Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event

09/01/2026

We are very happy and grateful to announce that Spurlock Equine Associates will again be sponsoring the Best Conditioned Awards for the 2026 Waredaca Classic Three-Day 🌟

Many thanks to Drs. Shauna and Gary Spurlock for their support of the Classic!!!

09/01/2026

Only 7 weeks until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

Last week's post discussed starting to think about packing and recruiting help for at least endurance day. This week's post is all about studs!

Whenever you feel like there is a likelihood your horse may slip, either on the flat or jumping, you may want to consider using studs. However, choosing studs is a very personal thing. There are three factors to consider when choosing studs: the footing conditions, the level of competition, and the individual horse.

Not to oversimplify footing conditions, but smaller and sharper studs are used on hard ground, larger and chunkier ones are used on soft ground, and on sandy soil you may find you don't need studs at all even if the ground is wet. If you use large blocks on hard, dry ground, the studs will not be able to easily pe*****te the surface and could cause bruising to the foot, and if you use tiny points or road studs on wet, muddy, soft footing, they will not provide much grip at all. In general, you want to use the smallest studs possible to achieve the desired result. You don't want to interfere with the horse's natural footfall, and it is better to under-stud rather than over-stud, especially at the lower levels. There is such a thing as too much traction and you don't want the studs to grip so much that the horse can't get its feet off the ground quickly. It is common to have smaller studs in the front feet than the hinds, and some prefer to only use studs behind especially at the lower levels. The horse's jumping power comes from the hind end so that is where the traction is important. You want to minimize jarring and torque on the front limbs and know that horses' front feet should slide just a bit on landing for shock absorption. When pointy studs are necessary it is wise to put a duller/blunter stud on the inside compared to the outside. You can use different studs on the inside and outside of the hoof for the hind feet as long as the difference in the height of the studs is minimal (taller/larger stud on the outside). It is common to use studs of the same height for the front feet.

The level of competition will greatly impact stud selection. The faster you ride and the bigger the jumps, the more control you need and the larger the studs you might use. On any given day, under the same footing conditions, experienced riders will probably not be using the same studs for their training level horses as for their advanced horses. Using studs at the lower levels (N and below) is often not necessary, or perhaps you only use studs behind. However, this can be affected by our last factor, the individual horse.

Some horses hate to slip at any level and could lose confidence, or perhaps they have bar shoes with or without pads which can feel like ice skating on even relatively perfect footing. Other horses may overreact to studs and hate the feeling and prefer smaller ones. This is where knowing and listening to your horse is vital to making the right decision.

Always put on protective boots before putting studs in and the boots stay on til the studs have come back out. It takes only a split second for a horse to accidentally strike themselves causing injury. An ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure.

Lastly, this article on EN by AJ Dyer is a great resource so go check it out! https://eventingnation.com/the-sunday-jog-up-tips-from-a-groom-16/

As is this article with input from long time grooms Stephanie Simpson and Emma Ford. https://www.smartpakequine.com/learn-products/when-and-how-to-use-studs-in-horseshoes #:~:text=Use%20the%20same%20type%20of,striking%20himself%20and%20causing%20injury

We hope you found this post helpful, please comment if you would like any other topics covered in the future! Up next week is dressage test practice tips so you can nail your test at The Classic!

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/

Do you ever stare in awe at the sleek shiny horses, the glistening brass, perfect braids, and dazzling white marks at a CCI trot up?  Do you ever wonder how they get that way?  (LOTS

08/26/2026

Only Eight Weeks Until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

The kids are going back to school and before you know it The Classic will be upon us! Last we talked about footing considerations and how to help keep your horse comfortable as you prepare. This week we cover some planning and packing considerations.

This USEA article has great information about the importance of hoof care and shoeing cycles. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/for-want-of-a-nail-shoeing-tips-for-classic-three-day-event-preparation
Mentioned in the article is talking to your farrier about making you a spare set of shoes (drilled and tapped if you use studs). Having a spare set of shoes ready to go (with spare studs already in) in case one is lost on endurance day is invaluable. Hopefully you won't ever need to use them but you'll be so happy you were prepared if you do.

Another thing to start considering is enlisting help on endurance day (Saturday 10/24/26). The rider will want to spend their time in the 10 minute box mentally preparing for their XC course, so having at least 1 helper, preferably 2, to cool down the horse and assist with getting the rider to the start box on time is invaluable. So riders, start thinking about who you want there helping you. Additionally there will be a grooms briefing Friday evening (10/23/26) with an overview of the 10 minute and vet box so making sure your grooms are available to attend will help ensure smooth sailing on endurance day.

