United States Eventing Association

The post about tailgating at Rolex got me thinking about spectators at events. There are so many fabulous events across the country, and each one offers something special and unique to competitors as well as their supporter crew. I’m most familiar with events in Area II, but I’ve been lucky enough to scope out some winners from other locations as well. Please feel free to add your favorites in the comment sections! Here are just a few that stick out in my mind…

Chattahoochee Hills Horse Trials (Fairburn, Georgia – Area III) – Of course, I’m a bit partial to this amazing facility since it will be the home of the AEC for the next two years. One of the major perks of this massive site is the viewing advantages. There are several fantastic areas where spectators can have a birds-eye view of nearly the entire course.

Maryland Horse Trials (Adamstown, Maryland – Area II) – Fortunately for me, this event is just over an hour away, which makes it an obvious choice for frequent additions on my own calendar. Trailer parking is on a long, sloping hill which backs up to the cross-country course, so you can hang out by your trailer (speaking of tailgating!) and see how the course is riding. Plus, if you have a buddy videotaping or photographing your ride, they can get almost every fence on course by standing in the middle of the field. Oh, and the organizers puts up tents and chairs for spectators to enjoy—hugely popular during the summer events!

Cosequin Stuart Horse Trials (Victor, New York – Area I) – Stuart HT is home to these funny little hills (can’t remember their proper geographical name), but they make ideal viewing spots for spectators and sponsors. Plus, props to Stuart for having a “Spectator Guide” on their website – that’s always a huge help! Stuart also has a rich history…they’ll be a featured event in an upcoming issue of Eventing USA.

Twin Rivers Horse Trials (Paso Robles, California – Area VI) – The Baxter family (organizers) built a massive tower that allows folks to easily scope out the entire course – it’s quite large and a good number of people can enjoy the view. You can see each of the dressage rings, main show jumping ring, and both the front and back sides of the cross-country course. At the last event I attended, there was a little boy selling icy pops – what a lifesaver on a hot day. Oh, and the best place to eat is a tiny hole-in-the-wall gas station just down the road. Some of the best burritoes I’ve ever eaten!

The Event at Rebecca Farm (Kalispell, Montana – Area VII) – What’s not to love about this event? From the hospitality tent at the entrance, to the many helpful signs guiding the spectators to the HUGE spectator hill, to the amazing scenery…I could go on and on. Lots of local community support for this event as well, which is really interesting. Oh, and Qdoba Mexican Grill is a vendor…yum! (Photos left & right from Rebecca Farm)

Galway Downs Horse Trials (Temecula, California – Area VI ) – The VIP tent is right above the main show jumping ring, and also cross-country runs right through the middle of it—you don’t get much closer to the action than that. There’s three different main sections of the course where you can see multiple horses going at once, or you can stand on the main hill and see everyone. Plus, organizer Robert Kellerhouse is extremely welcoming and hospitable—but then again, I could say the same about dozens of other organizers, too!

Feel free to submit your favorite “spectator-friendly” events in the Comments section!