Spectators and competitors are invited to attend a free social gathering and celebrity water jump coursewalk the evening of Friday, September 8th at Aspen Farms Horse Trials and Area VII Championships, proudly hosted by the USEA Area VII Adult Riders and Young Riders Programs. The social will begin after the conclusion of all dressage rounds on Friday at the Toklat water complex centrally located on the cross-country course. We hope to see you there!

Last year’s educational celebrity coursewalk with Olympian Nick Holmes-Smith was a big hit, and the Area VII Adult and Young Riders Programs have again organized a fun and educational experience for all this year featuring Area VII star, Maya Black. Maya Black is a 4-star event rider and trainer who grew up on Whidbey Island, where she achieved her A Rating in Pony Club with strong recommendations. Maya’s most notable eventing achievements have included being named as traveling reserve rider to the 2016 Rio Olympics. Additionally, she has placed in the top three at the Rolex Kentucky 4-star and other CCI 3-star competitions. She has won various competitions at the CIC 3-star, CCI 2-star, and national levels throughout her eventing career and has been named to numerous U.S. Eventing training lists over the years.

Maya has worked for and/or trained under some of the most notable professionals and competitors across the English disciplines including but not limited to the O’Connors, Debbie McDonald, her cousin Adrienne Lyle, Jan Byyny, Mark Kyle, Silvio Maszoni, and Brian Murphy. She has also worked with some of the Pacific Northwest’s bests: Ruth Moore, Linda Chatfield, and the late Amy Tryon. Maya’s greatest joys are producing young horses to be successful, confident, well-rounded competitors and partners as well as coaching students of all ages and levels who are passionate about learning.

All Aspen Farms competitors, spectators, and volunteers are invited to attend the Friday evening social and celebrity cross-country review. Snacks and drinks will be provided. We welcome you to share your pictures and comments from the event on social media using the hashtags #AFHT and #AreaVIIChamps.

* Photo by Brynne Naughton