Red Hills Horse Trials facts for kids
The Red Hills Horse Trials is a super exciting horse competition. It happens every year in Tallahassee, Florida, in the United States. This event is one of the best in the world for horse riding. It includes three main parts: Dressage, Cross-country, and Show jumping.
Contents
History of the Horse Trials
The Red Hills Horse Trials started in 1998. It was created by Sallie Ausley and Sylvia Ochs. The event gets its name from the "Red Hills Region." This area in north Florida has sloping land and rich red earth. The Red Hills Horse Trials takes place in early March each year. More than 40,000 people come to watch. Over 200 riders and their amazing horses compete.
Helping the Community
This event helps many non-profit groups. These groups do good things for the community.
- One group is Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. This park is managed by the city of Tallahassee.
- Another is Tall Timbers Research Station. They do science research and help protect land. They also have educational programs.
- The Tallahassee Friends of Our Parks Foundation also benefits.
- There is also a Red Hills Horse Camp for children.
Where the Event Happens
The Red Hills Horse Trials takes place on 120 acres of wooded land. This land is in northwest Tallahassee. The Dressage and Stadium Jumping events are held at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park. The cross-country event happens next door at Ayavalla Plantation. This plantation is owned by Colin Phipps. He is an ecologist and loves horses.
The cross-country course was designed by Captain Mark Phillips. He was a member of the Great Britain Olympic team. He also advises the United States Equestrian Team. A builder from Scotland, Hugh Lochore, built the course. It has many tough obstacles. These include water, banks, and ditches. They wind through Phipps' arboretum, which is like a tree garden. The venue also has four dressage rings. There is a stadium course and places for horses to stay.
What Are the Divisions?
Riders compete in different levels. These levels include Advanced, Intermediate, and Preliminary. This helps make sure riders compete against others with similar skills.
The Three Main Events
What is Dressage?
"Dressage" is a French word meaning "training." It is pronounced like "massage." In dressage, horses and riders perform a set of movements. This type of training started a long time ago in Europe. Judges watch for a horse that is flexible and balanced. They want to see a lively ride. This shows off the horse's natural athletic skills. Judges give scores from zero to 10 for each movement.
What is Cross-Country?
Cross-country is the second challenge. Here, the horse and rider go through a course with many fence obstacles. Competitors must jump these fences correctly. They need the right angle, height, and speed. The rider can look at the course before the event. But the horse does not know what is coming. This means the horse and rider must trust each other completely.
What is Stadium Jumping?
Stadium jumping is the final part of the competition. Horse and rider jump over painted fences. These fences are inside an enclosed arena. If a horse falls or knocks down a part of a fence, they get penalty points. These points are called "faults." Stadium jumping shows how well the horse obeys. It also proves the horse still has energy and is fit after the cross-country event.
Fun for Visitors
The "Red Hills Avenue of Shops" is a great place for visitors. It has many different vendors. You can find English tack and riding clothes. There is also horse jumping equipment. A food court offers tasty treats. You can also find artwork, jewelry, and more.
Images for kids
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Red Hills Horse Trials logo
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Show jumping.
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Cross-country at Red Hills Horse Trials, 2007.
