The turnout for the Clemson Eventing Team Hunter Pace & Trail Ride on Sunday, March 2 was wonderful with a total of 38 riders in 20 teams.
At the 10 a.m. start time, it was a cool winter morning with the temperature in the lower fifties when the first team left out to ride on the beautiful trail system at the Fant’s Grove Trail Head in Pendleton, S.C. By lunchtime, the temperature was more spring-like in the upper 60’s. The trails were well marked and included some new trails, lake views, riding by a cow pasture and some dirt roads that aren’t traveled on by the public. There were quite a few areas that were great for those who like to canter. They also had some jumps available here and there along the trails. The Clemson Eventing Team set up a nice lunch with chili, toppings, cornbread, salad and assorted desserts. All was served underneath a tent decked out with Clemson University team colors. Everyone was upbeat and pleasant.
There were a total of 14 riders in 8 teams for the Field Hunter Division. The Preset Optimum Time was two hours, 45 minutes.
First place in the Field Division went to Katie Hixson of Pendleton, S.C. and her horse Buggs with a time of two hours, 47 minutes, five seconds. Second place went to Emily Mitchell of Greer, S.C. and her horse Copper with a time of two hours, 50 minutes, 9 seconds. Third place went to a team of three; Elizabeth McLean of Asheville, N.C. and her horse Far Too Easy, Hannah Nagle of Asheville and her horse Caesar (When In Rome) and Madison Brooke Waugh of Asheville and her horse Harvey with a time of two hours, 56 minutes, 48 seconds. Fourth place went to a team of two: Brenda Ann Sears of Asheville and her horse Comes A Time, and Patricia Randall of Leicester, N.C. and her horse Bella with a time of two hours, 16 minutes, 50 seconds. Fifth place went to Beth Goldizen of Roebuck, S.C. and her horse Cody with a time of two hours, 14 minutes, 26 seconds. Sixth place went to Shauna Moore of Columbus and her horse Josef with a time of two hours, 13 minutes, 27 seconds.
There were a total of 24 riders in 12 teams for the T rail Rider Division. The Calculated Optimum Time for their slightly shorter course was two hours, 06 minutes, 14 seconds.
The Blue Ribbon was awarded to a team of two: Shea Black of Easley, S.C. and her horse Pip, and Lauren Wade of Travelers Rest, S.C. and her horse Perserverance, with a time of two hours, 6 minutes, 31 seconds. Second place was awarded to a team of two: Bill and Rene Wormell of Landrum with their horses Teg & Rafl with a time of two hours, 9 minutes, and 8 seconds. Third place was awarded to a team of two: Karen Brockway of Greenville, S.C. and her horse Storm (Peppy’s Little Scooter) and Nancy Mason of Greer and her horse Riley with a time of two hours, 9 minutes, 24 seconds. Fourth place was awarded to a team of two: Michael and Sheila Veatch of Tryon and their horses Windchester & Meara with a time of one hour, 59 minutes, and 29 seconds. Fifth place was awarded to a team of two: Valerie Quinn of Campobello, S.C. and her horse Smokey and Bobby Turner of Spartanburg and his horse Danny with a time of one hour, 58 minutes, 55 seconds. Sixth place was awarded to a team of two: Donna and David Taylor of Bostic, N.C. and their horses Lacey & Mojo with a time of two hours, 13 minutes, 58 seconds.

– article submitted
by Carolyn MacCormack