As the country’s economic woes have continued to hit the U.S. horse industry hard a group of local trainers/owners of area horse farms met to come up with a local organization that would hold a series of fun, safe, and more affordable one day mini horse trials. In 2010 Spring Run’s Susan Harris, Flying Cross’s Mary Lowry, Stone Place’s Debbie Iezzi, and Lands End’s Martha Lambert decided to join forces and develop a local eventing series thus the 42 Fleur De Lis Mini Trail Series was born with the first series held in 2011 with six mini horse trials held.
Competitors do not have to be USEA members, nor do they have to be 42 Fleur De Lis members unless they wish to be included in the year end points and awards. The events are held in a more relaxed atmosphere than the bigger horse trials endorsed by USEA and USEF. The primary goal for the organization is to provide a fun safe atmosphere for all levels of riders and horses to enjoy and learn about the sport of eventing. Each event has it’s own flavor and level of formality. All USEA safety rules apply so you should be familiar with the USEA rules.
The 2012 Event Series Schedule is as follows:
05/13 Flying Cross Farm
06/17 Flying Cross “Big” Mini
07/08 Lands End Farm
07/29 Stone Place Stables
08/19 Spring Run Farm
11/11 Flying Cross Farm
For more information on this series or to become a member of the 42 Fleur De Lis Mini Trial Series, you must join by August 1, go to their website here. Yearly membership fees are very reasonable: Individual - $25, Family - $35, Non-Competing Member - $15.
When the first meetings were held to evaluate area interest there ended up being a great deal of interest. According to Amy Fischer, secretary for the Fleur De Lis Mini Trial Series, this year membership has grown to include members as far away as Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Logo: Courtesy of 42 Fleur De Lis Mini Horse Trials
