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The Three Phase Event 2012 National Versatility Championship

The Three Phase Event National Versatility Championship was conceived in 2007 by the Three Phase Event, Inc., a non profit organization, as an eventing competition similar to such competitions currently conducted at the national and international levels for jumping horses. Initially modified to accommodate the gaited horse, the invitation was later extended to non jump trot horses and all breeds and cross breeds to compete head to head. The Event is now open to all breeds (whether they are registered or non-registered) of gaited horses and non jumping trot horses and is a competition for seasoned trail, eventing and show horses. The sixth annual Three Phase Event will be held at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, Kentucky, May 19 - 20, 2012.

This event focuses on the horse and rider's ability to demonstrate their versatility in dressage, navigate a stadium obstacle course and complete a 3 to 10 mile cross country trail course which demands stamina and willingness to meet field challenges. There are three divisions, Beginner Novice, Novice and Training. These are further broken down into Youth ages 12 to 17, and Adult age 18 and above. The competitor’s choice of division is usually determined by their dressage competition level. In 2012 we will also see the introduction of Western Dressage.

In developing this national versatility championship, the Three Phase Event organizers placed the focus of the competition on the individually judged and scored horse and rider team. The sum of the judges individual score sheets are tallied which determines the titles, prize money, trophies and ribbon placements.

While competing for individual and overall titles and prize money, our competitors have expressed enjoyment in this style of competition because of its relaxed atmosphere and competitor camaraderie with the focus placed solely on each of the horse and rider teams.

During its past five years of competition, the Three Phase Event has hosted such breeds as: Mountain Pleasure, McCurdy Plantation, Rocky Mountain, American Saddlebred, Kentucky Mountain, Tennessee Walker, gaited Arabian, some Thoroughbred cross and Paso Fino cross horses. All the horses that compete must demonstrate the distinct stated gaits of their respective breed. If the horse is a cross breed, the gait it will be demonstrating must be stated on their entry form. We have been fortunate to have some of the same breed organizations sanction the Three Phase Event. In 2012, we will have new affiliations that will add the benefit to our competitors of accumulating points and awards within their respective organizations.

The primary goal of this non profit group is to reach out through our grant program, to those attending colleges and universities as well as equine trade schools. Our competition and our clinics, promote the health, well being, and education of all whose lives are touched by the horse and to demonstrate the versatility of their horses. More information about these programs, announcements, and discussions, can be found on our website:www.threephaseevent.org , and on our face book page; Three Phase Event. You can also contact us directly by emailing directly either: Carolyn Kenton – clk1ky@aol.com; or Kristie Wehmeyer - Rednrusty@bellsouth.net.

In this day and age when all is changing around us, the one thing consistent is our love for the horse. We keep them in our back yards, our fields, our barns, our pastures and in our hearts. The Three Phase Event, Inc. developed the competition for those individuals who not only love their horse but love competition and want an individual challenge and evaluation.

The board of directors wishes to welcome all our returning competitors and those who may come for the first time in 2012 to a truly unique and rewarding competition.