Aspen Farms Horse Trials concluded Sunday in Yelm, WA. Over $35,000 worth of prizes were awarded to the top finishers in divisions from Beginner Novice through Intermediate, as well as a CCI2*-S, CCI3*-S, and CCI4*-S, a qualifier in the US Equestrian Open Series. Throughout the three days of competition, over 300 competitors from USEA Area VII and beyond celebrated the uncharacteristically hot weather and blue skies, which showcased the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest including crystal clear views of Mount Rainier.
The standout of the weekend was Stephanie Goodman of Eagle, ID, who led the CCI4*-Short from start to finish with Elwenda DP, and also finished second in the CCI3*-Short and CCI2*-Short.
“It was great out there,” said Goodman after her clear cross-country ride with Elwenda, adding just 14.8 time penalties to their dressage score to secure the win. “The ground couldn’t have been better, the temperature was great. The course ran pretty fast like it seemed it could when I walked it, and her legs felt great after. We had a fantastic time.”
Elwenda is a 16 hand tall Dutch Warmblood mare bred for dressage and owned by Deanna Briggs. Briggs imported her from the Netherlands as an 8 year old dressage horse, and Goodman transitioned her into an eventing career–completing their first horse trials at Aspen Farms years ago. It was a full circle moment for them to win their first CCI4*-S here.
Goodman also finished second in the CCI2*-S with Cord Johnson, owned by Deanna Briggs, and second in the CCI3*-S with her own horse, Diranca.
“I’ve had Diranca for 2 years and just moved her up to Intermediate this season. This was her first attempt at 3-star. Overall, she was great! She was a little greener at the very beginning of the course, and she had a little bit of time, but she was awesome.”
Stephanie Goodman and Elwenda DP. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
Goodman has developed a thriving eventing program in Eagle, Idaho, reflected in her own results this weekend, as well as the team culture behind the scenes at the barn.
“Our weekend here at Aspen has been great. From having brand new Beginner Novice riders finishing on their dressage scores, to riders moving up to Preliminary for the first time, to the FEI results… We’ve had great team success. We have a wonderful team–everyone supporting and helping each other.”
In terms of goals for the rest of the season, Goodman is planning to compete in CCI divisions at Rebecca Farm Horse Trials in Montana in July. Then they will be taking the season one-step-at-a-time, keeping an open mind about attending the American Eventing Championships in Kentucky later this year and perhaps the US Equestrian Open final at Morven Park in October.
In the CCI4*-S, Gabrielle Shank and her Irish Sporthorse gelding Billy achieved a remarkable second place finish, jumping clear on cross-country and adding 22.4 time penalties to move into second above Karen O’Neal and Clooney 14, who had one run-out.
This was Shank’s first time competing the 4-star level. She made the trip down from Canada, along with her brother Nick who competed in the CCI2*-S. They both campaigned in Florida this winter as lead up to their spring season, giving them the confidence to move up to new heights this season.
“Cross-country was awesome!” said Shank after her clear round. “When we first started out he was a little hesitant at the first jump or two, but then he picked up. By the first combination, he felt like ‘oh yeah, I got this!’ And then the rest of the course he was on it. He was really, really great out there.”
When asked about the highlight of the show, Shank shared that it was “probably the jump into the second water on cross-country today–the bounce in. I was pretty scared for that. And then being able to do that combination well… I felt like it was the right choice to move up this weekend. Any thoughts of doubt I had were relieved. My horse is a true partner; he really works hard to be a pleaser. We have a special connection, and he is special horse.”
Amber Birtcil and Orpheus. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
No one’s name appeared on the Aspen Farms’ leaderboard more than Amber Birtcil. Most notably, Birtcil and Orpheus won the CCI3*-S, jumping clear and delivering the fastest cross-country round in the division, finishing on a score of 34.4.
“He was so good,” said Birtcil after finishing the 3-star cross-country track designed by Morgan Rowsell. “I thought it was a really good test for Orpheus. He’s only 7 years old. This is his second 3*-Short and third Intermediate. We don’t see a lot of grass in California. I’m in Northern California, so we have a minimal amount of grass, but nothing like this. I was thrilled with how he handled it. We sorted out a little rideability at the first combination, but then I felt like he was totally with me. He has a heart of gold. He is so fun to take cross-country because all he does is look for the flags. This was super fun, and a great prep for Rebecca Farm in July.”
Birtcil also finished third in the CCI2*-S, finishing on her dressage score of 29.6. with Mississipi. She won and placed second in the Open Preliminary division with Prince of Oolde and Picasso, respectively. And, she won the Open Training division with Oxford K, finishing on their dressage score of 26.8.
Sara Sellmar and Sportsfield Supernatural. Photo by Ashley Kemp Photography.
In the CCI2*-S, Sara Sellmer of Canada won with Sportsfield Supernatural, owned by Samantha Quinn. Sellmer could not be happier with his performance.
“It was an amazing round,” she said after cross-country. “He was 16 seconds under the optimum time. I practiced what we have been practicing, and we went so fast. I have been working on a system so I can slip my reins and trust him. He’s the coolest horse! He’s just so fast and brave. I’ve been waiting a long time for a horse like this.”
With a few CCI2*-Short wins now under their belts, they will contest the Long at Rebecca Farm, and then they will likely move up.
Aspen Farm HT CCI4*-S (WA): [Website] [Entries/Ride Times] [Scoring]
