About The Venue

Located just a few miles south of Lexington, in beautiful Wilmore, Kentucky, the Asbury University Equine Program strives for its students to become Christ-centered leaders in the equine industry. The Palisades Farm as it is called was the dream of Harold Rainwater beginning in 1978, and he remains the Center's Director today. 

Under his leadership, the Center now has 343 beautiful acres which consist of pasture fields, trails, 3 round pens, 2 barns, an indoor riding arena, and two outdoor riding arenas.  To read more about the Asbury University Equine Program click here: https://www.asbury.edu/academics/departments/natural-sciences/hper/equine-center

Current Coggins and Health Certificate are required for each horse brought onto the property.  An Asbury University "Release of Liability" must be signed at Registration. 

Stalling is available for overnight, as is camping with generators. Although there is no fee for overnight camping, stall fees are $20 per stall, one horse per stall.  Bedding is included.  There are a limited number of stalls available, please reserve them with your online ride registration.  Restrooms are available in the barns.  

Proceeds from these events, will be donated to the Jessamine-Asbury College Connection program.  This unique program brings special needs students age 18-21 to the campus to work, study, and socialize with their peers and earn a certificate of completion.  This program is in its twenty-fourth year of operation. Asbury University waives tuition for students of the Jessamine-Asbury College Connection program and offers recreation classes, classes in children’s literature, technology in education, introduction to theater, art, and music appreciation, children’s ministry, and radio production. Jessamine-Asbury College Connection students may take horseback riding lessons on campus.  Some students have gone on to compete in the Kentucky Special Olympic Games and even the International Special Olympics.  For additional information visit: https://www.asbury.edu/academics/departments/science-health/equine-program/programs/jessamine-connection/

The closest area motels include the Asbury Inn https://asburyinn.com/ and the Comfort Inn https://www.choicehotels.com/kentucky/nicholasville/comfort-inn-hotels/ky271?source=gyxt

Asbury University Equine Center requires every mounted rider to wear a helmet, regardless of age.  Please bring a helmet.  If you do not have one, there may be some helmets available at the equine center you may borrow.  No rider will be allowed to participate without a helmet. 

Event Details

Come try our Obstacle Courses.  We will be offering an in-hand obstacle course competition and a mounted obstacle course competition.  Each course will have no less than eight obstacles.  The obstacles will be comprised of man-made and natural type obstacles.  The competition course will be located inside the indoor arena.  We hope you will find them fun and challenging. 

Outside in the outdoor arena, we will have a schooling course set up full of stimulating obstacles to help you train and build trusting relationships with your equine.  You will have access to the course from 8:00 am through 3:00 pm.  You may bring your trainer with you.  Obstacles can be used in-hand or mounted. The course is open to all registered schooling participants, no ride times will be assigned.  Please check-in when you arrive to receive a schooling pass to the arena.         

ALL Breeds and ALL Disciplines are welcomed.  Companion rides will not be available for this event.  

***WE WILL RIDE, RAIN OR SHINE.  

Asbury University Equine Center requires every mounted rider to wear a helmet, regardless of age.  Please bring a helmet.  If you do not have one, there may be some helmets available at the equine center you may borrow.  No rider will be allowed to participate without a helmet.   All participants 22 or younger will be required to wear helmets while working equine in-hand. 

We will have a small tack swap area set up if you would like to sell, swap, or buy gently used tack or equine related items.  If you bring an item to sell, please make sure it is clean, in good condition, and clearly tagged with your name and asking price.  If your item sells, we ask that you donate no less than 10% of your sale to the Jessamine- Asbury College Connection.   

The Terrain

The In-hand and Mounted Obstacle Competitions will be held in the indoor arena.  The Schooling obstacle course will be in an outdoor arena. 

Meals

A selection of hot soups, assorted chips, drinks, and desserts will be available.  You may also pack your own lunch.  There is no fee for lunch.  Please consider bringing a crockpot of soup or a dessert to share.  Every person that brings a potluck dish to share will be enrolled in a special prize drawing.  

Awards

After all, competitors complete the courses the judges will present their Shout-out awards, and then ribbons will be awarded for the top six finishers in three categories - Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced for each competition.  To learn more visit: https://www.equinetrailsports.com/ 

EVENT AWARDS

• ETS rosette ribbons are awarded 1st through 6th place for each bracket – Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced
• ETS ribbons are awarded for 1st-3rd place Junior (age 13-17) & Youngin' (age 7-12).
• ETS ribbon is awarded to the high score Newcomer for each event!
• Placement Points are earned based on your bracket ranking for all riders.
• Ranking Points are accumulated for all riders no matter the equine.

Additional Fees

Stall fees will need to be paid upon arrival.  Please use cash or check made payable to Asbury University.

Additional Opportunities

Want to learn more about equine obstacles?  Come volunteer with us.  Train to become a host or a certified judge or learn more about obstacle competition.  There are dozens of opportunities to help with ETS events.  The atmosphere is very friendly and low stress on equines and humans.  Come on out and have fun, make some new friends, or learn about a growing equine sport.  Contact your local host, Chris Pepplitsch at cpepplitsch@yahoo.com, or by Messenger for Facebook users.  

WHY ETS?

• Earn breed points for your equine.  Check out some of our breed association partners at https://www.equinetrailsports.com/breed/
• 3 levels of difficulty to choose from at EACH obstacle - Novice, Intermediate, Advanced  
• Obstacles are not timed, partial scores for attempts!
• Year end and lifetime awards for equine and competitors
• Easy on-line registration
• View your scores on-line, compare your scores to fellow competitors
• Competitors 22 years and younger – free membership & ride reduced registration fees  
• Simple membership options including a Daypass
• No charge for registering equines
• ETS trained and certified judges
• Judges give helpful feedback and tips at the awards ceremony
• Reliable Customer Support
• Optional Tournaments are available for added Fun!

Did you know that becoming a certified ETS judge is easier than you might think and it is a lot of fun?  You can begin the process on your computer from the comfort of your home.  If you are interested in learning how to become a judge, see our judges section and sign up for a FREE webinar by visiting the Events tab.  https://www.equinetrailsports.com/judge_cert/