The Cross Country course preparation is taking shape for the March Horse Trials. Owners Marisa and Ron DiMauro entered a relationship with course designer, John Williams, when they purchased the farm in 2017.
Course Designer – John Williams
John Williams is not a stranger to the eventing world. In addition to xc course design, he is an eventing TD, coach, clinician, and competitor. A USEF ‘S’ licensed course designer and technical delegate for Eventing and also a licensed FEI course designer and Technical Delegate. John has designed courses throughout the US, Canada, and Central and South America.
John says since he has been working with the farm since the DiMauro’s acquired it he always thinks about designs for the future while working on the one for the next competition.
What Changes On Courses During the Season
Williams says he tries to keep the courses on the difficulty level with timing in the season. Thus, earlier competitions in the season the course is less challenging. The upcoming March horse trials are more midseason for the Florida region, Area III with the United States Eventing Association.
In general, John says the course will be suited more to horses that have had several runs in this season. The length and difficulty of the cross country course will increase. “Having said that, it won’t be too difficult for a first outing should that happen.” Williams stated
Developing Levels
As described in the USEA rulebook the course design is to develop levels. Williams says he tries to make sure “each level offers the opportunity for horses and rider to develop and feel good about it after the ride.” John believes if ridden well the course develops a horse’s education and confidence. Nevertheless, if mistakes are made, lessons will be learned while getting through the course. “I do my best to make the course forgiving, not punishing,” said Williams.
Stages of Course Preparation
Since John is familiar with the property he begins by looking at a map of google earth. Next, he reviews older maps of courses. This gives him an idea of where the course might go.
Once on-site, he draws the course out. After the course is drawn out he drives and walks his ideas. Consequently looking for pitfalls and areas he needs to tweak and alter for the ideas to flow better.
John says he will continue to change up the track of the course until he is, “happy with the flow.” Once he is happy with the “track flow,” he then focuses on details. Specifically, placement of the jumps. “Sometimes I use jumps that are there and then integrate new ideas in open areas, other times I change out the jumps,” Williams said.
XC Course Summary from Williams Himself
John says he looks at the course as a puzzle with questions that have to be answered. Majestic Oaks will have five courses for the March horse trials. “that means I have five puzzles that have to work together.” said Williams. “This is a unique facility with a very good mixture of hills, openness, and natural features, including the open forest.”
“The areas are easily accessible and Majestic Oaks has a great amount of topography, I think the riders are sure to be pleased with the XC course at the March horse trials.” said course designer, John Williams.
The Majestic Oaks team appreciates John Williams and his talents in our cross country course preparation.
