Spring Bay Horse Trials: Your Essential Guide to Lexington's Premier Equestrian Event

Spring Bay Horse Trials, held in the heart of Lexington, Kentucky, is a highlight for eventing enthusiasts in Area 8 and beyond. This USEA recognized competition offers a fantastic opportunity for riders of all levels, from Tadpole starters to Preliminary and Modified competitors, to test their skills in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country. Taking place in April 2025, Spring Bay Horse Trials utilizes the renowned Kentucky Horse Park and the picturesque Masterson Station Park, providing top-tier venues for each phase of the competition. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or just starting your eventing journey, this guide provides all the essential information you need to prepare for and enjoy the Spring Bay Horse Trials.

Event Overview: Spring Bay Horse Trials in Lexington, KY (Area 8)

Event Name: Spring Bay Horse Trials
Location: Lexington, Kentucky (Area 8)
Dates: April 12 – 13, 2025
Opening Date: February 25
Closing Date: March 25

Spring Bay Horse Trials is a recognized event offering a wide range of divisions to cater to diverse skill levels. From USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized divisions like Training, Training Rider, Training Novice, Novice, Novice Rider, Beginner Novice, and Beginner Novice Rider, to USEF/USEA Recognized divisions including Preliminary and Modified, there’s a challenge for everyone. For those starting out or looking for introductory levels, USEA Recognized Tests are available at Starter and Tadpole levels. This event truly embraces the spirit of eventing, providing a supportive and competitive environment within the Area 8 equestrian community.

Directions and Venue Locations: KHP and Masterson Station Park

Navigating to Spring Bay Horse Trials is straightforward, with events spread across two prime Lexington locations: the Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) and Masterson Station Park (MSP).

Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511. This iconic venue hosts the Dressage and Show Jumping phases.

Masterson Station Park (MSP) Address: 3051 Leestown Rd, Lexington, KY 40511. Here, competitors will tackle the Cross-Country course.

Directions:

To Kentucky Horse Park (KHP) from I-75: Take Exit 120. Follow signs for the Kentucky Horse Park main gate entrance. Drive to the stables area; directions to Masterson St. Park stabling will be available.
To Masterson Station Park (MSP) directly: From I-75/64, take Exit 115 onto 922 Newtown Pike towards Lexington. Merge onto New Circle Rd. #4 towards the airport and take Exit 7, Hwy 421/Leestown Rd north to Masterson Station Park on the right. Alternatively, from I-64, take the Midway exit to 421/Leestown Rd southeast to Masterson Station Park on the left, just outside Lexington.

Detailed maps are typically available on the event website to further assist with directions. Competitors are advised to check online resources for the most accurate and up-to-date directions.

Tentative Schedule and Important Times

Please note that the schedule is tentative and subject to change. Always refer to the official event website, Startbox Scoring, and the event’s Facebook page for the most current updates.

Tentative Schedule Highlights:

Friday, April 11: Show Office opens at 1:00 pm at the KHP. Competitor packets are available at the Show Office at Kentucky Horse Park. Cross-country course at Masterson Station Park opens for inspection at 3:00 pm. Show office also located at Masterson Station Park.
Saturday, April 12: Dressage for all levels commences at 8:00 am, followed by Show Jumping for all levels at 10:00 am, both at the Kentucky Horse Park.
Sunday, April 13: Cross-Country for all levels begins at 8:00 am at Masterson Station Park.

Starting Times: Stabling assignments and ride times will be available one week prior to the event on www.kyevents.net and Startbox Scoring. It is crucial to check these resources to plan your competition weekend effectively.

Event Officials and Key Contacts

The Spring Bay Horse Trials is managed by a team of experienced officials dedicated to ensuring a fair and well-run competition.

Key Officials:

Technical Delegate (TD): Jeri Matheny, KY; Robyn Munson, WV
President of the Ground Jury: Karen Winn, KY
Dressage Judges: Maureen John, KY; Debbie Boeh, OH; Julie Congleton, KY
Show Jumping Judge: Shelley Ryan, KY
Cross-Country Course Designer (CD): Mary Fike, KY
Show Jumping Course Designer (SJ): (Not specified in original text)

Entry and Organizer Contacts:

Organizer: Mary Fike – [email protected], 914 Harrington Mill Rd, Shelbyville, KY 40065
Secretary: Erin Murphy – [email protected]

Emergency Contact: (859) 621-2479 (Emergency use only)

All entries are handled electronically through Xentry and EventEntries, streamlining the entry process for competitors. For all entry-related queries, scheduling questions, or scratches, please contact the Secretary via email at [email protected].

Entry Information, Fees, and Important Policies

Entries:

Electronic Entries Only: Submissions are exclusively accepted through Xentry and EventEntries.
Entry Deadline: March 25. Be sure to submit your entry well in advance of the closing date.
Entry Fees: Vary by division. P/M – BN divisions: $250.00; Starter: $210.00; Tadpole: $180.00 (U.S. funds). A $10 KHP Footing fee is automatically added to entries via Event Entries and Xentry.
Early Entry Incentive: Complete entries (including signatures, Coggins, and payment) date and time stamped or postmarked on the Opening Date will be entered into a drawing to win a $200 refund.