Lastly, let's talk about packing. Of course you will not be packing NOW for a competition two months away BUT it is helpful to start making your list and see if anything needs to be gotten or updated. Perhaps your XC watch needs a new battery or your pinny holder's elastic is so stretched out you look like you are waving a flag as you go around the course. Maybe you haven't considered your jog outfits yet and now you have a great excuse to go shopping! In all seriousness, taking the time now to consider the things you will need will make packing a breeze when the time comes. The USEA shares this packing list to help you get started but please remember that each horse and rider are individuals so your list may vary from this one.https://cms.useventing.com/resources/documents/Checklist.pdf
This article is a good resource for packing for The Classic and includes items to consider having on endurance day in the steeplechase assistance area and 10 minute/vet box. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/what-to-pack-for-a-classic-three-day-event
The incomparable Max Corcoran also has some suggestions for packing you may find useful. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/tips-and-tricks-of-the-trade-packing-for-an-event

We hope you found this post helpful. Next week we cover stud selection!

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/
and we will share posts weekly as we countdown to the best week of the year!

For Want of a Nail: Shoeing Tips for Classic Three-Day Event Preparation

08/19/2026

Only Nine Weeks Until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

Who's getting excited? We know we are! Last week's post covered conditioning, this week's post covers keeping your horse comfortable as their workload increases.

The footing on which you choose to exercise your horse plays a huge role in your horse's soundness. Use common sense to keep the pounding on your horse's legs and feet to a minimum as you build fitness for your destination event. Remember, if the ground is rock hard, you can always modify your fitness regime to protect your horse's soundness. Sometimes doing a conditioning set (or at least part of it) in the ring on good footing one week while you pray for rain the next is the best option. Talk to your coach to come up with the best plan that works for you and your horse.

Commonly seen, especially at the upper levels, is the utilization of cryotherapy on the horse's legs and feet after strenuous exercise (conditioning/jumping) to reduce heat and inflammation. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/turn-up-the-temperature-with-therapies-used-in-the-usea-classic-series
There are many versions of cold therapy (whirlpool boots, ice boots, compression wraps with freezable gel inserts, etc), each with pros and cons, so pick whichever works best for you and your horse. The footing, horses age, conformation, hoof quality, known issues, etc, will all factor into when and how often you may consider icing. A common rule when utilizing ice is 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off as there is research showing that standing a horse in ice water for longer than 20 minutes can cause damage.

You can also use hoof packing for horses without pads as working on the dry, hard, summer ground in our area can cause a lot of concussion. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/tips-and-tricks-of-the-trade-post-cross-country-leg-care
Check your horse's legs and feet (for swelling/heat and pulses) daily and know what is normal for them. Additionally, checking your horse's back and hind end daily for soreness can also be useful to alert you to any issues that may need to be managed. Lastly, generally, if you notice heat or filling in the legs that is not usually there and there is no obvious cause, such as a small cut which responds to treatment, you are better off stopping work immediately and involving your vet. Catching small strains early is paramount to preventing a serious problem.

We hope you found this post helpful, comment below if you would like any other topics covered as we enter the fall season. In the coming weeks look for posts on packing for The Classic, what to expect on endurance day, and how to prepare your horse for the jog!

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/
and we will share posts weekly as we countdown to the best week of the year!

Turn up the Temperature with Therapies used in the USEA Classic Series

08/13/2026

Only Ten Weeks Until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

Last week we discussed planning your competitions and schoolings to arrive at The Classic in top form. This week's post is about conditioning!

There are many ways to arrive at The Classic with a fit horse (and rider!), so work with your coach to develop a plan that works best for you and your horse. Remember that every horse is an individual and there is no one size fits all schedule. Last week we mentioned Jimmy Wofford's book "Training the Three-Day-Event Horse and Rider" as a great resource. Following Jimmy’s guidance, he suggests working back from The Classic about 8 weeks out, planning a conditioning day roughly every 5 days (a one day event or XC school counts as a conditioning day). A paper calendar can be helpful while you map things out, we suggest writing in pencil so edits are easily made. He suggests a 5 day schedule of dressage, jump, dressage, condition, walk hack, and repeat. Obviously this can be altered to suit the needs of your horse, riding schedule, and planned (or unplanned!) days off, but it is a great place to start. His conditioning days always started with a warm up at the walk, followed by three 5 minute trot sets with 2 minutes of walk in between each set. He would then do three slow canter sets (350-400mpm), with 2 minutes of walk in between each set with a walk cool down after the last canter set. Most horses aiming at a fall Classic 3 Day are currently minimally fit enough to be able to start with three 3 minute (BN/N) or 4 minute (T/M/P) canters. He would then gradually increase the length of the canters as he neared the event so he could arrive at the event able to canter the length of the XC course (phase D) three times (roughly BN/N 5-6 min and T/M/P 7-8 min, see here for classic guidelines. https://useventing.com/events-competitions/usea-classic-series/classic-series-guidelines

