Best Area for low level eventing?

[caryledee]

In your opinion, what part of the country is the best place for someone to enjoy low level eventing? I'd like to find someplace with competitions (within a reasonable drive, don't have to be USEA) at least 2x a month, mild winters, cost of living that is not outrageous, and close enough to a major town so employment is possible. Does this place exist??

[luise]

Maybe MD/VA area? Seems like there are lots of unrecognized events there if you're interested in that. Where I am in CT there are lots of events within 2 hrs, but no mild winters!

[wildlifer]

NC

[sharri13]

Area 1. Our winters, however, are cold. I live in NH. I have multiple events within 1.5 hours of driving. Even more if I want to stretch that to 2.5 hours. Lots of horse activities. Beautiful seasons. Although Area 1 used to be the mecca for upper level eventing in the summer, it has become a great community for BN, N and T level riders.

[caryledee]

What part of NC?

[caryledee]

I lived most of my life in Chicago and I would rather not go back to that kind of weather!! :)

[wildlifer]

The Southern Pines area is a hotbed for Area II eventing. And pretty good weather too (I HATE snow). Competitions are seasonal, we don't have so many in mid-summer when it's hot enough to be hard on the horses. Of course, there's a lot going on in Aiken, SC too but it's a lot pricier down there (and hotter). I live about 2 hours north of Southern Pines now and there's certainly plenty to do if I just had the cash to do it.

[FrittSkritt]

Area 2 is great. The MD/VA area probably has the most events, but the cost of living is ridiculously expensive (IMO)... I'd rather be in Southern Pines or possibly PA.

[BestHorses]

Area II over Area I definitely. The northern MD, DE, southern PA areas have waaay more quality unrecognized events, quality schooling places and quality trainers in a compact area. Area I winters are harder and the areas close to cities are super expensive. Maybe some places in Area III? I don't know what the summers are like though. Do people give horses summers off there instead of winters? :)

[Mariequi]

We rode (I've been in KY for a while) EARLY or LATE in the worst heat of the summers and covered arenas are great. Didn't see a lot of indoors, but didn't need them. Here there's a lot of riding missed in the winters if you don't have or have access to an indoor. Areas II or III are the best I would think. You could still live outside of Aiken or anywhere in SC - or upstate near NC and reach a zillion events in a short period of time.

[eventer_mi]

I disagree with wildlifer. We have something going on down here about once a month, but when it comes to recognized lower level events, there isn't much going on unless you want to travel about 3-4 hrs. For example, my horses are in Southern Pines. I can get to the Horse Park (about 4 shows a year, all recognized) within 20 minutes. After that, there's The Ark (2 hrs, 2 rec. shows and a bunch of unrec.), The Fork (2 hrs and one rec. show), FENCE (about 4 hours), all the stuff in Aiken and surrounding areas (about 4 hrs), and that's about it. We do have some lovely unrec. stuff, such as FenRidge (only goes to Novice), Foxtrack holds a wonderful little baby event 4 times in a summer, Tamarack Hill holds 2 unrec., but when it comes to Training and above, you're going to have to travel.

It's expensive living down here, and d#mned (d@mned) hard to find a job, unless you have mililtary connections. The closest industry is Raleigh, and that's a good hour away from Southern Pines. There's nothing to be found in Southern Pines/Vass/Aberdeen, unless you're an independent business owner. I'm a teacher, and Mr. E-MI is in the Army, so we're okay, but I wouldn't want to be down here looking for a job unless I was ex-military, or in the health services.

[rhymeswithfizz]

I live in the Denver area, and we have what you describe. I could ride in a lower level event just about every weekend if I wanted to (including some really great, cheap 2-phases, where I can have a great day for under $75), all within an hour or two. Cost of living can be cheap if you live on the east side like me and commute to the big city. My town is a horse mecca; I am just a few minutes away from the Colorado Horse Park, which has something going on every weekend. Our seasons are typically mild as we are a desert climate. It is not unusual at all to have 70 degree days in January and 50 degree days in July. In fact it's in the 50's here right now!

Not many events here above the Prelim level - we thrive on the lower level rider! The economy is doing OK, slightly better than average than the rest of the country I think.

[scubed]

S. PA/N.MD or DE
Plantation, Fair Hill, Waredaca all within 2 hours plus many lower level only venues and schooling shows, etc. Decent weather, great access to instructors, good community

[apachepony]

I have to agree with Eventer mi.

I live in Raleigh. Denny has a great unrec. in SP twice a year (though one is on a weekday which is useless for us working people). Foxtrack has a few teeny tiny events in SP.

Fenridge is an hour away and runs a very nice unrec. Hillcrest also has an unrec 2x a year, but it's closer to 2 hours, as is TTC.

