Eventing Community Mourns the Loss of Seema Sonnad by Jenni Autry
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welcome! Competitors • Sponsors • Spectators • New Friends & Old Welcome to the 2015-2016 Plantation Field season! What a long and storied history these hallowed fields have seen, and brought PF to where it is today. Plantation Field, also known as Logan Field, received its names from two sources. A Mr. Logan built the large foundation – long in ruin – with stone from a quarry on the property. Failing to persuade his wife to move so far out into the country, he never finished building a house. Seventy five years ago a local Boy Scout troop received permission to plant bushes in the woods, thus the name Plantation Field. The footing consists of excellent topsoil and turf, which has not seen a plow for as long as anyone can remember. The Plantation Field cross-country course took several years to complete as it was developed in context with the natural beauty of the site and with the goal of restoring many of the wonderful terrain features found on the property. In September 2002 sections of the ruins were rebuilt, an ongoing project. In 2012 the galloping tracks were revised and several new complexes built. The development of the site undergoes improvements yearly. Plantation Field’s courses were developed along three central themes. The Brandywine Valley is known for its historical significance during the Revolutionary War, especially the Battle of the Brandywine. Preservation of agriculture and open space are everyday concerns to those who live in the area, which is why the courses were designed and built with these themes in mind. Lastly, Plantation Field Equestrian Events is dedicated to the maintenance of open space resources. In 2014 PFEE was thrilled to announce that Mr. Michael Etherington-Smith was enlisted to design the CIC three-star cross country course. Mike’s 30 years of international experience include the London, Sydney and Hong Kong Olympic courses as well as the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY. This was a major step in establishing PFIHT as one of the premier eventing facilities in the country today. That goal continues to be the driving force behind the dedicated people working to continually improve every aspect of this Chester County “sacred ground.” For up-to-the-minute news, updates and results, see our Facebook page. table of contents Eventing: Phase by Phase . 3 PFIHT In-Kind Sponsors . 19 10 Reasons to Love Plantation Field . 5 Photo Collage of PFIHT 2014 . .20-21 PFIHT Sponsors . 7 PFIHT Silent Auction Donors . 23 PFIHT Fence Sponsors and Friends . 9 PFIHT Prize Donors . 25 Chester County Food Bank . 11 Eventing’s Lost Friend: Seema Sonnad . 31 Work to Ride . 13 Vendor Village Shops . 33 The Barn at Spring Brook Farm . 15 PFEE Schedule of Events . 37 Cheshire Land Preservation Fund . 17 Advertisers’ Index . 39 1 2 cross country The cross-country phase takes place on the second day of competition (except in a “CIC” event in which it falls on the third day) . The object is to test the speed, endurance and jumping ability of the horse over varied terrain and obstacles . In order to accomplish this task, the horse and rider must be at peak condition . The horse must be brave and obedient, and the rider must use knowledge of pace in order to expend © JENNI AUTRY © JENNI AUTRY only as much of the horse’s energy as necessary, if they expect to finish well . The cross-country course covers show jumping approximately 2 .75 to 4 miles, along The final test takes place in the show dressage which sit 24-36 fixed and solid obstacles . jumping arena . The course comprises a The dressage phase begins every eventing This phase is ridden at a gallop, with series of colorful fences with rails that competition . In French, dressage means exact speed requirements depending on are easily knocked down . This final phase “training .” Originally designed to show the level of competition . Cross-country tests the stamina and recovery of the the horse’s ability to perform intricate courses require horses and riders to horse after cross country and shows that movements in the parade involved with be bold and smart, while testing their it is fit enough to continue work . reviewing troops, today the dressage test physical stamina . The aim is to complete comprises a set series of movements the course on time and with as few In the words of the FEI (international performed in an enclosed arena . Precision, penalties as possible . Penalties can be governing body for equestrian sport) rule smoothness, suppleness and complete accrued through jumping errors (horse book, “The test on the third day is not obedience show off the horse’s training . refuses or