Celebrating the 2024 USAWE Eastern Zone Championships
The 2024 USAWE Eastern Zone Championships were held October 3-6 at the lovely Three Bulls Farm in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. In addition,
“Madison Morgan Photography Specializing in capturing what you do best”, Rogersville, TN
the show was USAWE’s first World Association of Working Equitation (WAWE) Qualifier for the 2026 World Championships. This show was a celebration of the skill, precision, and elegance of Working Equitation at this wonderful facility offering a stunning ease of handling course.
The show was a testament to the determination and conviction of the eastern WE community as it came just after hurricane Helene devastated nearby communities and roadways making it impossible for some to leave homes and families to attempt travel, and quite arduous for others. Still, close to 50 competitors traveled from many states, and were warmly welcomed by show manager Maria Blackstone and Three Bulls Farm.
Kicking off with a Friday night barn party to mingle and socialize, the show brought many positive comments from competitors where new friendships were formed, and friends from afar were finally able to meet. International WAWE Judge Fiona Price-Jones (Great Britain) and USAWE Senior Judge Polly Limond (North Carolina) were approachable and worked easily together which benefited all competitors and show management. Thanks to those who kept the show running on time to the minute: TD Jeanne Bond, Show Secretary Mindy Finelli, and the rest of the on-task staff for creating such a lovely atmosphere for all to enjoy.
Congratulations to Jody Fontanetta for achieving the first WAWE qualifying score in the US, and congratulations to all competitors who won their divisions and who made the show such a success. We hope to see you all be as successful next year!