The Ark and Fork are 3-4 hours away. Virginia horse trials is 5 hours, I think.

Carolina Horse Park is great for recognized events, but schooling is only a few times a year and heineously expensive. Fenridge is open a few times a year for schooling. I've heard that Denny's is only open for schooling if you lesson with select trainers. There's just not much avaliable for schooling in the area.

I think Southern Pines is a trainer mecca. I don't see it as an amateur/green horse mecca, though i'm sure everywhere else has it's lack of opportunities as well.

[caryledee]

Thanks everyone; I appreciate the help! Job prospects are a big part of this since i am not financially independent! Really I don't expect to do anything over novice level; my interest is starting OTTBs on a second career. I'd just like somewhere to school and have access to little competitions.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

S. PA/N.MD or DE
Plantation, Fair Hill, Waredaca all within 2 hours plus many lower level only venues and schooling shows, etc. Decent weather, great access to instructors, good community


I agree....many affordable locations for schooling. Espeically greenies...tons of good instruction (particularly in PA).

Plus, as far as job markets are concerned...there is a lot. Philly is the biggest city...although depending on where you live, Baltimore may not be too far.....and many smaller cities. Several different industries are located in this area (some outside of the city) as well as many good universities and colleges.

Winter is fairly mild (coming from someone who HATES winter)--especially compared to Chicago. Summer isn't too bad either. Competitions start late march through November.

Also, if OTTBs are what you want....TONs in this area. Both breeders, tracks and training centers. Not just flat racing but also a lot of jump racers (steeple chase and timber).

I'd find a job first and then look at horses.

[Catalina]

I live in NW MD. The cost of living is not too bad here (compared to the DC metro area) and housing is reasonable. There are literally TONS of shows within an hour or so of me and I could go to one every weekend if I wanted to. There are a number of race tracks that are close enough to visit in one day. Winters are fairly mild with February being pretty much the only month I hole up and don't ride. I absolutely love it here :D.

[yellowbritches]

I agree with the Area II people, especially MD and north. Here in the DC metro area (and Fritt is so right. PRICEY), we can do something almost every weekend from April right on through Novemeber. I just finished sending out the fall schedule to everyone in our barn...we had to pick and choose, because, realistically, from September all the way through until Rubicon in early Novemeber, we could go to a recognized event...and only stable once.

And that's not counting the unrecognized stuff, the dressage shows, the numerous hunter and jumper shows. We can be very busy if we choose so.



PS- The nice thing about this area (and the further north areas others have mentioned) is that the recognized events have something for just about everyone. Only two of the events we picked go as high as prelim, and they all went down through BN.

[pegasusmom]

Is $35 to school a top level XC course heinously expensive? So far this year the course has been open 5 times, just about once a month and will be open several more times through the end of the year - next date is August 16th.

We will be adding a starter horse trial this fall, unrecognized, maiden through Novice to the CHP calendar.

As for job opportunities, yes the best bets are related to Ft. Bragg, and with the Base Realignment and Closure Act shifting two major headquarters here to FBNC, you might want to take a look at GS positions. In the next two years the opportunities to get your foot through that door are quite good.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

Is $35 to school a top level XC course heinously expensive?


no...actually that is pretty standard to school just about any xc course. $25-50 is the typical range that I see.

[piaffequeen]

[
As for job opportunities, yes the best bets are related to Ft. Bragg, and with the Base Realignment and Closure Act shifting two major headquarters here to FBNC, you might want to take a look at GS positions. In the next two years the opportunities to get your foot through that door are quite good.[/QUOTE]

Hey Dana-what are GS positions?

[wildlifer]

I guess it depends on whether you care if events are recognized or not (I don't) and what business you are in. :-)

[JWB]

Florida is the place to be.... Cost of living is low, winters don't get much milder. If you settle in the Ocala area you've got recognized horse trials within 2 hours most of the year. Go east and you've got the Orlando area - lots of tech jobs north of there and tourism to the south, go sw and you're in Tampa - Tons of jobs there. I'm not sure how booming the Ocala job market is but obviously there are people living there.

There's also a pretty active local horse trial association that runs unrecognized events (poles on the ground through training) on a fairly frequent basis
http://www.fhta.addr.com/

BUT - Everything shuts down in the hottest months of summer. Rocking Horse does a schooling show about every 6 weeks but nothing recognized for about 3 months.... Of course lots of us get out to dressage and jumper shows or take extra lessons during the summer break. I think the FHTA runs an adult eventing summer camp up at Canterbury.

[Coppers mom]

Is $35 to school a top level XC course heinously expensive? So far this year the course has been open 5 times, just about once a month and will be open several more times through the end of the year - next date is August 16th.

