Top riders to compete at horse trials in Wayne
Two-time World Eventing Champion Bruce Davidson heads a star-studded field of horses and riders heading for the Maui Jim Horse Trials Thursday, July 9 to Sunday, July 12, in Wayne.
Davidson from Pennsylvania and Florida, has entered three horses, one of which his homebred mare Jam. According to Davidson, they named her Jam because her mother's name was Honey.
Davidson is his fourth decade of eventing. In addition to his World Championship wins, he's represented the U.S. in several Olympic Games, and in 2008, he was honored when a bronze representation of himself was unveiled at the Kentucky Horse Park, site of the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.
Not to be outdone - and keeping this competition a family matter - is Bruce's son, Buck, who, in his early 30s, is one of the leading stars in the world of American eventing. He's already earned the right to wear a scarlet coat, reserved for riders who have represented the U.S. in international competition, and this past spring, he was the highest placed American rider at the Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. Buck is slated to ride seven horses at Maui Jim, five at the Advanced and FEI (International) Three Star level, and two younger horses at Preliminary. Rounding out the field will be two other International eventing stars: Jan Byyny from Virginia with four horses, and Becky Holder from Georgia with two.
The venues include Lamplight Equestrian Center and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Pratt Wayne Equestrian Area, both located on North Dunham Road in Wayne. The title sponsor is Maui Jim Inc. of Peoria.
The tentative agenda calls for Dressage on Friday, Cross Country on Saturday, and Show Jumping on Sunday. The beneficiaries of the competition are the Illinois Wisconsin Search and Rescue Dogs Inc. and programs participating in the Illinois Special Olympics Equestrian Competition which is held on Sunday. Admission and parking are free, and there are attractions for all ages. For more information, visit mauijimhorsetrials.org.