Area II Adult Riders to have essay contest to win 3 days with Yvonne Lucas
For the second year in a row, Advanced-level eventer Yvonne Lucas of Red Moon Farm has generously donated a 3-day/4-night mini-camp for T3D aspirants. A firm believer in the value of the long-format, Lucas has been a long-time supporter of both the Area II Adult Riders Training Three-Day. An active member of the Area II Adult Riders program, Lucas also offers free course walks to members at the many area events where she can be found competing.
"For many riders, a three-day event can seem intimidating. I've designed this camp to ease some of the stress that goes along with doing your first three-day. Once here, the contest winner will get an in-depth education about every step of the competition, from the first jog to stadium on the final day," says Lucas.
The schedule is as follows:
- Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon. Discussion on how to best settle a horse into new surroundings (hydration, eating, etc.). Discussion of general and regulatory 3DE info and equipment (allowed bits, studs, etc.).
- Day 2: Discussion of the dressage test, followed by a dressage lesson in the morning where you can practice riding your test. In the afternoon you will discuss dressage scoring, the training scale and dressage showmanship.
- Day 3: Discuss walking the cross-country course, calculating minute markers, and strategy on phases A, B, C, D and in the 10-minute box. Then school cross-country at a nearby course. You will also discuss practical course walking strategy, galloping position, position and balance approaching various types of fences, and use of aids at speed. You will also discuss and practice steeplechase. In the evening you will discuss caring for your horse after cross-country and presentation for the jog on Sunday.
- Day 4: Practice your jog in the morning. Discuss walking your stadium course, then have a lesson over the course. Finish up with a discussion about a horse's "day 3" performance.
Last year's winner Claire McElwain reflects, "This training opportunity exceeded my expectations and fulfilled my goals of appropriately preparing myself and Opie for our first three-day event. I am very grateful to Yvonne for her assistance in making it all happen. My time with Yvonne made the whole three-day experience seem less daunting."
"The Area II Adult Riders are just blown away by Yvonne's generosity. Rather than let this camp experience go to the highest bidder, we've decided to create this essay contest so any amateur has a chance," states sponsorship coordinator Margaret Rizzo of Mythic Landing Events. "Riders are asked to send in a short (500 words or less) essay describing why the T3D is an important goal for you and why training with Yvonne for 3 days will help you achieve your goal. The essays must arrive by August 23rd, to allow the winner to redeem their prize before this year's event if they so choose."
The winner will be announced on August 31st. The winner can choose to utilize this at any time before the 2011 T3D.
You can either email Margaret at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR you can mail your essay to Margaret Rizzo; "T3D Contest"; 10057 Shelldrake Circle; Damascus, MD 20872.
While not mandatory, a $25 application donation to the T3D is appreciated. Checks can be made out to "Area II Adult Riders" and mailed to the address above. OR you can make a $50 donation and receive a "half-jump" sponsorship.