You forgot about the $100 to join the park that you have to pay before the $35 per schooling. It's worth it if you've got something going over training, but I think that most people schooling the lower levels aren't going to want to technically pay an average $55 per schooling (For the five you've had this year.). You'd have to have over 100 schoolings for it to actually average around $35 each. Just to toddle around Novice and below with a single horse, it is a bit expensive.

[NMK]

Area VIII--and we've got plenty of OTTB sources. Ohio has a mini trial series, lots of events and three TB tracks. Of course there is the KY Horse Park. KY has nice tracks as well. The cost of living is better here than in some places.

Nancy

[caryledee]

Thanks again; this is really interesting! I currently live in Lexington; the horse park and masterson are great but the smaller show/event scene is almost non existent.

[Aspire2JumpHigher]

I'd have to say MD/VA as well because of the number of events around. But I'm partial...

[denny]

Right around the general GMHA area there are more events than most people can do.

This does NOT apply in January, however.

[pegasusmom]

You forgot about the $100 to join the park that you have to pay before the $35 per schooling. It's worth it if you've got something going over training, but I think that most people schooling the lower levels aren't going to want to technically pay an average $55 per schooling (For the five you've had this year.). You'd have to have over 100 schoolings for it to actually average around $35 each. Just to toddle around Novice and below with a single horse, it is a bit expensive.

It's $75 if you are a renewing member of the park and apparently many folks don't mind as the turn out is usually quite good. Given the amount of money it takes to maintain any top level cross country course there are those that don't mind the fee. Those that do generally stay home.

[CookiePony]

Thanks again; this is really interesting! I currently live in Lexington; the horse park and masterson are great but the smaller show/event scene is almost non existent.

Do you know about Champagne Run Mini Trial/ Summer School Mini Trial/ Flying Cross Mini Trial/ Spring Run Mini Trial/ Antebellum Farm CTs/ Sayre School/ Octoberfest/ Snowbird and Summerbird?

[Coppers mom]

It's $75 if you are a renewing member of the park and apparently many folks don't mind as the turn out is usually quite good. Given the amount of money it takes to maintain any top level cross country course there are those that don't mind the fee. Those that do generally stay home.

No need to get defensive, it's still $100 to initially join, which the OP would be doing if she moved.

$75 in the beginning still makes a hefty price tag for someone doing the lower levels. The Park is excellent for schooling Training and above because of the types of courses it offers, but let's face it, BN and Novice can only be made so exciting. There are tons of places that offer little ditches, beginner type fences, and walk-through water for the less experienced horses and riders.

I think it appeals more to trainers or people with multiple horses at multiple levels, and people looking to move up soon. For the people with one horse at a low level, there's no reason to pay so much to school such simple fences, and most would rather save the money and compete there instead :)

[lstevenson]

You forgot about the $100 to join the park that you have to pay before the $35 per schooling. It's worth it if you've got something going over training, but I think that most people schooling the lower levels aren't going to want to technically pay an average $55 per schooling (For the five you've had this year.). You'd have to have over 100 schoolings for it to actually average around $35 each. Just to toddle around Novice and below with a single horse, it is a bit expensive.


I agree.

It is a lot to pay, and to the best of my knowledge, one of the priceyist places to school in the country when you add in the "friend of the park" fee. Yes, it's a great course. But I don't know of any other places, even great places like the Kentucky Horse Park, that make being a "friend of the park" mandatory before you can PAY to come school. And they probably make a lot more money in the long run due to increased number of riders who can afford their schooling fee.

[caryledee]

Do you know about Champagne Run Mini Trial/ Summer School Mini Trial/ Flying Cross Mini Trial/ Spring Run Mini Trial/ Antebellum Farm CTs/ Sayre School/ Octoberfest/ Snowbird and Summerbird?

Some of those, yes...I do have a hard time finding out about little schooling shows here..they don't seem to be well advertised! And many of them seem to fall on the same day. Any help you could give me would be appreciated!

[Scaramouch]

I agree.

It is a lot to pay, and to the best of my knowledge, one of the priceyist places to school in the country when you add in the "friend of the park" fee. Yes, it's a great course. But I don't know of any other places, even great places like the Kentucky Horse Park, that make being a "friend of the park" mandatory before you can PAY to come school.

Actually, I think you can pay $100 just as a one-off schooling fee without being a Friend of the Park. Obviously paying the Friend fee is a much more economical decision if you want to school there twice in the same year. :lol: Plus a lot of the schooling dates are right after competitions, which I would think make them less accessible to people in the area who are showing and wouldn't want to school the same course the next day?

[Coppers mom]

Actually, I think you can pay $100 just as a one-off schooling fee without being a Friend of the Park. Obviously paying the Friend fee is a much more economical decision if you want to school there twice in the same year. :lol: Plus a lot of the schooling dates are right after competitions, which I would think make them less accessible to people in the area who are showing and wouldn't want to school the same course the next day?

