Second Annual Three Phase Event
Equestrian News Release
There are three day events for jumping horses that trot and canter and combined driving events for horses that pull carts or wagons but there was never an event for soft gaited horses that are versatile but do not jump or drive. All that has changed with the introduction of The Three Phase Event. Organizers have designed a unique three day test that includes dressage, a stadium obstacle course, and a 30-50 minute cross country obstacle endurance ride. The non-profit organization that brought this format to life last year will present the Second Annual Three Phase Event on April 19 and 20, 2008 in Winchester, Kentucky. Someday, Event founders hope this innovative format will make it to the Olympics.
The first Three Phase Event, held in April of 2007, was a resounding success for the inaugural group of gaited horses and their riders.
One of the US Dressage Federation Judges for the event said that the ultimate goal of dressage is to “learn to be partners with animals rather than dominate them”. She emphasized this “truly classical” approach to dressage is effective with any breed or type of horse, regardless of the type of gait. This horse centric view is well supported by Dr. Martha Day, a judge from the National Walking Horse Association, who has remarked that the event “was more fun than a regular horse show” and promised to come back in 2008 as the Stadium Trail Obstacle Judge.
The event was designed primarily for the soft gaited horses who had no venue of this kind to compete in, but event organizers recommend that trot horses who do not jump are also part of the show in a separate division. With the elimination of slaughter for horses it is very important to provide more showing opportunities. Event founder, Margo Kirn, says “the Three Phase Event extends the performance life of all kinds of horses, from retired Thoroughbred racers, to ex- “Big Lick” Tennessee Walkers. This Event is about horses and riders with a broad range of skills, the Three Phase Event is no beauty contest but a good test of the versatile riding horse.” A separate dressage show for easy gaited and trot horses will be held at the same time.
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