#HallOfFameThursday: Oaks Blenheim International CSI-A
This week's #HallOfFameThursday features the 2002 Oaks Blenheim International CSI-A program.
The Oaks Blenheim International CSI-A is taking place in San Juan Capistrano. The biggest class, the Cargill Grand Prix of the United States, is worth $175,000. Todd Minikus and his chestnut partner, Oh Star, are defending their title. Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil is the reigning World Champion. Jeroen Dubbeldam of Netherlands and British multi-Olympian Michael Whitaker are also competing. The event is part of trials to select the U.S. team for the World Equestrian Games.
Show jumping is a sport where horse and rider compete over a course of between 12 and 15 obstacles. The obstacles' dimensions test the horse's athletic ability and heart. Course designs are designed to test horse’s responsiveness and ability to compress and expand its stride. The awkward distance between fences is set between normal stride markers. A popular challenge at this venue involves a shallow, 13-foot wide ditch filled with water. Come to the competition early to see riders “walk the course” before their class. It's a good idea to practice jumping before the event.
The path to show jumping for American riders is longer than for their European counterparts. English-style riding is as much a part of European heritage and culture as Western styles of riding. Oaks Blenheim International is America’s first outdoor jumping event recognized as an international competition by the International Equestrian Federation. All of the approximately 2,800 competitions sanctioned by USA Egotrian are oriented toward amateur competitors. American horse show economics dictate that most top riders get spread quite thin. The management team behind the Oaks blenheimer international doesn't expect to change all that single-handedly.
