The sun shining through the forest surrounding the Washington State Horse Park reminded participants at the Jeff Cook Clinic, September 3^rd and 4^th, what makes the Northwest so special. Just off of Interstate 90 in Cle Elum, the Washington State Horse Park provided the perfect venue for the weekend of instruction by one of the Northwest’s top equestrians. Participants in the clinic, hosted by Legacy Hunters and Jumpers and sponsored by Olson’s Tack Shop, took part in three sections: 4’, 3’6”, and 3’. The clinic attracted riders and spectators from all over the state who were anxious to see what this new venue had to offer and excited to learn from one of the region’s top trainers.

Originally from Oregon, Jeff Cook cemented his place as a top trainer while working as an assistant to George Morris. His students have won many championships domestically, at shows such as Palm Beach, Devon, Lake Placid and South Hampton, as well as internationally in Italy and Mexico. Passionate about the learning process, Jeff is also a regular contributor to magazines such as Practical Horseman. Now based in Bend, OR, where he lives with his wife and three children, Jeff continues to teach and give clinics across the country.

Jeff’s passion for the horse, and his clear, positive teaching style energized and engaged both the participants and the spectators. Katie Sputh, a junior rider who took part in the 3’ sections, had this to say about her experience: “[Jeff Cook] quickly noticed little problems my horse and I were having and helped fix them. I like how Jeff is a positive instructor, focusing on how he can improve my horse and I with challenging exercises.” Riders in the clinic came from all levels of the Hunter-Jumper sport. From young juniors to adult amateurs and seasoned professionals, each gained a fresh insight and new perspective, and all enjoyed the opportunity to see what this exciting new venue had to offer.

Encompassing 112 acres in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, the Washington State Horse Park is a multi-discipline facility that has something for equestrians of all levels. The Jeff Cook clinic was the first Hunter-Jumper event at the Horse Park, and clinic participants and spectators, as well as Horse Park staff, were excited to experience all the Horse Park has to offer to the Hunter-Jumper community. Leslie Thurston, Executive Director of the Washington State Horse Park, was on-site to ensure the Park was in top shape for its first Hunter-Jumper event.

“Horse Park management was thrilled to host the Park’s first Hunter-Jumper event, and to demonstrate our great footing in the competition arenas. We’re very much looking forward to working together to introduce more of the Hunter-Jumper community to the Park during the shows already scheduled for next June and August,” said Thurston.

Morgan Carr, the owner and head trainer of Encanto Valley Farm, participated in the clinic along with his wife and clients, and was excited for the future of the Horse Park. “The Washington State Horse Park is going to be an incredible venue. I am very excited for horse shows and other equine events to be hosted there. My horses were very happy in the setting. The clients that I brought enjoyed the park, the beautiful setting, and the trails. It is easy access to I-90 and the surrounding towns have several hotel, food and entertainment options.” During the clinic many participants and spectators chose to enjoy all the surrounding area has to offer. Just minutes from the Suncadia resort, there are plenty of activities for “non-horsey” family and friends to enjoy. Participants sampled some of the great local dining options at a no-host dinner held at nearby Swiftwater Winery on Saturday night.

Through the passion, hard work, and dedication of the numerous volunteers, as well as Leslie Thurston and her staff, the Washington State Horse Park has the potential to be one of the premier equestrian venues on the West Coast. This vision cannot be accomplished without the help of the equestrian community. Funding is still needed to ensure that the Horse Park can continue to grow, to meet the needs of all equestrians into the future. For more information on the Washington State Horse Park and ways to donate or become involved, please visit the Horse Park website, www.washingtonstatehorsepark.org.

Shelly Kerron, owner and head trainer of Legacy Hunters and Jumpers as well as President of the Washington State Hunter Jumper Association, summed up the aura that surrounds the Washington State Horse Park. “The Northwest may be a relatively small region in the Hunter-Jumper world, but it is filled with passionate, dedicated horse people and the Horse Park staff is no exception. They were extremely attentive to our needs and concerns, and really made us feel welcome. Being able to enjoy this tranquil, natural setting with my horses and clients reminded me why I have dedicated my life to horses and the Hunter-Jumper sport, and why the Northwest is such a wonderful place to live.”

Click HERE to see a calendar of upcoming events at the Washington State Horse Park.