Premier Equestrian presented competitor Rebecca Braitling with the Premier Equestrian Award at The Event at Rebecca Farm (Photo courtesy Shannon Brinkman Photography)
Kalispell, MT (July 27, 2017) — Each year, The Event at Rebecca Farm attracts throngs of eventing enthusiasts from across the continent to its spectacular equestrian facility in Kalispell, Montana for a one-of-a-kind eventing extravaganza like no other. The wildly popular event, which debuted in 2002, draws hundreds of riders of all ages and levels, as well as thousands of spectators to its show grounds annually, and has since become one of the largest equestrian triathlon events in the United States.
This year, Premier Equestrian, who has generously supplied Rebecca Farm with its world-class Master’s Blend footing since 2013, was pleased to add to the excitement by recognizing one outstanding competitor with its Premier Equestrian Award. The award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship and contributions to the equestrian community, was presented to competitor Rebecca Braitling, who was also the winner of the CCI1* division aboard Santana II, a 7-year-old grey Oldenburg mare (Camax L x Hofdame H.)
Originally from Australia, Braitling trained with Phillip Dutton before moving to California to train at Templeton Farms and neighboring Twin Rivers Ranch in Templeton, California. “I’m blessed to be able to prepare my horses in two wonderful locations,” observed Braitling.
Braitling took over the ride on Santana II when her owner, Lauren Burnell, became pregnant. Forty-three horse and rider combinations started The Event, with Rebecca and Santana II in the lead after dressage with a score of 44.3 percent. A clean cross-country kept the team in the lead, and, after a successful show jumping round, the pair was able to hold on for the win. “I was relieved at the end after the show jumping. There was little room for error and she was tired and a little green. But she tried really hard,” said Braitling. Their plans include continuing at the CCI1* level and showing at more events this year.
In addition to riding three horses at The Event, Braitling also coached several other young riders. The competitor and trainer believes the key to success in equestrian sport lies in constant hard work, which is a philosophy she shares with her students by proving them with a positive example. “It’s not enough to just tell them to work hard,” said Braitling. “I want them to see that I work hard, too.”
Premier Equestrian was pleased to honor Braitling’s commitment and dedication as a rider, trainer, and positive role model for her students. A company that prides itself on supporting the equestrian community, Premier Equestrian was also pleased to provide riders at The Event with its exceptional Master’s Blend footing, a premium proprietary blend of textiles and cushioning agents that creates a superior riding surface for optimal performance.
“The footing at Rebecca Farm is always really good,” remarked Braitling. “For us, coming out from California, we get to run on the grass in the cross country at Rebecca Farm, but we also know when we go into dressage and show jumping we get to have pretty perfectly prepared footing. That really allows you to focus on jumping clean rounds and winning at dressage.”
All of the footing was updated last year after the venue added several new arenas to accommodate The Event’s rapidly growing number of competitors. The company also supplied Rebecca Farm with its advanced Pro Groomer to ensure that an ideal riding surface was maintained for all competitors throughout The Event.
Premier Equestrian is pleased to offer world-class footing to suit any budget, from dressage and eventing disciplines, to hunters and jumpers. The world’s only full-service footing, arena construction, and arena equipment provider, Premier Equestrian offers expert sand analysis and construction services, in addition to its world class range of footing products. Premier arena footing is installed at The Del Mar National horse show, as well as the training arenas of top professional riders including Laura Graves and Steffen Peters. To find out more about the Premier Equestrian Award or to request a free catalog, an arena footing sample, or arena sand analysis, call (800) 611-6109 or visit www.premierequestrian.com.
