United States Eventing Association

The ninth annual Surefire Horse Trials will take place June 22-24 at Jan Byyny’s Surefire Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Organizers are excited to announce that this year, SmartPak is sponsoring the $10,000 John C. Chester Intermediate Challenge on Friday, with Beginner Novice through Preliminary divisions running over Saturday and Sunday.

Popular with professionals as well as amateurs, the Surefire Horse Trials are set on Byyny’s spectacular Virginia property which features rolling terrain, beautifully presented cross-country jumps, and grass dressage and stadium arenas. This year’s competitors can expect a large number of new jumping efforts and a re-routed cross-country track. Over 400 horses competed in 2011 and organizers expect a similar turnout in June.

Surefire has also been designated a Professional Riders Organization (PRO) Junior Young Rider Training Level Scholarship observation competition. Young riders who wish to be considered for PRO’s Eastern U.S. Training Scholarship will be vying to win a free week’s training with either Jan Byyny or Marcia Kulak. For more information about PRO’s Training Level Scholarship, go to: http://www.professionalriders.org/jr_scholarship.htm.

Horse Trials organizers Jan Byyny and Christy Stauffer have assembled an experienced team of officials to ensure the best competition yet, including course designer Tremaine Cooper, jump builders Trav Schick, Joe Stylos and Josh Sylce, footing guru Tom Finnen and incomparable event secretary Mary Coldren handing entries and scheduling among others.

Help with the horse trials is needed for all three days; please contact Christy Stauffer to find out more. Surefire has become legendary for their excellent treatment of volunteers—sign up today!

More information about the Surefire Horse Trials can be found at www.surefireeventing.com, by contacting Organizers Jan Byyny (540-338-0797) or Christy Stauffer (540-295-1024), or by e-mailing info@surefireeventing.com.