runs out at an obstacle) or by an ordinary show jumping competition… Ideally the horse appears to perform exceeding the optimum time allowed . Its sole object is to demonstrate that, on the test moments of its own accord, the day after a severe test of endurance, Of the three days of competition, the working in harmony with the rider . the horses have retained the suppleness, cross-country phase is usually the most The test is scored on each movement energy and obedience necessary for them exciting for spectators and riders alike . on a scale of 0-10, with the overall to continue in service .” It is the ultimate challenge to prepare a harmony and precision of the test horse for this rigorous test . Unlike other The show jumping course requires very taken into consideration . sports, where only the human will and exact riding; it consists of between Dressage is also very important to the body are pitted against the clock, in 12 and 15 show jumping obstacles, three-day event horse, as it helps to eventing, two minds and bodies work as which normally include at least one develop the muscular strength and one . As an additional attraction, eventing combination, two oxers (wide) fences, suppleness needed for the other two is the only Olympic sport where men and in some cases a ditch . days of competition, cross country and and women compete as equals, with The courses are designed to test the show jumping, where the horse must be no separate divisions . horse’s and rider’s ability to negotiate unbelievably fit and strong, and able to a variety of fences of differing heights, lengthen and shorten stride at a gallop . widths, and technicality . This requires The purpose of the dressage test is to the horse be balanced and supple for demonstrate the level of communication tight turns and short distances between between the horse and rider to and fences . He must be able to lengthen display the power and grace required to or shorten his stride in an instant . perform each movement with balance, Therefore, the rider must know exactly rhythm, and suppleness . Due to the where he is on the approach to a fence, demands of the sport, the three-day with an obedient horse that will respond event horse is extremely fit, and only instantly . For the spectator, show strong and tactful riders possess the jumping is both exciting and breathtaking skills needed to harness and direct © STEVE BERKOWITZ to watch, as just one single rail knocked that energy into a polished and down can change the final standings powerful performance . dramatically . 3 4 10 things we love about Plantation Field BY JENNI AUTRY It’s that time of the year! The Best. Event. Ever. – also known as Plantation Field International Horse Trials – is Eventing Nation’s favorite event of the entire year. Why, you ask? Here are 10 things we love about Plantation Field: 1. Competition: The divisions at Plantation Field 6. Shopping: This year’s Vendor Village will be are always packed with the best horses and riders on bigger and better than ever as the shopping moves the East Coast, and this year doesn’t disappoint. More under one big tent, meaning you can shop in all weather conditions. The Plantation Field Vendor than 75 horses and riders will battle it out for top Village has it all: saddle and tack shops, jewelry, honors in the prestigious CIC3* division, which is part clothing, boots, antiques and artwork, furniture and of the Adequan USEA Gold Cup/PRO Tour Series. In all, accessories, outerwear, and sweets and treats. over 240 horses will compete throughout the weekend. You don’t want to miss it! 2. View: Plantation Field continues to offer one of 7. Beverages: Victory Brewing Co. will be pouring the best viewing experiences for cross country in the local drafts in the Beer Bistro, and Philadelphia U.S. You can perch yourself on top of one of the many Distilling’s Booze Booth will serve “Plantation Punch,” Bloody Marys and more. Corona returns once again as rolling hills and almost see the entire course. If you a sponsor, and Fosters will be on hand for the Aussies. smell a delightful aroma while watching the action on Duckhorn Vineyards will be in the Sponsor tent for Sunday, it’s coming from Steve Berkowitz’s grill, where all the wine lovers. Don’t forget to sample some he flips his famous burgers during cross country. Australian wines! 3. Hospitality: Plantation Field is well known 8. Themes: The Dancing With The Stars and for treating riders and owners like kings and queens. Downton Abbey themes have been huge hits over the All CIC riders and owners eat and drink for free all past two years, and this year’s “Down Under in the Aussie Outback” theme is sure to be a crowd pleaser, weekend for every meal, as well as at the great parties too.