Rocky Mountain Horse Trials Presented by Pollard Friendly Motor Company

By Nicole A. Musmanno

The Rocky Mountain Horse Trials, held at Somerset and Silo Farms in Longmont, CO, opened to great acclaim on July 26-27th, 2008. Much to the credit of the organizers and volunteers, the show ran like a veteran show rather than a first time event. Competitors and volunteers were treated to amazing Cosequin buckets filled with goodies for humans, and horse and canine companions. Thanks to Presenting sponsor Pollard Friendly Motor Company in Boulder, CO and additional generous sponsors, RMHT was elevated to a level worthy of the high caliber course design and build.

The stadium course designed, by John Williams, offered no mercy to competitors. All but a few fences were at maximum height and challenged horse and rider for accuracy and obedience. Some riders seemed surprised by the maxed height and jumping efforts on course. As a middle of the season event, the course required proficiency at every level.

The inauguration of the cross-country course at Silo Farms proved to be worth the wait. Again, designed by John Williams, competitors and their horses were treated to creatively crafted fences. The course offered twists and turns over rolling hills and open space, testing both horse and rider in a fair manner. Not a move up course, some riders found it a bit challenging while others ate it up.

Both Friday night and Saturday night boasted lively parties, co-sponsored by Boulder County Horse Association and Event Design Group. Competitors and friends enjoyed beer and wine sponsored by Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont, CO and Augustina’s Winery in Boulder, CO. Creative awards were announced during the Competitor’s Party on Saturday night.

At the end of the competition the lucky competitors who finished in the top three of their divisions were rewarded with prizes worthy of the best events. The Tack Collection in Lafayette, CO sponsored first prize, donating an embroidered bamboo cooler to the first place Preliminary horse and rider, and totes filled with goodies to each additional division. Second place in each division received a very trendy, chic Ariat tote donated by Happy Horse Tack & Saddle Shop in Ft. Collins, CO. Rounding out the top three prizes was a $20 gift certificate to third place donated by NetEquestrian in Longmont, CO. Cheval Colorado and Windancer Farms, both in Parker, CO, generously donated cash prizes of $100 to the top finishing horse and rider at the Preliminary and Training level. For a complete listing of the final results please visit the results page at http://www.rockymountainht.com/.