114 compete in Riga Meadow Trials

SALISBURY —Riga Meadow Equestrian Center on Route 41 in Salisbury held its horse trials on Sunday, July 18. The one-day event was a marathon for the 114 competitors and 67 volunteers involved. Bright sun and warm weather with a slight breeze made it generally comfortable for competitors and spectators alike, though a delay in the afternoon due to a fall on the cross-country course meant that a few riders were standing around in the heat waiting for their moment of glory. A horse trials encompasses three different disciplines: dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country jumping. In a one-day event, each horse-and-rider team competes in each of the three disciplines over the course of the day. There are six different levels of competition; the Riga Meadow Horse Trials ran open beginner novice, novice and training. The training level was a new addition this year, with 20 new jumps on the cross-country course, built by Dean Davidson. Next year, Riga Meadow plans to add a water element to the course.The cross-country course is available for schooling. For information, call 860-435-9991. For competition results, go to www.rigameadow.com.