Praise for the 2007 Training Level Three-Day

Dear_________,

It's a raw November day in Maine, the competitions are done, and I finally have a chance to sit down and write a letter. I wanted to convey to you how much I am in support of the training level three day event experience I enjoyed twice this year, at GMHA and Waredaca. It was interesting, but I found an old copy of US Eventing when the idea of the training three-day was just a germ of a concept, and now we have the full-fledged reality of that experience to enjoy!

There is a positive spirit at these competitions that is like no other I have seen in my experience of eventing. I came to both of these events solo (without grooms or pit crews-it's hard to get friends and family to give up works days during the week!) and in both cases there were volunteers that simply appeared and were so supportive. I think of competitor Phyllis Hargrove at GMHA, who's horse came up lame in the jog from shoeing and yet she stayed with her daughter to help me (and others), a complete stranger to her. That is sportmanship when her own year-end goal ended in disappointment! Then, at Waredaca, Pats Mansfield and her group of Area II, adopted me as the New England solo act, and again, were there to offer help above and beyond any of which I have experienced.

I have actually competed over the years in five hurricanes. Without question, Waredaca was THE rainiest event I have ever been too but one of the best! I think that is largely in part to the passion Gretchen Butts, Pat Mansfield, Cindy DePorter and their Area II crew have for the event. When it is that rainy and miserable and they are nothing but purely positive and giving- you know it is a labor of love that they and their group put into this event, and belief in the format itself. I came off of cross country into the 10-minute box and again these amazing volunteers appeared and took care of Paxton and I. One man named Alan, and another girl Amy, literally helped me lug my saddle, horse and equipment more than 1/2 mile back to the tents over muddy, flooded roads with such kindness!

Both events offered riders exquisite venues, challenging championship courses, fantastic scheduling, educational seminars and two dressage judges which I think is fantastic (we didn't even see that at the AECs this year.) We also got to ride in a large arena in Maryland.

I had always dreamed of doing a three-day from the time I was in elementary school on my ancient first horse Roanie whom I started eventing when he was 28! Needless to say, we didn't quite make the cut, but now 30 years later we were able to qualify and compete! The number of quality judges, TDs, vets, organizers and volunteers is amazing. (I don't mean to leave anyone out...these are just a few!): Robert Costello (who enthusiastically encouraged many of us in Area 1 to give it a try!); Mark Weissbecker, who patiently fielded questions on everything and was there with advice from steeplechasing to stadium; Robert Stevenson and Peggy Pariso who watched and gave insight into demo dressage rides to help us produce our best tests; Dr. Valerie Kohn and Dr. Julie Augustine, who gave us invaluable support and information into caring for our horses; outstanding cross country course walks from Suzi Gornall, Karen O'Connor, Jan Byyny and Stephen Bradley; a great talk from John Williams; Melissa Hunsberger, Natalie Hollis and Jane Hamlin teaching us how to jog our horses; Pam Weideman, who stood in the pouring rain for hours teaching us how to ride steeplechase; Bit of Britain's mobile van outfitting us for the elements; and did I ever laugh so hard with Danny Warrrington's discussion of roads and tracks and riding cross country!

These people and many others freely donated their time to share their knowledge, vast experience, humor, insight and support while they are teaching AND judging you. All of that being said, their combined efforts gave us the ultimate backdrop for having and unbelievable amount of true fun...I had the time of my life when competing over challenging but safe courses; I learned so much on a number of different levels about myself and my horse; experienced camaraderie with other competitors from another part of the country; and experienced a deeper relationship with my homebred horse than I thought was possible. I also walked away with a profound respect for the commitment our upper level riders put into this, with an appreciation for their talent, work-ethic, resiliency, accessibility and passion for the sport.

Most eventers will never compete at the highest international levels of our sport, but by providing lower level riders like myself a chance to ride in a three-day format gives us insight and opportunity to have a true horsemanship challenge that is rewarding, diversified and safe. Providing a program that offers us access to this type of quality experience and education is unprecedented. Thank you to everyone for making this possible.

Sincerely,
Mary R. Jordan and Paxton Abbey
Wells, Maine
Area 1