unclear because of the barn construction but we still have over 50, if not 75 available spots. At the same time there is no question that we have ample entries to run a profitable horse trial. What is restricted is stabling as we only have 6 stalls left. Furthermore, as usual, we will also be offering special prizes for Adult Riders -- we will have additional ribbons for them as well as a team competition.

2) The barn construction does create challenges but the DRHT organizing committee and officials have been able to work around these challenges. In fact there are some benefits. Everyone will ride in one day ─ which should save everyone time and money─ and you will go immediately from SJ to XC and will therefore be on the grounds less than usual. Our XC designer (Brian Ross) has figured out new routes ─ with no loss of distance ─ to deal with the construction and we have some new jumps. Sure there can be some issues we have not thought of yet, but none are apparent to us.

3) Let me point out that the entry fee for DRHT is the lowest one that I have seen for a USEA/USEF registered HT. I have not checked out every horse trial, but for all the ones I checked, no one is as inexpensive as DRHT. Furthermore I want to emphasize that most of the profits from the HT are used to build the jumps at Frying Pan Park that are made available 24/7 360 days a year at no cost. Thus supporting our HT is another way to support your schooling.

Finally, FPP mangement told us that the weak economy has resulted in bids that were much lower than expected and they are going to be able to build 2 barns rather than just one. In addition they appear to be ahead of schedule and should finish in time for our August HT instead of in the fall.

LAZ
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:55 AM
That's all great news--if I were closer I'd come. Thanks for supporting the sport & thie project!

JFS
Apr. 4, 2009, 11:09 AM
Hey Steve,

I hate to correct you but Winona and Stone Gate Farm in Area VIII are less expensive. Training and Prelim are $120 and Beginner Novice and Novice are $110!

We're the weekend after Difficult Run in NE OH (less than 6 hours from Leesburg) and we too still have openings. We're celebrating 25 years of the Winona Horse Trials. This will be the last year that the cross country will be run at the beautiful Huffman farm so you don't want to miss it. We also offer YEH and OTTB tests and schooling rounds of the YEH course which included a bank and water on Fri. afternoon.

I wish we could come Steve, but there is no way the week before our event :)

Jackie
www.stonegatefarm.org

SaddleFitterVA
Apr. 4, 2009, 06:49 PM
I don't know many here in Area II that would travel 6 hours to Ohio for a horse trial that is not a championship.

Not saying your entries are not less expensive, but when we have so many events within 2-3 hours of most of us, the fuel and wear and tear would more than eat up those "savings".

I need to contact the DRHT people and make a monetary donation because while I have no interest in competing XC, I use that park many times a year and love schooling XC.

Perhaps he was comparing Area II recognized entries, not other Areas.

LexInVA
Apr. 4, 2009, 07:25 PM
The construction does not go on during the weekends unless there's a specific reason for it to occur because it costs additional money to run a work crew for the weekend in addition to the weekdays not to mention that it is peak park usage time.

kt-rose
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:10 PM
I would love to go but my young horse needs a few outings at BN and Saturday is GOLD CUP!!!!! You always run such a smooth and friendly event!!

yventer
Apr. 4, 2009, 09:26 PM
I will probably not enter many recognized events this year, but Difficult Run will be one of them!

Catalina
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:48 AM
I entered both of my guys at DRPC. I made the decision to enter there over the other event that weekend based on several factors: price :); the fact that results are up lightning quick (I waited last year at one shall remain nameless event for over three hours for results :(); vicinity of parking to everything; and the friendliness of everyone there :D.

Question steves: Is Training running on Saturday or Sunday?

Invested1
Apr. 5, 2009, 09:53 AM
Can't believe I have to work that weekend.... :sigh:

JFS
Apr. 5, 2009, 12:10 PM
Yeah, you guys are really spoiled in VA with so many events so close :)

Jackie

steves
Apr. 5, 2009, 08:10 PM
I entered both of my guys at DRPC. I made the decision to enter there over the other event that weekend based on several factors: price :); the fact that results are up lightning quick (I waited last year at one shall remain nameless event for over three hours for results :(); vicinity of parking to everything; and the friendliness of everyone there :D.

Question steves: Is Training running on Saturday or Sunday?

It is currently scheduled to run sat only and should be done realtively early

LexInVA
Apr. 6, 2009, 02:03 AM
Can't believe I have to work that weekend.... :sigh:

You work?! When did this happen?! :lol:

Invested1
Apr. 6, 2009, 09:38 AM
You work?! When did this happen?! :lol:

Every once in awhile. ;)
And I can't even complain about having to work that weekend as it's for *my* company... :D

Catalina
Apr. 6, 2009, 02:19 PM
It is currently scheduled to run sat only and should be done realtively early

Perfect! :D

bosox
Apr. 6, 2009, 09:08 PM
I concur that DRHT is one of the lowest in Area II. I don't even think their price is different from last year's entry fee(and if it did go up-it went up a lot less than some others) I do think people are "tightening" their belts this year.

The grounds are great and we have walked the course before. We have not been able to enter your event b/c it does conflict w/another event for us (not HT) in NC. If I wasn't committed to going to this other event--we would surely attend your event.

I hope your numbers pick up and that you have another great event and that one day little sox and I can participate at your venue.