83rd Running of the Virginia Gold Cup

The 83rd running of the Virginia Gold Cup, a world famous event, took place on May 3, 2008, at Great Meadow in The Plains, Virginia. The Gold Cup races were created to be a national event that was designed to showcase the best steeplechasers in the country in a high speed horse racing battle that requires guts and determination. In 1922, the races began as a single race, instead of the seven card races that are run today. In 1924, it began to run under national steeplechasing rules and has run nearly every year since that time. It is held annually on the first Saturday in May and brings over 50 thousand spectators and the finest steeplechasers in the world. Seven hurdle and timber races are held, along with Jack Russell Terrier races, vender booths, tents, and tailgate and hat contests. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Great Meadows Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the open space of Great Meadow’s for the community..

 

Budweiser $200,000 American Invitational

The Budweiser $200,000 Invitational is an annual event held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This show jumping competition selects thirty world-class horse and rider combinations based on their rankings and earnings as of January 31st. This year’s event proved especially challenging with a storm over the stadium that dumped buckets of rain and caused jumps to overturn because of strong wind gusts.

 

2008 CN Railroad Nation’s Cup

The Nation’s Cup, held once a year in Wellington, Florida and part of the CN Winter Equestrian Festival, was won by Team USA. It was the first time that America won this coveted championship since 2003. They held their own against a record nine other countries, fielding 29 world class horse and rider combinations. Reigning champion Team Canada rode hard for second place with Mexico in third.

 

The 12th Annual Hunter Spectacular

On February 23, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center hosted the 12th annual AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular. Horses and riders competed throughout the week for the top spot in their division. The top horse and rider teams from these divisions went on to compete in Saturday night’s Spectacular. Saturday evening's event was a showcase of some of the very best hunters and hunter riders in the world. Elizabeth Boyd and Fiyero came out on top overall.

 

Life Outside the Ring

Most any horse event is a virtual feast for the eyes; the well-groomed horses, the decorative show jumps, and the artfully landscaped grounds. However, if you wander behind the scenes and down the bridle paths, there is plenty more than the sporty jumpers and classy hunters to be seen. The Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, is a hive of activity. Here is a look at what one might see between the ring and the barn.

 

An old-fashioned tack shop

The Horse and Hound Saddlery in Franktown, Colorado, is a good old-fashioned saddlery; a throwback in time to the small, family-owned mercantile. It’s where Charles met Wendy when he came looking for a saddle to go foxhunting over 25 years ago. The two have owned Horse and Hound for a quarter of a century now, and nothing much has changed. Customer service still matters, everything is out of the box and free from the protective plastic, ready for you to touch and feel and try out. The smell of new leather, the muted tones and soft lighting will welcome you. The wealth of knowledge and colorful stories from this pair will make you want to come back.

 

Setting the stage for the Winter Equestrian Festival

A fresh new look greets riders, merchants, and spectators this year at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. Equestrian Sports Productions, LLC purchased the old Palm Beach International Equestrian Center as well as dates for the Festival held there. Construction began in December in a race to beat time and be ready for the first day of the Winter Equestrian Festival on January 16th. Equestrian Sports Productions made some drastic improvements, installing and designing the types of features needed by a world-class event venue. These improvements include engineered footing in the jumper rings, stadium seating, and permanent lights for evening events.

 

Polo Under the Lights

The first arena exhibition match since 1999, when polo exhibitions under lights were held at Palm Beach Polo and Country Club was hosted Saturday night, January 19th, by the El Sur Polo Club. The purpose of the new arena polo academy and club is to provide an informal and easy introduction into the sport of polo. With weekly classes offered and exhibitions hosted every other Saturday night, the El Sur club’s mission is to provide an opportunity for new polo enthusiasts to practice their polo skills in casual, friendly competition. The club also provides an opportunity for people to develop a passion and understanding for the sport not easily attained any other way.
For more information contact Dominic State: dstate77@yahoo.com

-Brent Eriksen

 

The 2007 Southeast Weld County Fair in Keenesburg

The Southeast Weld County Fair in Keenesburg, Colorado is a refreshing step back in time to the days of the old time county fair: a community event intended solely to celebrate the town's agricultural roots. Like fairs of yesteryear, the Southeast Weld County Fair is devoid of big name entertainers and glitz, but full of town spirit and fun family activities that exemplify small town America. Keenesburg, a small town of just over a thousand people west of Denver, comes together annually to produce this fair. This 4-H program is unique in that it is one of the only county fair programs in the United States funded exclusively by the private citizens of the county.