MCTA Starter Trials

2026 MDCTA Fall Starter Horse Trials 

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Shawan Downs, 1402 Shawan Road Cockeysville, MD 21030

 

Stay Tuned for Live Registration

Registration Closes Sept. 23, 2025

2024 MCTA Fall Starter Horse Trials 

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Tranquillity Manor Farm, 4101 Stansbury Mill Rd, Monkton, MD

(Closing date: Oct 1, 2024) 

A great starter level horse trials for horses and riders newer to eventing or looking for more experience in an inviting setting. 
 
Register for Event (closes Oct. 1, 2024)

Divisions: 

Poles-Introductory – 2023 Intro Test B, Stadium mostly Xs and Cross Country up to 18” of mostly logs/poles near the rings, will have terrain, but will not cross the driveway.  Riders may be led and/or ponied in any or all phases.

Elementary – 2023 Intro Test C, Stadium and Cross Country up to 24” will have terrain and options, but will not cross the driveway.

Starter – 2022 USEA Starter Test A, Stadium and Cross Country up to 2’3” may include an up bank, terrain, a faux ditch, and option at water.

Beginner Novice – 2022 BN Test A, Stadium and Cross Country up to 2’7” 

Novice – 2022 Novice Test A, Stadium and Cross Country up to 2’11”

Training/Novice  2022 Training Test A, Stadium and Cross Country up to 2’11”

Hybrid Divisions (Higher Dressage with Lower Level Jumping):

    • Elementary Dressage w/ Poles Stadium/XC (listed as EL/PLS in EventEntries)
    • Starter Dressage w/ Elementary Stadium/XC (ST/EL)
    • Beginner Novice Dressage w/ Starter Stadium/XC (BNS)
    • Novice Dressage w/ Beginner Novice Stadium/XC (NBN)
    • Training Dressage w/ Novice Stadium/XC (TN)

Entry Fees:
Horse Trials and Hybrid divisions:  Non-MCTA members $140; MCTA members $120.
CT divisions (Dressage/Stadium only):  $75.
Dressage only (Test of Choice): $35 per test or 2 tests for $60.
Refunds before closing less $25 office fee. No refunds after the closing date or if the event is canceled.

Enter using Event Entries:  
https://evententries.com/#ShowMjMyNg== 
A complete entry must include payment, Coggins and signed waiver or a time will NOT be assigned.

Tentative Time Schedule: Cross country course closed for schooling 10/1 or when flagged. Courses will open Sat 10/5 @ 4pm for walking (without horse). Sunday Dressage 8am – Stadium 9:45am – Cross country 10am.

Awards:  Overall ribbons to 6th place if 3 or more starters per division. MCTA Members are eligible for Trophies and high point award for each division however MUST join BEFORE the closing date. Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) prizes will be awarded for each division.

Important Information:

  • Vet and Farrier on call. 
  • Limited water, bring your own.
  • Please leave all dogs at home.
  • Food available.
  • Event will follow USEF rules for Eventing.
  • Body protectors required for XC and Helmets required when mounted.
  • Medical armbands are recommended.
  • No standing martingales.
  • Organizer reserves the right to divide divisions into sections based on age and experience.
  • We are using Paper Pinnies, you will need a pinny holder!!
  • No unauthorized motor vehicles of any kind allowed on course or near dressage.
  • NO unleashed dogs.

Secretary:  Melissa Fieldhouse, jennycampht@mdcta.com, (443) 974-0712.
Email the secretary for more information or questions.

Have You Considered Joining MCTA?
It Makes “Cents”!

  • Discounted entry fees
  • Special MCTA Member-only trophies and perks
  • Earn points toward Year End Awards from MCTA and non-MCTA events
  • DOUBLE POINTS at MCTA events

Perpetual trophies are awarded at the Starter Event for the highest placed MCTA member at each level.  To be eligible for these lovely trophies riders must be MCTA members before the competition closing date, so be sure your membership is up to date or join us as a new member by the time you enter.  Your membership may pay for itself in your discounted entry fee!!!

You have to be a Member to win: Join Now!

STARTER EVENT TROPHIES
The Scavenger’s Choice Trophy (Elementary)
The Blackberry Bowl (Introductory)
The Valerie Hunt Memorial Trophy (Jr/YR, BN)
The Buttermilk Sky Memorial Trophy (Sr, BN)
The Sunstone Creek Memorial Trophy (Jr/YR, N)
The Sunwood Spring Trophy (Sr, N)

The Scavenger’s Choice Trophy  (any age, Intro and Elem.)

     Sharon Dawson / Sweet Magnolia

The Blackberry Bowl  (any age, Starter)

     Olive Dumais / Sweet Frijole

The Valerie Hunt Memorial Trophy  (Jr/YR, BN)

     Kate Benjamin / In The Danger Zone

The Buttermilk Sky Memorial Trophy  (Sr, BN)

     Amanda Caplan / PL Layla

The Sunstone Creek Memorial Trophy  (Jr/YR, N)

     Evangeline Rhodes / Diamond Rio

The Sunwood Spring Trophy  (Sr, N)

     Veronique Mallet / Southern Bay

T.I.P. AWARDS for
MCTA STARTER Horse Trials 2024
Best (lowest) score for TIP-eligible Thoroughbred

 

NOVICE
High Point
Southern Bay / Veronique Mallet
Reserve High Point
Dictate the Terms / Andronicki DiBiasi 

BEGINNER NOVICE
High Point
Vineyard / Amy Faison
Reserve High Point
Love That Fountain / Tyler Buchannon 

STARTER
High Point
Theodore / Megan Cook
Reserve High Point
Pepe and Heywood / Madeline Conley 

ELEMENTARY
High Point
Inquisitive Lass / Leslie Lynn
Reserve High Point
Spy Town / Natalie Griger

INTRODUCTORY
High Point
Not Awarded)
Reserve High Point
Not Awarded