Olympic Equestrian Triumphs at Morven Park’s Spring Horse Trials
April 2, 2019 | Morven Park
Olympic rider Boyd Martin, currently ranked the #2 eventing competitor in the United States and #15 in the world, won both the Open Intermediate Division and the Open Training-A Division at Morven Park’s Spring Horse Trials on March 30 and 31.
Competitors, spectators, judges, and volunteers for this equestrian triathlon were treated to a picture-perfect spring day on Saturday before braving blustery, fence-rocking winds to close out the competition on Sunday.
Morven Park’s 46th annual Spring Horse Trials attracted a record 1,000+ spectators, from very young admirers of horses to diehard supporters of the sport, who all watched with a sense of wonder and awe as horse and rider teams skillfully maneuvered difficult sets of show jumping hurdles, exhibited tremendous grace and elegance during the dressage competition, and navigated the cross-country course obstacles at top speed. The competition included Beginner Novice through Intermediate levels, with dressage and show jumping taking place in Morven Park’s beautiful new outdoor arenas and cross-country running a challenging four-mile course designed by Tremaine Cooper.
Mr. Martin rode Ray Price for a score of 30.20 in Open Intermediate and scored 25.50 on Luke 140 in Open Training-A. “This was my first Morven Park Horse Trials and I could not be more impressed by our staff, amazing volunteers, and this year’s competitors,” said Samantha Franklin, Morven Park’s new Equestrian Center Manager. “We’re known for our lush and rolling cross-country course, but we also received many compliments on the footing and layout of the new arenas. I cannot wait to see everyone return for our Fall International Horse Trials when the Park is bursting with autumn colors and we’ll have even more talented competitors!”
Morven Park wishes to thank the wonderful volunteers and supporters who made Spring Horse Trials a huge success. This year’s Presenting Sponsor was SmartPak, the popular equine supplement and supply company. Additional Supporting Sponsors included AHT Insurance, Climatic Heating & Cooling, MannaPro/Corta-Flx, Farm Credit of the Virginias, Lakewood Vineyard, Liz Millikin Eventing, Mara DePuy Eventing, the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Purcellville Cannons Baseball, Southern States Cooperative, Stubben North America, and The Sue Smith Team – Sold by Sue Realty. Organizations interested in supporting Fall Horse Trials are asked to contact [email protected].
A listing of all competitor results can be found at www.MorvenPark.org/HorseTrials.