Locations
Pinehurst Equestrian CentrePinehurst EC, often abbreviated as PHEC in advertisements and emails, is a premier eventing facility and the prime location for most RVCTA horse trials. The cross-country course is notoriously difficult and exciting, with most fences on every course at maximum height and width, and the stadium course is quite beautiful with a number of unique fences. PHEC shows are most often very large, however their entry fees are very inexpensive. Secretly, many teams dislike showing at Pinehurst, as the management is extremely disorganized; the shows often lag behind schedule, and many on-site stables are in various states of disrepair. None dare complain, however, as the owner of the facility - Sylvie Dunham - also happens to the the RVCTA president!
Show Office: The PHEC show office is nothing more than a tent, located rather inconveniently at the front of the facility (quite far from most of the equine action). This is the go-to location for show forms, questions, and quarrels with the technical delegate. The show office is often understaffed, and it can be a hassle to get in contact.
Stabling: PHEC has adequate stabling for about two hundred competitors, with most of the stables flanking the cross-country course and dressage arenas. The stalls are fairly roomy, though some have broken boards, nails sticking out, and large pits, which tend to be the source of many complaints.
Lodging and Concessions: Pinehurst does not have a bunkhouse that competitors can stay in. Most competitors choose to stay in hotels in nearby Warnet, though a lucky few own trailers with living quarters. Unfortunately for the latter, however, the trailer parking is quite a trek from the stabling area. The concessions stand is located near the stadium/dressage warmup, and sells a variety of junk food - hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches, along with desserts and drinks.
Warm-Up: The dressage and stadium jumping phases share a warm-up, a large, sandy arena with three post-and-rail fences located about halfway between either event. The cross-country warm-up is quite a walk from the stables, located far enough away from the start box that many pairs have to trot to make it to the box on time!
Dressage Arenas: Pinehurst's three dressage arenas are simple grass arenas, marked by lengths of chain. One judge has the luxury of a gazebo in which to sit, while the others generally park their vehicles at 'C' and honk their horns to begin each rider's test.
Cross-Country Course: The cross-country at Pinehurst is known to be very difficult; most trainers choose not to start green riders and horses at this facility for this reason. A variety of ditches, banks, and water complexes dot the course, which winds through woods and rolling hills, along with a number of complex corners and trakehners.
Stadium: The stadium has bleacher seating for around 250 spectators surrounding a spacious, sandy arena dotted with colorful post-and-rail fences. The facility is notorious for including all manner of obstacles, including brushboxes, liverpools, and Swedish oxers, in its courses.
Brookside StablesBrookside is the smallest of the three RVCTA facilities, but it is the favorite of many competitors, and for good reason. This farm has a very quaint, familial feel, with an easygoing cross-country course that welcomes newer competitors. Brookside is a far drive for most, and its entry fees can be rather expensive as it does survive solely off of show income. It's a gorgeous little farm, with several small streams traversing the showgrounds and the wooded cross-country course. The farm does often hire inexperienced volunteers, which has caused several lengthy quarrels with the technical delegate in the past; as well, many consider this farm a poor preparation for championship events due to its relatively simple and inviting courses.
Show Office: The show office at Brookside is located in the middle of all the action, very close to the stadium. It's a small building, mainly staffed by volunteers, where competitors can pick up show forms and ribbons and raise any dobjections with the technical delegate.
Stabling: Brookside has enough stabling for about 100 competitors; the stalls fill up very quickly, meaning many competitors choose to show out of their trailers. The stalls themselves are somewhat small, but very well-kept and airy.
Lodging and Concessions: Brookside has a bunkhouse that can room about thirty people, which understandably goes very quickly whenever entries open. Other competitors choose to room in their trailers, though some even choose to set up cots outside of their stalls, as the nearest hotel is nearly half an hour's drive away! The concessions stand shares a building with the show office, and sells a variety of homemade desserts and pastries along with the usual show fare.
Warm-Up: The dressage warmup is a small patch of grass surrounding a now-defunct startbox; it is very uneven and difficult to warm up in, but it is by far the worst of the three warmups. The cross-country warmup is well-kept and conveniently located near the startbox. The stadium warmup is a small arena just a short walk away from the stadium, somewhat cramped but otherwise well-kept.
Dressage Arenas: Brookside only has two dressage arenas, making the dressage phase slower here than it would be at other events. Still, both arenas are dirt rather than sand or grass, making them far more pleasurable to ride in. The judges often park in their cars at the end of the arenas, though Brookside is trying to rally enough money to construct a pair of judges' stands.
Cross-Country Course: Brookside's cross-country course is an excellent schooling opportunity for young riders and horses, as most of the fences are very simple and inviting. There are a few fences maxed-out on every course, but most of the courses are designed to be introductory for their respective levels. Brookside has two ditch/bank complexes, a water complex, and several examples of classic fences like corners and trakehners.
Stadium: Brookside's stadium is the smallest of the three RVCTA stadiums, but its footing is unparalleled; even in inclement weather, the show stewards are sure to keep this arena in good shape. Most fences are artfully decorated with flowers and brush, and the course is generally constructed with many bending lines to maximize the arena space without forcing riders to make harsh turns.
