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Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

Myhio Haven Horse Farm at 9010 Ohio 125 in West Portsmouth holds its Spring Jubilee Open Jumper/Cross Country competition this weekend with a new format.

“I’m having a mini trial, which includes dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping, which is different from the shows I’ve done in the past, which is just jumpers and cross country, which is fine, so it’s completely objective,” said Janine Hansing, who operates the farm.

The inaugural mini trial and dressage will be Saturday, June 23, and will feature three categories: Pre-Starter (up to 18 inches), Starter (2 feet to 2 feet, 3 inches), and Beginner Novice (2 feet, 3 inches to 2 feet, 7 inches). The mini trial begins at 9 a.m. Saturday with dressage in the indoor arena, and the Spring Jubilee Open begins Sunday at 1 p.m. in the stadium field. The classes are: Beginner (up to 18 inches), Introductory (2 feet to 2 feet, 3 inches) and Intermediate (2 feet, 6 inches to 2 feet, 9 inches).

“My regular show on Sunday (June 24) is completely objective, whereas Saturday has a dressage component that is judged,” Hansing said. “A lot of people really like the dressage part. Some people don’t. So I offer both.”

Hansing said she has a “no-elimination” policy, aimed at the beginner.

Hansing said entries are already closed for the Spring Jubilee Open, but other events are scheduled for the rest of the season with mini trials on July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 22 and Oct. 20, with shows schedules for July 22, Aug. 19, Sept. 23 and Oct. 21. She said the shows for this weekend are free to the public.

“I encourage people to come out and watch. It’s a lot of fun to see people jumping, and to cheer everybody on,” Hansing said.

To participate, email beanerbounce@hotmail.com or call 740-858-6017 for an entry form

“The one thing different with the mini trials is that you have a specific ride time. So that’s why I have to have people register in advance,” Hansing said. “Dressage is always done first, then cross country, then stadium jumping.”

In case of inclement weather, the mini trial will become a combined test and the open show will consist of two indoor jumper rounds followed by two timed obstacle rounds, so that it is done indoors.

Ribbons will be awarded for first through sixth place, but every rider gets a participation ribbon. Trophies will be awarded to the top two riders in each division at the conclusion of the October show.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 232, or at flewis@heartlandpublications.com.