EVENTING DAILY
So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event to Showcase Nation’s Finest Eventing Riders and Clinicians
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Posted by Diana De Rosa



They will serve as clinicians to the first event that will showcase all three of the lower levels (Beginner Novice, Novice and Training) as recognized three-day events. In the past Training has been recognized at the three-day level but it was only this past February that BN and N were added into the fold by the U.S. Eventing Association.

The event will have social functions, contests and prizes for first place winners from both Nikon and Breyer. Best of all on the “getting ready” day where clinicians work with the riders, that’s when some of the nation’s finest will be there to help out. These include Pan American Games veteran Holly Hudspeth; Susan Beebee, who has competed at Rolex; J. Michael (Charlie) Plumb, winner of the 1990 Fair Hill CCI**; Olympic veteran Robert Costello; Pan American Games Gold Medalist and Olympic alternate Will Faudree; World Equestrian Games (WEG) veteran Rebecca Howard; Show Jumping Course Designer Marc Donovan, Dressage Judge Sue Smithson and FEI “I” Cross-Country Course Designer Tremaine Cooper.
The clinicians are thrilled to be a part of this event and offered their insight.


Pan American Games Gold Medalist Will Faudree joined the other clinicians in his praise for the So8ths/Nikon Three-Day Event noting, “I am very excited to be a part of this educational experience for riders. The Long Format gives people more of an opportunity to feel what is happening underneath you, and the demand of horsemanship. I am looking forward to being a part of this program.”
One of the most exciting comments came from event Organizer Foy Barksdale who remarked, “On opening day for entries, March 20, we were halfway filled from the electronic entries alone! I feel confident that we will not only fill but have a waiting list. I think offering a $75 discount was key to getting entries in early which really helps with bookkeeping and planning for supplies, etc. Once we receive the mailed entries that are postmarked by the opening date as well as the cross-entries, we can then start additional infrastructural planning such as how many porta-potties to order and things such as that.”
She continued, “The clinicians that we have lined up are excellent and will be covering everything from how to jog your horse in the inspections to what studs are best for what conditions, what the Dressage judges are looking for, how to figure times for phases A & C and so much more. The competitors will come away never forgetting this experience and much closer to their horse just as their horse will feel much more bonded to their rider. I can’t wait to see the smiles on everyone’s face!”

Charlie Plumb comes from a long line of equestrians and is happy to share his expertise. Charlie said, “I own/train out of a semi-private Eventing facility in Southern Pines, NC. I have been competing at the upper levels of Eventing for a number of years and currently have four horses of my own and seven client horses in training, including Ard Denzil, an ISH owned by Dianne Lucas who is quite special. As a son of two Olympians, I am completely passionate about being the best I can be in the sport of Eventing. My goal in teaching in this clinic is to encourage and educate others who are as passionate about Eventing as I am."
