The championship is ideal for younger riders looking to build a following and establish themselves. “Recruiters often attend, seeking to cultivate young talent,” Broussard said. “They’re on the lookout for those showing promise for the international U. S. eventing team.” Broussard is intimately familiar with the FEI event. As a former junior champion herself, Broussard easily recalls winning on such a large stage, feeling “special knowing everyone there was already a champion.” Now hosting FEI for the second year, and plans for a third, Broussard looks forward to creating the same palpable sense of arrival for these young riders. “Young Rider was huge in my career. It was my first time on an international stage. There is a sense of responsibility not only to yourself but to
the rest of your team. It’s humbling to now have the opportunity to host the same event that was so important in my growth, both as a person and as a competitor.”
With the continuation of the event in 2018 and 2019, more participants and spectators are anticipated to come to the Flathead Valley. The Event welcomed more than 600 competitors and 10,000 spectators in 2017. “We are pleased to welcome new folks to the Flathead Valley each year and to showcase all the community has to offer.”
To gain a sense of the Event’s importance, both to the community, and to young riders, visit Rebecca Farm’s YouTube channel to see the competition in action. For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.
ABOUT THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM The Event at Rebecca Farm presented by Montana Equestrian Events is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. One of the largest equestrian triathlons in the United States, The Event also boasts some of the world’s finest scenery. Each year the competition draws hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympians. Rebecca Farm features ten courses, ranging in difficulty from novice to Olympic qualifier. The courses were originally developed by world-renowned course designer, Mark Phillips, and in 2012, Scottish equestrian Ian Stark redesigned them. Known for his immense contributions to Eventing, Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010. For more information, visit www.rebeccafarm.org.
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