Article & photos by Nancy Brannon
Oak View Stables of Olive Branch, MS hosted its first schooling show of the summer on July 25, 2020, after the July 4 show was cancelled. Temperatures were slightly cooler, 88°F at noon, but the humidity was still high, making in the shade the desirable place to be.
Organizers at Oak View expressed the desire to protect the health and safety of riders and their families. That included maintaining six feet distance from others, wearing face masks, and using hand sanitizer that was provided at several locations on the show grounds.
A Hunter Derby had been scheduled, but was postponed until the fall show. However, the Jumper classic did go on. The Beginner Ring held classes over cavaletti, X-rails, 12” to 18” verticals, with 18” to 2” for the Mini Stirrup Hunter classes.
In the Main Ring, jumps were a little larger, and included Short Stirrup and Long Stirrup at 2 ft., 2’3” and 2’6” courses for Pony Hunter, Low Hunter, and Pre Child/Adult Hunter. Puddle Jumpers rode over 2’ to 2’3” courses, with Hopeful Jumper at 2’6”, Low Schooling jumper 2’9” to 3’, and High Schooling Jumper 3’3” to 3’6”.
Schooling shows resume in the fall at Oak View on September 12 and October 10. Find more information at oakviewstables.net.
