Get Started in Eventing Through Mini-Trials

This past Sunday on July 10, friends of mine, Emma and Kelsey Parrish, were participating in something called Mini-Trials with their equine partners at Hackamore Farm in North Jackson, Ohio.  

​Emma Parrish with her partner Mikey, a Thoroughbred gelding, resting after their cross country run.

Plenty of trailer parking available at Hackamore Farm.

This was part of 10 scheduled dates making up the 2016 Summer Series Mini-Trials approved by the Northeast Ohio Mini Trial Association (NEOMTA).  Each Sunday competition is held at a different host facility and the goal of the series is to offer fun, safe, and educational competitions.  It is a great place to expose new riders and new horses to another discipline of equestrianism!

​So what exactly is a Mini-Trial Event? There are 3 phases to the competition. The first is Schooling Dressage, followed by Stadium Jumping, and then a Cross Country (XC) run. The scores, with penalities subtracted, are combined to give the participants a final tally. There are various beginner levels offered, ranging from "Very Green" to "Starter", which lead up to "Advanced", all depending on experience of the rider and/or the horse. Riders of any age and horse breeds are welcome to participate.

​From the couple of hours I spent at Hackamore Farm, I got the idea everyone involved, horses and humans, had a great time! The atmosphere was nice and relaxed, even when I was caught on the cross country course with a mounted rider charging straight at me! I felt awful because I had just learned from Emma and Kelsey’s parents, Chuck and Heather Parrish, that XC riders can be penalized for running a time that is too fast or too slow, depending on their current skill level. The competitor took my blunder in stride though, and accepted my babbling apology. Education is not only provided to riders, but to spectators as well!

​I highly recommend if you are looking for something exciting and different to do with your horse or pony, give Mini-Trials a try! For 2016, there is no membership fee to participate in the NEOMTA series, and you do not have to commit to each event. You DO need to register for your choice date during the opening and closing period. Entries are received about 6 weeks prior to scheduled date and the deadline is about two weeks prior to the event. For example, the registration closes for the August 7 Rolling Rock Hunt Pony Club on July 20th, which comes up quickly! Check out the links provided for more information and feel free to reach out to the contact person listed for each hosting stable.

​On Saturdays prior to the scheduled event, mounts are welcome, sometimes for a fee, to run through their paces for XC schooling. In some locations, stalls for your horsey comfort are available on a daily or weekend rental.

​Having three different phases in one day offers variety to you and your equine partner. Each hosting stable has unique stadium jumps and challenges on the cross country course. At Hackamore Farm, I became aware owners and hosts Mr. and Mrs. Milliner built all of the colorful jumps themselves, you can see more on their website, http://www.millinerconcepts.com/#!horse-jumps/ahkms.  The Milliners were gracious hosts of the event, providing strategically placed porta-potties and water for your horse near the trailer parking. An added touch was an escort to my parking spot, which is a small thing but just made me feel so much more welcome!

2016 NEOMTA Summer Series Schedule
www.minitrialassoc.org
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Stone Gate Farm • June 26
https://stonegatefarm.org/
Hanoverton, OH
 
Hackamore Farm • July 10
http://www.hackamorefarm.com/
North Jackson, OH
 
South Farm • July 17
http://www.southfarm.net/
Middlefield, OH
 
Stone Gate Farm • July 31
https://stonegatefarm.org/
Hanoverton, OH
 
Rolling Rock Hunt PC • Aug 7
http://rollingrockhuntponyclub.org/
Laughlintown, PA
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Bath Pony Club • Aug 21
http://bathponyclub.org/
Medina, OH
 
Erie • Aug 28
http://eriehuntandsaddleclub.org/
Edinboro, PA
 
South Farm • Sept 4
http://www.southfarm.net/
Middlefield, OH
 
Sweetwater • Sept 11
http://sweetwater.center/
Ravenna, OH
 
Tri-State Region PC • Oct 2
http://www.tristateponyclub.org/
Medina, OH
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