Observations from the USA

[eventingblog]

I just joined the forum today, honestly because I wanted to solicit people in the UK to write for our new eventing website: http://eventing-blog.com (sorry for the plug!).

But, in the meantime I kinda got hooked on reading the posts.....

I was born in England (Warwickshire) but have been living in Virginia, USA for many years now. This is the best place to live for eventing here in the US, but Eventing is considered a niche sport. There are only about 12,000 members of the US Eventing Association and we are lucky on the East Coast because we have a lot of events. On the West Coast they regularly drive 8-16 hours to compete at a horse trial, let alone an FEI competition.

I think you are very lucky in England that you have so many nice horses and so many places that are relatively close.

Having said all that, I am so impressed with the quality of the posts and information here - I hope to learn a lot and maybe occasionally add some value

Happy eventing

 

[kirstyfk]

Where about in VA do you live? I spent my summer at a summer camp on the Virginia/ West Virginia border. It is a lovely area.

 

[dieseldog]

I go to Washington quite a lot with work and down into Maryland. We drive past a massive show centre just off the interstate the other side of Andrews air force base - do you compete there?

 

[MissDeMeena]

Hi, welcome HHO

I'd say that Eventing was a faily niche sport where ever you go, due to the cost of doing things, before you even think about travel to get to the events!!

Re. the writing about events over here.. I usually write fairly long reports on here, but only about my horses (not the even in general).. but you're welcome to use them if you want!

 

[eventingblog]

Hi kirstyfk

We are in Middleburg, which is kinda close to West VA. And yes, we think it is beautiful too, except when we have 40 mile an hour winds. Like today

Margie

http://eventing-blog.com

 

[eventingblog]

Hi DieselDog

No - we generally compete in VA and in northern MD. There aren't many HTs near DC. I think you might be referring to either Potomac Horse Center or Prince George. They are both Dressage/ Hunter/ Jumper centers. If you are in the area, please drop me a line and maybe we can hook up...

Thanks

http://eventing-blog.com

 

[eventingblog]

Hi MissDeMeena - We would certainly be interested in publishing your pieces - but of course will ask permission first

Thanks!
eventingblog

http://eventing-blog.com

 

[dieseldog]

Yep it was The Show Place Arena at Prince George that we drive past. http://www.showplacearena.com/main_eq.shtml

Looks very smart from the road.

I only usually stay for 2 nights when I go over, generally stay at either Crystal City or down at Solomons Island in Maryland.

Where abouts do you live?

 

[eventingblog]

Hi, we are in Middleburg - its about 50 miles from DC, I would guess (although its probably 10 years since I went to DC). It is a very pretty and horsey place, so on the weekends we see lots of people with DC car registrations coming out for "a day in the country"

Here is the Middleburg website: http://www.middleburgonline.com/

Margie

htp://eventing-blog.com

 

[dieseldog]

The closest I've been to you is Leesburg Pike at the outlet centre and I've stayed in Manassas. Oh and obviously the airport. We tend to stay south of DC when we go.