And how is paying $100 just to go once any better? :confused:

[Lori B]

Ease of access to lots of recognized and unrecognized activities at the lower levels: Area II, baby.

Cost of living -- MD & VA are not so cheap. PA is better, but I don't know what one does for a living in rural PA to pay to live there, however cheap it is.

No knowledge of NC, but I can't contemplate living 6 inches farther south (for weather and political reasons) than MD.

It's like buying a horse: cheap, sound, good mind, athletic -- pick any 2 you like.

[Neets]

Missouri, near the Kansas City area, is a fairly good place to be. The cost of living here is moderate to low, and I think jobs are fairly available. We have two events that are within an hour's haul: Heritage Park, which also holds a T3DE along with regular horse trials in the fall and a regular horse trial in the spring, and Mill Creek Pony Club holds an event at Long View horse park in early summer. Both courses go from BN to P. Also, Queeny Park in St. Louis holds both a spring and fall event (I think) and that's not a terrible drive.

[ksbadger]

In your opinion, what part of the country is the best place for someone to enjoy low level eventing? I'd like to find someplace with competitions (within a reasonable drive, don't have to be USEA) at least 2x a month, mild winters, cost of living that is not outrageous, and close enough to a major town so employment is possible. Does this place exist??

I'd have to say look at Area 35 (the northern part of Area V & southern Area IV). Much cheaper than anywhere around D.C. and, dependent on your specialty, still reasonably good job prospects. Check out the calendar on the website & you'll see that we have plenty of recognized & unrecognzed shows plus several barns have their own XC - free to school. There's also a lot of OTTBs in the area.

[forestergirl99]

Area II over Area I definitely. The northern MD, DE, southern PA areas have waaay more quality unrecognized events, quality schooling places and quality trainers in a compact area. Area I winters are harder and the areas close to cities are super expensive. Maybe some places in Area III? I don't know what the summers are like though. Do people give horses summers off there instead of winters? :)

I live in Area III. The summers here are pretty hot. I live in TN, and the further south you go, the hotter it gets. Our horses still get worked in the summer though. Out winters are also mild enough so that we can ride then too. We can basically ride all year round. Lots of places to ride, but it's more h/j then eventing. Luckily my barn is 15 mins away from a big Equestrian Park.

[hb]

Area VII has two recognized events a month from mid-May to mid-October, a handful of unrecognized lower level events and combined tests, very mild weather (the western half of Washington State closes down if there is an inch of snow, and summer temps have only gone over 100 degrees ONCE (yesterday)), no poisonous snakes or spiders and few ticks (on the Wet, I mean West side of the mountains), easy access to quality hay (don't remember ever having trouble getting any kind of hay any time of year), several good local trainers and opportunities for clinics with well-known clinicians throughout the year, a couple of good x-c courses that are open pretty much all season for schooling at $25 a ride, spring and early fall adult rider camps, decent job opportunities, affordable housing if you know where to look. It's not an eventing hotbed but it's fine for lower level.

[apachepony]

Is $35 to school a top level XC course heinously expensive?

We will be adding a starter horse trial this fall, unrecognized, maiden through Novice to the CHP calendar.

The others explained exactly what I was meaning. When I joined, it was $75 to be a friend of the park, and $50 a schooling (I realize it's been made cheaper now). CHP is a beautiful, great place to school, but to me, yes, that is very expensive. Issues later in the year caused me to only be able to school twice, so that averaged out to be ~$88 a schooling. Those two schoolings were great, and i'm glad I did them, but it made me realize that I can't afford to risk $75 on the chance that something might make me miss a good number of the schooling opportunities. That's the cost of multiple lessons or an unrecognized horse trial for me.

I am very happy to hear that CHP will be doing an unrecognized! I love the course and facilities, but a recognized over multiple days is simply out of my price range with the stabling or non-stabling fees. I hope i'm able to attend that one.

[CookiePony]

You can look at the MSEDA calendar: http://www.mseda.org/
If you join you will get a newsletter with entry forms for most unsanctioned events, CTs, etc. You can also win year-end awards.

[LisaB]

We are actually getting quite a few eventers in Charlottesville. I'm in a little hotbed right here in Gordonsville. I have a dr person as a neighbor, riverpup lives right around the corner as well as the Boehme's. Then they have access to where Bonnie Mosser is with a ton of trails. Emily Beshear is a 20 min drive with horse farms surrounding her in Somerset. And south is Plain Dealing and the Combs.
And w. of Charlottesville has lots of gorgeous farms and a really good hunt.
For jobs, there's the gov't, you need a clearance for that, the hospital, the university, SNL financial, Plow and Hearth and Crutchfield. The big employers are the gov't and the university.