Refunds and Fees:

Refunds before Close Date: Less a $25 non-refundable office fee.
Refunds after Close Date: No refunds, including stabling fees, after the close date.
Competition Cancellation: No refund if the competition has begun. Refunds prior to the start will be considered as expenses allow.
USEA Starter/D&M Fee Refund Policy: The $35 USEA Starter and D&M fee is refundable within 30 days post-event to riders who do not start the dressage test, and is not subject to office fees.
Late Entry Fee: $65.00 for entries accepted after the close date, payable via Event Entries or Xentry with full payment.
Incomplete Entry Fee: A $50.00 late fee per entry will be assessed for incomplete entries after the Close Date (including missing signatures, payments, Coggins).
Signature at Show Office Fee: $25.00 for signature forms signed at the Show Office window.
Change Fee: $65.00 for changes requested after the Close Date, schedule permitting, including stabling changes.

Membership and Requirements:

USEA current membership (Junior, Collegiate, Full, or Life) and horse registration (Limited or Full) are mandatory for all levels except Tadpole.
Tadpole participants are exempt from USEA membership and the USEA Starter/D&M fee.
USEF non-member fees apply at Modified level for non-members of USEF (rider/owner/trainer).

Coggins and Health Papers:

A current Negative Coggins is required with entry. Online Coggins updates are encouraged.
Health papers within 30 days are required for horses entering Kentucky Horse Park from out of state.

Awards and Stabling Information

Awards: Divisions will offer 10 ribbons and a First Place award per division, recognizing top performances across all levels.

Stabling:

Stabling Fee: $65/night, available from April 11 through 2:00 pm Sunday, April 13th.
Layover Fee: Competitors staying at KHP after 2:00 pm on Sunday will incur a $65.00 layover fee.
Tack Stalls: Available at $65/night.
Haul In Fee: $65 for April 12 only.
Stall Details: 800 permanent 12×12 box stalls are available at Kentucky Horse Park. Stall doors are provided.
Feed/Hay/Bedding: Available for purchase from Devers Hay, Grain & Bedding – (859) 233-9702 or www.deverinc.com.
Veterinarian: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Contact information will be posted at the Show Office during the event.
Stall Assignments: Adhere to assigned stabling to avoid a $50.00 fine for using an unassigned stall.

Accommodations and Local Amenities

Lexington in April is vibrant, especially with the Keeneland Spring Meet in town, so booking accommodations early is highly recommended.

Official Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriot – 5 mi. (859) 231-6191.

Other Hotel Options:

Courtyard by Marriott – 5 mi. (859)-253-4646.
Fairfield Inn-4 mi (859) 977-5870.
Clarion Inn-4 mi. (859) 233-0512.
Holiday Inn Express-Georgetown-8 mi. (502) 867-1648.
La Quinta – 4 mi.(859) 231-7551.

Camping: Kentucky Horse Park campgrounds are available. Book online at www.parks.ky.gov or call (888) 4KY-PARK.

Course Details: Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping

Dressage: All dressage tests will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in small arenas on sand surfaces.

Tests and Arena Sizes:
- P/M: 2022 USEF Preliminary Test A
- M: 2022 USEF Modified Test A
- M/T: 2022 USEF Modified Test A
- T: 2022 USEF Training Test A
- N: 2022 USEF Novice Level Test A
- BN: 2022 USEF Beginner Novice Level Test A
- Starter: 2022 USEA Starter Test
- Tadpole: 2022 USEA Starter Test

Cross-Country: The Cross-Country phase takes place at Masterson Station Park, offering varied terrain suitable for each level.

Distances and Speeds:
- M: 2200 – 3000 m @ 490 mpm
- T: 2400 m @ 450 mpm
- N: 2000 m @ 350 mpm
- BN: 2000 m @ 300 mpm
- Starter: 1400m-2000m @ 250 mpm (speed faults at 350 mpm)
- Tadpole: 1400-2000m @ 200mpm (No water or ditches at Tadpole level)
Terrain: Rolling hills, mostly open terrain; Modified and Training levels include rolling to hilly sections with water and up/down banks. Novice through Tadpole levels are generally flatter. Courses are designed to be good early-season challenges, but Modified and Training levels are not recommended as move-up courses for inexperienced horses at those levels. Expect water, ditches, and combinations appropriate for each level, except Tadpole.

Show Jumping: Show Jumping will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Details on specific courses will be available closer to the event date.

Additional Important Information for Competitors

Cross-Country Course Closure: The MSP Cross-country course closes for schooling on April 1st.
Divisions: Levels may be divided or combined based on entry numbers.
Food: Food will be available on the grounds during event days.
Dogs: Must be leashed at all times.
USEA/USEF Rules: The event is governed by USEA/USEF rules and regulations. Protective headgear is mandatory for anyone riding a horse on the grounds.
Motorized Vehicles: Minors without a valid driver’s license are prohibited from operating motorized vehicles (including golf carts, scooters, etc.) on competition grounds.
SafeSport Compliance: All USEF Life and Senior Active members, and participants with regular contact with minor athletes, must complete U.S. Center for SafeSport training.
Withdrawals: Must be submitted in writing (post or email) by 9 pm March 25. No phone or text withdrawals are accepted.
Substitutions and Changes: Horse or Rider substitutions are allowed within the same division. Changes after the Close Date are subject to schedule availability and incur a change fee.
Website Updates: Regularly check the event website www.kyevents.net and the event’s Facebook page for the latest updates and information.

Spring Bay Horse Trials promises a weekend of exciting competition in a beautiful setting. Prepare to be part of a well-organized and friendly event that celebrates the equestrian spirit in Lexington, Kentucky. Be sure to finalize your entries through Xentry or EventEntries and look forward to a fantastic experience at the Spring Bay Horse Trials!

Note: Always verify details and schedules with the official event website and organizers for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Helpful Links:

Spring Bay Horse Trials: Your Essential Guide to Lexington’s Premier Equestrian Event