The USEA 2006 Area III Championships are with us again this coming weekend to be held at Poplar Place Farm just north of Columbus GA. The Championships have blossomed this year with well over 150 rides up 50% in the four Championship Divisions of Beginner Novice, Novice, Training and Prelim. All in all there are 300 plus rides for the weekend at Poplar Place Farm which is fast becoming the leading venue for Eventing in Georgia.

To qualify for the Championships riders or horses must have placed 1st thru 5th at one USEA event within Area III with no Cross Country jump penalities. With the variety of events in the Area III calendar this has led to ample opportunities to qualify this year, as can be seen by the huge increase in entries for the Championship divisions and the show in general. Last years Prelim Champion was Sonny Little on now retired Final Design and was a very poplar winner. Who will it be this year?

Regulars on the USEA Area III circuit, Mike and Emma Winter have the biggest group attending with 10 rides between them and that schedule is sure to keep them and their handlers busy throughout the weekend which commences on Friday at 8.00am with dressage. Poplar Place resident trainer Werner Geven has only a few rides outside of the main divisions but we are sure he will be casting an eye over his local horses and students. Geven has recently been selected to the National Team of his home country Holland, after his wonderful 16th place finish at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** in April this year on Esker Riada, a 14 year-old Irish Sport Horse.

Poplar Place Farm is owned and operated by Donna and Gary Stegman and is located on 188 acres, just north of Columbus, Georgia in the west-central part of the state and is about 100 miles southwest of Atlanta. The farm opened its 20-stall main barn in 1997, which is used primarily for horses in training, nearby having two dressage arenas. The newer 224 stall show barn and competiton area ranks up there with one of the best in the country with ample room for four more dressage rings and facilities that just make any event at Poplar Place a great event.

The cross-country courses were designed by Tremaine Cooper and constructed by Greg Schlappi. The facility is available for schooling, weather permitting, but you must call first to confirm availability. Currently the farm offers recognized competitions in Eventing and Dressage. Schooling Shows and Clinics are also scheduled throughout the year.