14 WWW.FLYINGCHANGES.

COM AUGUST 2014

Eventing
Enthusiasts
of Central
Oregon
C
entral Oregon is a gorgeous
place to live, but for eventers,
beauty comes at a price. The drive over
the Cascade Range, while scenic, makes participating in shows
and events on the far side of the mountains more challenging. Yet,
without facilities capable of hosting recognized three-day events
in Central Oregon, to compete one must drive.To complicate
matters, events in Oregon state have dwindled from nine in the
1990s to one: Inavale Farms annual horse trials in Philomath.
Eventing on an Island
While the United States Eventing Association (USEA) Area
VII is very active and offers a terric variety of clinics, camps,
horse trials, and events, the bulk of their activities are held in
Washington state meaning a minimum of three to ve hour
drives for Central Oregons eventers. And, although roads have
improved signicantly over recent years, snowfalls which can
extend into spring months can make hauling a trailer more
exciting than an out-of-control cross-country gallop.
As Stephanie Parker of Parker Eventing, Central Oregons
only USEA Certied Instructor says, In the winter, we are
something of an island.
EECO Bands Together
In response to this sense of geographic isolation, the Eventers
of Eastern and Central Oregon (EECO) formed as a chapter
of the Oregon Combined Training Association (OCTA) in the
1990s to promote eventing in Oregon state. Driving constraints
limited the participation of Eastern Oregonians to such an
extent that the group later changed its focus to Central Oregon
and renamed itself Eventing Enthusiasts of Central Oregon,
although Eastern Oregonians are still welcome.
In 2000 OCTA folded into into USEA Area VII and EECO
found itself a lone entity, embracing the sport of eventing in a
part of the region that begs for the development of a premier
eventing facility.
Stephanie Parker explains, My dream for the region is to
see a benefactor (along the lines of the Broussard family, which
developed The Event at Rebecca Farm, Whitesh, MT into a
EECO hosts an annual Ride-a-Test at Marcia Tripianos facility near Sisters, OR. Riders can practice in either a
short or long-court format.

Lauren Davis Baker

AUGUST 2014 FLYING CHANGES 15
world-class destination event) who sees the potential in Central
Oregon to develop a similar event.
Today, EECO members come from Bend, Redmond, Sisters,
Prineville, and surrounding areas, sharing a love of the sport.
According to president Turi McCabe, a small but active core
of 30 to 40 members keep the club going.
Our mission is to support eventing through education, Turi
said. The club hosts a ride-a-test, dressage show, jumper jackpots,
and event derbies. Their annual clinic with FEI Recognized 3*
and 4* course designer John Williams helps riders round out
their cross-country skills.
But even top notch clinics have limited draw from the valley.
The drive over the mountain intimidates some people, Turi
says. However, area hunter/jumper shows are drawing increas-
ing numbers of equestrians to the Bend area, while touting the
regions golf, hiking, camping, and shing assets to entertain
the rest of the family. So, perhaps the tides are ready to turn.
In the meantime, EECOs more competitive members band
together to travel to horse trials and three day events throughout
the region.
Changing Terrain
Having grown up in Central Oregon, trainer Stephanie Parker
has seen many changes in the regions eventing scene. At one
time the Hilbrunner family had a facility in Tumalo, A place
for kids to grow and be introduced to the sport, Stephanie
said. When the Hilbrunners retired from the sport, it was a
signicant loss to the eventing community.
Another signicant turn of events was event trainer/com-
petitor Karen ONeals departure from the region. At that time,
many eventers dispersed. In particular the region felt the loss
of young rider participation. While some grew out of the sport
and went off to college, the regions economic downturn played
a signicant role.
Fortunately, as Central Oregons economy shows signs of
signicant recovery and growth, local riders are hopeful that
things are picking up.
Local Support
Eventing requires a lot of land and nancial investment from
the facilities who support it. EECO President Turi McCabe is
quick to recognize the facilities who actively promote their sport.
Among these venues, Stephanie Parkers Parker Eventing
hosts some of the clubs most important gatherings, including
cross-country schooling days, an eventing camp, and the John
Williams clinics. Stephanies outdoor dressage arena, grass jump
eld, and cross country schooling course (from Beginner Novice
through Intermediate) all offer terric training opportunities.
Stephanie credits Caroline and Luigi Menghelli of Inavale
Farm for helping with the design of her competition-quality
water complex. FEI Course Designer John Williams was in-
strumental with the design of the more complex jumps.
Another important venue is Fruition Farm in Redmond, OR.
Karen Laidley, DVM owns the facility, which sports a 100 x 250
indoor arena which is the site of both Jumper Nights and the
clubs popular dressage schooling show. An active event rider,
Karen is also a veterinarian at Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic.
Trainer Diane van den Berg works out of Fruition Farm and
enjoys helping eventers with their atwork and jumping on
site. For cross-country schooling, she makes use of area cross-
country courses, including Parker Eventing, Juniper View Farm,
and Gwen and Peter Newells grog and increasing collection of
portable cross-country jumps.
Another important facility is owned by Marcia Tripiano,
near Sisters, OR. A retired event rider herself, Marcia originally
developed the outdoor riding arenas and lower level cross-
country course for her own use. She opened the facility up to
club activities, such as the annual Ride A Test, where riders
can practice their dressage tests and get feedback from judges
for improvement. While no awards are earned, riders have the
Riders enjoy a cross-country clinic with Stephanie Parker at Parker Eventing, Redmond, OR
16 WWW.FLYINGCHANGES.COM AUGUST 2014
chance to school in either a short-court or long-court format.
Riders can also school in her outdoor stadium jumping arena
and cross-country course through the Novice Level. A long
time ago, it used to be the only thing in town, Marcia said.
Now there are several more facilities. Things have changed
over time, dramatically.
Tenacious Eventers
Eventing is not for the meek at heart. And so, Central Or-
egons eveners have weathered their share of hard times. The
love of the sport spurs them on and they nd encouragement in
the support of their community, signs of an economic upturn,
and indications that young riders are taking renewed interest
in the sport.
EECO President Turi McCabe is encouraged that the High
Lakes Pony Club chapter has asked her to help them put on
a one-day horse trial in late August. Hopefully they will get
more active, she said.
Indeed, as Central Oregons economy improves, one can
hope that the eventing community will thrive as well. The
club has been so tenacious, Stephanie said. Turi has been a
huge mainstay.
Looking toward the year ahead, the EECO will meet again
on Monday, September 8th. We will be working on our fall/
winter jumper show schedule and trying to plan a big name clinic
for next year, Turi said. Prospective members are welcome to
attend and can reach Turi at turi@centurylink.net
For more information visit www.coeventing.com or visit their
Facebook page: Eventing Enthusiasts of Central Oregon.
EECO hosts popular Jumper Jackpots at Karen Laidleys Fruition Farm, Redmond, OR throughout the winter