Weekend Eventing Championships to draw some of world's top riders
By SARAH FAY CAMPBELL
sarah@newnan.com
Some of the finest riders and horses in the world will be in South Fulton County this weekend for the American Eventing Championships.
This is the third and final year that the AEC will be held at Bouckaert Farm at Chattahoochee Hills, which is located on the banks of the Chattahoochee River.
Competition begins today with dressage. Dressage and cross-country competition will be held Friday. Cross country and show jumping will take place on Saturday, and show jumping will conclude on Sunday.
“Make no mistake. This will be a true festival of eventing and fun for the whole family,” said farm owner Carl Bouckaert, himself a world-class rider who recently competed in the London Olympics for his native Belgium.
What makes the AEC unique is that the national championship isn’t just for world-class horses and riders. There will be competitions in categories from beginner/novice all the way to advanced.
The category depends on the horse and the rider — so advanced level riders could be competing on novice horses, and novice riders may compete on more experienced horses.
Eventing is an equestrian triathlon, consisting of three events: dressage, cross country jumping, and stadium jumping, done over three days.
Competitors with a local connection include Jane Anderson of Moreland and Gwen Patterson of Newnan and part-time Chattahoochee Hills resident Becky Holder, a world-class competitor.
Gates open each day at 8 a.m. and competition ends around 5 p.m.
Bouckaert Farm is located at 10045 Cedar Grove Road, Fairburn. Directions and maps, as well as more information, can be found at www.chatthillseventing.com .
