Horseback riding tends to have a somewhat sissified reputation — perfectly coiffed men and women in top hats and tails perched prettily on top of overpriced hayburners. That is so not the case with the Olympic sport of eventing, an equestrian triathlon that is a test of skill, strength, partnership, and just plain guts. It is definitely not your average horse show.
These riders have grit, their horses have more heart than a Disney movie, and more than 500 of them from every corner of the country will descend on Bouckaert Farm at Chattahoochee Hills in Fairburn, Sept. 8-11, for the Nutrena USEA American Eventing Championships (AEC), presented by Bit of Britain, which is slated to rank as one of the biggest competition in the sport’s nearly 100-year U.S. history.
Eventing has its roots in the cavalry, so we’re talking white knuckle, take-your-breath-away feats of athleticism on the part of both horses and riders, who participate in three different phases over several days. Unlike almost all other sports, men and women compete on equal terms, in the same divisions.
The horse is the equalizing factor, and these horses are unlike any you will see in competition. At the top levels during the sport’s signature phase of cross-country, expect to see them leap off banks almost as high as a refrigerator, jump some fences practically as narrow as a doorway, and bound across ditches as wide as your average car. If you were to compare them to other athletes, think extreme – snow boarders or BMX riders. Think Olympic Games meets X Games.
At the Nutrena AEC, top horses and riders at every level, from juniors and adult amateurs to Olympic veterans, will battle for more than $70,000 in prize money and nearly $100,000 in prizes—not to mention bragging rights, with close to a dozen past Olympic, World and Pan American medalists on hand.
Bouckaert Farm, the host site, is an 8,000-acre equestrian paradise, filled with rolling pastures, lakes, and woodlands running 12 miles along the Chattahoochee River. The farm is just 15 miles west of Atlanta’s Hartsfield Airport and a short drive from the convenience of South Fulton Parkway.
For anyone looking to spend a “day in the country” without having to drive more than a few minutes, this is the perfect spot. In fact, this event is one of the most spectator-friendly in the nation – almost every cross-country obstacle on the several-mile course can be seen from convenient locations throughout the farm.
More than 50 vendors will be on hand selling everything from fine art, jewelry, clothing and handmade goods to horse-related tack and equipment, not to mention a variety of delicious food and beverages.
The event’s official automobile, Land Rover, will also have their own version of a cross-country course, where spectators can test drive Land Rover vehicles over a set of twists and turns that highlight the power and versatility of Land Rover’s fleet of SUVs. “Make no mistake,” said the farm’s owner Carl Bouckaert, “this will be a true festival of eventing and fun for the whole family!”
In addition, a Patron’s Tent will give spectators the best seats in the house, and include scrumptious catered breakfast and lunch each day of the competition.” Passes can be purchased on the Chatt Hills website at www.chatthillseventing.com.
General admission and parking are free. Gates will open each day at approximately 8 a.m. with competition ending each day around 5 p.m. The tentative schedule has dressage and cross-country taking place Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 and 9, cross-country both Friday and Saturday, and show jumping Saturday and Sunday.
Bouckaert Farm at Chattahoochee Hills is located at 10045 Cedar Grove Road Fairburn, GA 30213. Directions and maps, as well as more information about the host site, can be found at www.chatthillseventing.com.
Also, for more information about the sport of eventing, the U.S. Eventing Association, and the Nutrena USEA AEC, visit www.useventing.com.