Warnet Horse ParkWHP, as it is colloquially known, is without parallel the largest of the three RVCTA facilities; the massive park was built very recently, designed to be the ultimate competition and training facility. The cross-country and stadium tests tend to be on the difficult side for their respective levels, though the lower levels are often given somewhat easier tests. WHP shows tend to be very large, and it is often difficult to get a hearing with the technical delegate due to the sheer number of competitors. However, the farm is kept in impeccable shape, and most competitors find it a pleasure to ride here as the competitions are usually extremely well-organized. Warnet Horse Park gives many riders a "championship feel" due to the sheer scale of the facility.
Show Office: Warnet's show office is actually divided into three separate buildings; the main building, located near the concessions pavilion, is where show forms and fees are taken care of. A small check-in office is located on the main driveway to manage stabling, while the Technical Delegate's office is located just a short walk from the cross-country finish line.
Stabling: Unlike the other facilities, Warner Horse Park's stabling is not open-air; the 10x10' stalls are arranged in barns containing each about 40 horses. Wash stalls are conveniently located inside the barns as opposed to outdoors, like the other facilities, among other amenities. However, the stables are a very long walk from the showgrounds; many riders find their horses are already warmed up when they reach the dressage warmup!
Lodging and Concessions: Warnet Horse Park rents out twenty cabins on a first-come, first-serve basis, which can house up to ten people; like the stables, they're quite a walk from the rest of the grounds, but they are much more convenient than the hotels many choose to stay in. Many smaller teams elect to share the cabins to reduce cost, while others simply share a large trailer with living quarters, if one is available. Concessions are sold in the concessions pavilion, which is located at the highest point on the farm for an impressive view of nearly the entire facility; food is often served buffet-style, including pasta salads and casseroles.
Warm-Up: The warmups at WHP are extremely spacious, albeit far enough from their respective events that it can become a hassle to make it to a test on time. The dressage warmup is a large, manicured stretch of grass with very even footing, while the cross-country warmup is actually a sizeable arena containing a number of retired fences from the course. The stadium warmup is the only warmup located close to its respective competition, a smaller, deep-footed arena directly behind the stadium itself.
Dressage Arenas: Warnet Horse Park has five dressage arenas of varying footing, two large-format and three standard. Each ring has a small judge's stand, and the arena complex is halfway surrounded by an elevated platform from which spectators can observe the happenings in each arena.
Cross-Country Course: The cross-country course at Warnet Horse Park is expansive, diving back through lengthy stretches of woods and clearings. These are the lengthiest courses in the area, but the water complexes, ditch/bank complexes, and unique fences dotting the entire course keep the entire ride interesting and engaging. The finish line for most courses winds up very close to the stabling area, making it a convenient walk for tired horses to return to their stalls.
Stadium: The stadium at Warnet Horse Park is extremely large but, like the warmup, extremely deep; in inclement weather, this arena turns into a complete mud pit. Courses tend to be very technical, with a number of sharp turns and tight combinations at the highest levels. Liverpools are a common sight at this facility, though many other fences are left plain in keeping with the owner's preferences.
Crescent Moon BallroomThe Crescent Moon Ballroom is the favored location for all of RVCTA's social events; located very close to Pinehurst Equestrian Centre, the facility is a gorgeous round building centered amidst acres of manicured grass and playful fountains. The rented facility provides food, beverages, and music for all attendees, and, while horses are not permitted on the property, the Association often brings enough horse-themed decor to please every member. Attendees of Crescent Moon Ballroom events are generally expected to look nice; women often wear a dress or a nice blouse, while men often get away with jeans and a nice button-down. All events are carefully monitored, as RVCTA is a family-friendly organization.
Ballroom: The interior of the ballroom is beautifully paneled in wood, lit with can lights and a single chandelier. Music plays throughout most of the night, so many patrons take to dancing in the open floor space. The awards are also handed out in the ballroom floor, and the barn doors leading to the patio are an excellent photo op for riders with their newfound ribbons.
Patio: The Crescent Moon Ballroom's patio is expansive, made of concrete and dotted with several tables for sitting and chatting. In the wintertime, propane heaters are generally placed around the perimeter of the patio to keep guests warm and comfortable.
Buffet: The food at Crescent Moon is unparalleled; a variety of gourmet dishes are served buffet-style on the patio, just outside the barn doors. Water and lemonade are served indoors from pitchers, next to a small table filled with various dessert cups ranging from chocolate pudding to strawberry shortcake.
Seating: Tables are generally assigned by team, though many smaller teams end up sharing tables. Tables are generally adorned with white tablecloths and an electronic candle centerpiece, along with a number of advertisements left by RVCTA's sponsors.
Bar: Tucked near the seating area, the full-service bar serves a variety of unique cocktails to any patrons over 21 that present sufficient identification. RVCTA socials are very kid-friendly, so drinks are severely restricted, but many adult riders and parents nonetheless greatly enjoy chatting with one another on the barstools.
Silent Auction: The silent auction is one of RVCTA's greatest fundraisers; a number of donated items, ranging from halters to bathing kits to free and reduced show entries, are auctioned off to attendees on slips of paper. Door prizes are also handed out here, including bags of horse treats and RVCTA t-shirts.
