1/10/2010 Clemson Intercollegiate Eventing Team  Articles

Clemson Intercollegiate Eventing Team Hunter Pace and Trail Ride

Held Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Reported by: Brian MacCormack & Jan Smith

A clear crisp day awaited everyone who came to participate in the Clemson Intercollegiate Eventing Team's (CIET) hosting of the Western Carolina Hunter Pace (WCHP) event on January 10, 2010. The cool temperatures didn’t seem to bother the horses or the riders who rode on the many miles of well groomed trails, some newly opened, in the Fant’s Grove Forest of Clemson University. The CIET volunteers were cheery and bundled up against the unusually cool temps. It was refreshing to see the volunteers at all the major road crossings as well as in the woods at the half way point.

Freshly grilled burgers with chips and a drink were offered for lunch and the grill was descended upon by hungry riders in several waves.

The Field Hunters had approximately 10 miles of trail to cover for the event. The course followed trails on the south side of the forest before heading out along beautiful Lake Hartwell. Field Hunters passed the bamboo forest and also got to experience some of the older trails that brought them within a few yards of Hwy 176.

The optimum time for the ride was established at two hours, 31 minutes and five seconds. The riders coming closest to that time were Judy Heinrich and Betty Hill of Columbus with a time of two hours, 29 minutes, 58 seconds, just one minute and seven seconds over the pace. Coming in second was Thomas Pluemper of Pelzer. Thomas was only seven minutes and 13 seconds off the pace. Gail Patton and Debbie Thrasher of Seneca and Anderson respectively, earned third place at 19 minutes 23 seconds under the pace. Debbie and Gail currently lead the overall series for this season. Sherry Wyatt of Seneca and Kris Yon of Pendleton took fourth place just 19 minutes 35 seconds off the pace. Fifth place went to Kathy Bethka from Greenville and Steph Culbertson from Fountain Inn with a time that was 20 minutes and 36 seconds off the pace. Kaitlyn and Steve Bardos from Central took sixth place with a time that was 27 minutes 14 seconds off the pace.

Darbie Barr, Mavra Duffy, Nancy Finkell, Amy Gantt, Brian & Carolyn MacCormack, Eden Scott Mitchell, Anne & Kelsey Spicer, Bobby Turner and Lisa Tyler also rode the trails and all earned a point for the WCHP Series. Allyson McCall came out to support the CIET event and enjoyed a portion of their beautiful trails.

The Trail Rider Division’s participants were treated to approximately 7.5 miles of trails and were directed almost immediately towards shores of Lake Hartwell. The course included old and new trails along the lake with breathtaking views. The calculated time for the Trail Rider’s Division was two hours 22 minutes and three seconds. Laura Cornell, Fran Nagle, Chrissy Schult and Kev Swanson (represented Oak Run Stables in Pendleton) were just one minute 17 seconds off the calculated time and took first place honors. Debra Kennerly and Jennifer Smith of Simpsonville were second at four minutes 50 seconds under the pace. Coming in third were Ali Merritt and Morgan Palmer from Woodruff. Ali and Morgan were only eight minutes 26 seconds over the calculated optimum. Lil Gregory and Sheree Holmes from Simpsonville took fourth place with a time that was 12 minutes and nine seconds off the pace. Chris Britton and Peggy McMakin represented the Tryon area and took fifth place with a time that was 13 minutes 36 seconds off the optimum. James Kennedy and Mary Tolles from Mill Spring rounded out the placements taking sixth with a finish only 17 minutes, four seconds off the calculated time.

Victoria Bailey, Kirsten Bjorge, David Buffamoyer,Kelly Cannon, Terresa Rust and Amanda Stickley and also rode in the Trail Rider division and each earned on point for the Series.

Special Thanks goes to Knight Cox - the Fants Grove and Experimental Forest Coordinator & Deborah Mack - CIET Advisor - for helping with the coordination of the event, and the volunteers and members of CIET - Morgan Conrad, Katherine Wieters, Elisa Willems, Leah Ellison, Bethany Vawter, Julie Prettyman, Carly Earp, Rose Curry, Simone Nuhoff, Lauren Turner, and Ben Dobson - for making the event possible by offering their time and hard work.

Jan Smith is the dedicated organizer of the WCHP series and her husband Lou is the photographic talent, taking all of the wonderful photos of the events, the volunteers and the participants. Jan and Lou may be reached via the WCHPace.org web site.

The next scheduled event in the WCHP series is January 24th, 2010 at the beautiful Biltmore Estate West Range. Please check the Western Carolina Hunter Pace Series web site WCHPace.org for the flier and any last minute changes in the schedule.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events so mark your calendars and join us at the Biltmore’s West Range for another winter Hunter Pace & Trail Ride on January 24th. FENCE will follow on February 7th and the Greenville Foothills Pony Club on February 21st as we move on into spring. March 7th the Polk County 4-H & Youth Foundation will hold their annual Hunter Pace & Trail Ride, followed by the Green Creek Hounds event on March 21st. The Tryon Hounds will pick up the pace again after Easter with their spring event on April 11th, followed by the Big Brothers Big Sisters Benefit on May 2nd. The Benefit Hunter Pace & Trail Ride for Steps to HOPE will be held on May 16th and the River Valley Pony Club will round out the competitive Series on May 30th. But don’t forget the Year End Awards Gathering scheduled for June 20th for one last fun event before we take a summer break. Be sure to check the website for flyers, updates, and photos of past fun.