Montana Equestrian Events

The organization gives equestrians of all ages the opportunity to compete in the western united states in competitions that are sanctioned by a national parent organization, the united states eventing association (usea), headquartered in leesburg, Virginia and the international sanctioning organization, federation equestre internationale, switzerland.the primary service accomplishment is staging the main competition called the event at rebecca farm in july of each year for approximately 580 entrants. The rider and horse perform a combination of the Equestrian discipline of dressage, cross country and stadium jumping over a 3 day period. There are multiple divisions from novice to advanced including international divisions. It is part of a circuit of similar Events that take place across the u.s. and the world as it serves as a springboard for the horse and rider to advance to major national and international Equestrian competitions, including the olympics.over several months prior to the event, the course is prepared to appropriate standards, temporary stables are installed and qualified officials are hired. Several hundred volunteers also help in the production of the event. Planned fundraising takes place to solicit sponsors to offset the cost not covered by entry fees such as program production, prizes, organization fees, security, toilet rental and garbage removal, etc. Over 20,000 spectators attend and admission is free; handicap access is provided. A trade fair takes place over the 3 days attracting vendors and food concessionaires. An evening barbecue is also a traditional part of the festivities. The community not only benefits in the recreation provided, but also from an economic standpoint. The average competitor from out of the area (approximately 3/4 of the entrants) bring 4-5 helpers with them and stay an average of 5 days. Equestrian enthusiasts from all over the u.s. and canada flock to the event each july to take it all in and thus supporting local tourism.along with the main event, several clinics, show jumping competitions and a dressage show take place throughout the season. They too are sanctioned by parent organizations respectively as per the Equestrian discipline. Expert clinicians teach 20-30 students over weekends and judges officiate at the jumping and dressage shows which average 80 competitors. Again, these Events attract equestrians from all over the u.s. and canada.in 2012, in memory of the event'Events's founder, rebecca broussard, her daughter, sarah g. broussard, launched "halt cancer at x" - an initiative to raise money for breast cancer research. The name comes from the dressage test - where the first movement is for the rider to halt the horse at x, a station marked in the arena. A parking donation was collected each day at the event to help support this campaign and participating competitors also raised money through soliciting pledges. A total of $75,650 was awarded to national and local organizations in the fight against breast cancer.