CityView Magazine

FEATURE High Horse eventing. Eventing is a triathlon for horses, an equestrian competi- N tion usually set over a couple of days. It carries the flavor of both sport and presentation — part gymnastics competition, part Westminister Dog Show. While eventing may not be the most recognizable athletic competition, Beebee is searching for glory on its biggest stages, or should we say, fields. The upcom- ing Stoneybrook Steeplechase, a Sandhills tradition, as well as the start of the competitive equestrian season, is an ideal time to spotlight eventing, which is linked to that old horse race. Beebee is currently celebrating the one-year anniversary of her Vass farm Hollybrook, located just 30 minutes from Fay- etteville and 20 minutes from Southern Pines. Beebee grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia and spent time in Dayton, Susan Beebee is a top competitor in the sport of eventing BY JASON TYSON ot many people realize it, but the North Caro- lina Sandhills are home to a current bona fide sports superstar. What Phil Mickelson and Danica Patrick are to their respective sports, Susan Beebee is to Ohio and Charlotte for many years, before settling in Vass. She also boards and trains horses, as well — and has an in- tense training schedule. "Equestrian training is a seven-day a week job," said Bee- bee. "I started riding when I was 6 years old and I have had horses in my blood ever since." Beebee says she knew eventing was the type of sport she wanted to pursue around age 11, while watching the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Now she prepares for competitions that are considered on par with the Olympics, such as the Rolex 3-Day in Kentucky. Training for these events can present unique challenges, considering that there are two athletes present, the horse and the rider. The two must be perfectly in sync throughout the trials in order to succeed. One phase, dressage, is like ballet, where the horse and rider are put through a series of precise movements, while cross country involves an obstacle course. The third event, CityViewNC.com | 57

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