Course Walk

I read several blogs that focus more on eventing than dressage. It's nice to get out of my own little space occasionally and see what the rest of the horsey world is up to. I've seen photos of course walks and enjoy seeing the jumps. The part that I've never seen is how big some of those places really are.

This corner was massive.

Twin Rivers Ranch covers about 500 acres, but just under 300 are used for the equestrian facility. Besides the cross country fields, there were seven dressage courts, what we assumed were stadium jumping rings, and a massive covered arena. For the RAAC, two of the dressage courts were moved up to where the covered arena is situated so that riders could warm up in the shade.

On Saturday evening, we walked down to part of the cross country course so that we could get a closer look at some of the jumps. I only took a few pictures, but I am guessing there were at least 200 jumps out there, probably more.

This trakehner was HUGE.

One of the first jumps that had us all giggling in terror was a massive Trakehner - I had to google that. I had no idea what it was called. This thing was so big and deep that it seemed impossible that it was designed for horses.

Same Trakehner seen from the other side. Morgan is standing on the far right side.

We could tell that there were three sizes for different levels, but the only difference seemed to be how deep the ditch beneath it was. All of them were identical in size front to back. 

We walked through many of the water complexes, they were dry, but even those were huge and equally terrifying. Occasionally one of us would spot something that looked kind of sort of maybe doable. And then we'd walk up to it and think, nope.

This goose caused all kinds of arguments. From the dressage courts it looked like a goat, but it was pointed out that it was in a water obstacle. Why would there be a goat in the water? Dressage riders can be so literal.

I bet you could train every day at this facility and not jump the same jump twice in a week. To all the eventers out there, you have serious balls.

Chemaine had to stand on the jump to photograph the massive Twin Rivers tables.

I just realized this, but I did get a photo of the covered arena. It's behind Chemaine in the photo above. You can also see one of the two dressage courts that they set up for the RAAC.

By the time we got back to our house rental, we were all a bit hot and tired. I am not sure if all course walks are that long, but again, eventers, you guys are not only ballsy, but a bit nuts.

It takes all kinds.