A sporting tradition in Victor has come to an end. Officials with the Stuart Horse Trials say that after 26 years, the past year's event has been their last.
Organizer Heidi Vahue says that the sport which involves riders taking their horses through their paces in various events has just outgrown what the local area can provide.
The event in Victor was held on property belonging to long landowners, and Vahue says there are now horse park venues around the country that provide more consistent, all-weather footing.
“We’ve had some pretty unlucky weather , one year we had to cancel completely, but last year we got two inches of rain on the Thursday before our competition which made dressage very very wet and difficult going.”
Vahue says it really has been a great sport for spectators.
“They get to get very close to the horses and feel the horses galloping by and they like to come out and see these amazing horses and rider pair combinations compete.”
Vahue notes the Stuart Horse Trials have also hosted a number of Olympic class riders throughout its long run.
During its 26 years, the Stuart Horse Trials donated more than $130,000 to local charitable organizations.
