United States Eventing Association

On April 30th the key day of the Heart of the Carolinas Three-Day Event took place with great results. Mother Nature was kind bringing beautiful weather for the Beginner Novice Three-day, Novice Three-day and SmartPak Equine/USEA Training Three-day divisions. When the day was over, Becky Brown rode EZ to the top place with a score of 32.90 in T3D. Anne Lane-Maunder continued her lead on Penny Lane in the N3D (29.30). BN3D rider Jim Baker with Wings completed the Cross Country to maintain his lead (54.30).

Debbie Williamson, Ball Ground, GA, Chief Veterinarian, was pleased with how everything went. “The day went really well. The horses were in good condition. Everyone got to go and the horses finished the Cross Country course with no accidents and finished well in the 10 minute box.”

Debbie is no newcomer to Three-Day Eventing and put the same care into this event that she does for the higher level events she does. “I set this vet box the same way I would at any FEI event and it went like clockwork thanks to an excellent group of volunteer help,” she added.

Gayle Curtiss, Brookville, MD, was the announcer. The former lawyer commented, “I thought it was a wonderful group of volunteers. The course was in terrific condition and the competitors were excited to be here. It was clear the competitors were here to learn and perform.”

Eric Dusa, Cheraw, SC, Facility Manager, went non-stop all week in order to ensure the grounds were the best they could be. “I think that everyone had a good time. Everything held up good despite the three inches of rain that fell the day before the first day. My staff needs to be thanked because if it wasn’t for them things would never have gone as well as they did.”

Eric’s job is to “oversee everything outside the four walls of the barn,” he jokingly explained, but anyone who saw him throughout the week knew he wasn’t kidding. “Two days before the Dressage we aerated all the Roads & Tracks and the day beforeDD we Harley raked and that gives the horses a good soft top to run on but still provides a secure base,” he explained.

Jim Baker and Wings - Beginner Novice Leaders

Jim Baker and Wings really appreciated what Eric and his crew did with the footing. “This is truly the finest Roads & Tracks I have ever ridden,” Jim commented. “The condition and the effort they put into it were phenomenal. Wings did well. The Steeplechase was a little challenging, because I had to have three lead changes which he doesn’t necessarily do on request. Making the time was a concern but we did.”

WIngs continued his winning ways over the Cross Country course. “He had challenges at three different fences because of the questions being asked and the look of the fences,” explained Jim. “But as long as I sat back and kicked on he did it. The Cross Country in general was phenomenal as far as the quality and placement of the jumps in relation to light and dark. This course was just wonderful. It was a really good horse course.”

Now Jim is looking ahead to the Stadium Jumping and after walking the course he’s already got his plan. “Fences 2-3-4 are uphill jumps which are going to require a push and then you come downhill,” he commented. “Then for fence #5 you have to make a decision to either do a tighter turn or wider turn. I’ll make that decision based on how the horse is going and the time. From 5 you have to change leads - it is downhill - 7-8 is a gallop but a sharp turn back to 9. Then 9-10 will be a beautiful ride. The hope is to have a good jumping position over 10 because that’s where all the cameras will be.”

When asked how Wings was faring, Jim commented, “Overall I think he is feeling successful having done what he has done today, his first ever Three-Day Long Format. I think he feels good. After the Endurance phase he was tired but 2-3 hours later he was alert and very proud of himself, which is the best possible result and sets him up well for the next Three-Day.