If you are able to do that and your horse recovers easily, most likely you and your horse are prepared. See a sample novice level conditioning schedule here. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1684oaGyirfi7x41GC6jJ4OyoTqEgCeAY7Y4ddLH2fgM/edit?tab=t.0

These long slow aerobic canters build the base fitness so that you can add some anaerobic fitness as you near to the event. Jimmy had been known to say “speed kills”, so ideally you would have a nice hill you can utilize but if that's not possible you can increase your speed the last minute or two of your second and third canter sets. https://useventing.com/news-media/news/the-classic-series-conditioning-schedule-with-jim-wofford

When conditioning, set your stirrups at xc length (or even shorter) to build your fitness in two point as well. A tired rider is less able to help their horse when they need it on endurance day so don't neglect your own fitness. You are half of the team! The type of horse, age, baseline fitness, soundness, and competition level will dictate the lengths and speeds of these canters over the 8 week period as well as the number of times you repeat a length of canter set before adding another minute to each set. A seasoned TB will naturally have a better baseline fitness compared to a draft cross, so know your horse and tailor your conditioning program as needed.

Develop a close relationship with your horse's legs and body so you can notice any changes and be proactive at managing their health and addressing concerns should they develop. Soundness is of course paramount so consider the footing you are training on. You are better off conditioning in the ring if the ground where you live is hard as a rock. You can even add trot and canter poles to help keep it interesting!

Finally, don't underestimate the power of adding more walking to your rides. Building up to walking an additional 30-60 minutes each day (in addition to your normal riding amount) will add fitness without risking injury.

We hope you found this post helpful, comment below if you would like any other topics covered as we enter the fall season. Next week icing and aftercare!

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/
and we will share posts weekly as we countdown to the best week of the year!

The Classic Series Conditioning Schedule with Jim Wofford

08/10/2026

Happy Monday Classic Three Day folks! We are happy to announce that the Waredaca Classic Three-Day store is open for all of your Classic logo wear needs.

There will not be bulk pick up this year so all orders will be shipped or if you are local to BJ's Custom Creations in Hagerstown, MD, there is the option to pick up your order. The store will close on Monday, September 14th to allow time for orders to arrive by the beginning of the Classic in October.

So shop early and often & support the Waredaca Classic Three-Day!! https://stores.bjscustomcreations.com/waredaca-3-day/shop/home

08/05/2026

Only Eleven Weeks Until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

Last week we discussed involving your vet and farrier to help keep you on track. This week's post is all about competitions!

In addition to making sure you have your qualifications in order - https://useventing.com/events-competitions/usea-classic-series/classic-series-qualifications - talk with your coach now to plan out your competitions leading up to the event. Not every horse and rider needs the same preparation to be successful. Perhaps you or your horse need more confidence with XC or SJ, or maybe you both are jumping machines whose weakness lies in the dressage and some dressage shows may be beneficial. Maybe you are a nervous competitor who knows they need a few competitions to get in the groove in order to arrive at the classic with confidence, or maybe you and your horse are pros who can always deliver and don't require a heavy showing schedule. The age and experience of the horse and rider at the level you choose to compete at the classic is a significant factor in laying out your fall competitions and schoolings. Your coach can help you tailor your schedule for you and your horse's specific needs and don't underestimate the helpfulness of schoolings - such as Taproom Thursdays https://waredaca.com/main-menu-page/schooling-at-waredaca/summer-schooling/

Lastly, and most importantly, now is the time to start thinking about your conditioning schedule and how it will fit in with your schoolings and competitions. Work with your coach to develop a plan that works best for you and your horse, but a tried and true method is Jimmy Wofford's. A great resource is his book "Training the Three-Day-Event Horse and Rider" and many articles can be found online by searching "Jimmy Wofford conditioning schedule." Have no fear though, next week's post will cover conditioning and provide some helpful tips and a sample schedule!

We hope you found this post helpful and look here for more information to be posted soon. If you have any specific questions or topics you'd like covered, please let us know in the comments.

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/
and we will share posts weekly as we countdown to the best week of the year!

Sponsored by the Waredaca Brewing Company—come visit the Tasting Room when you’re finished! The emphasis of our Schooling Evenings is on a relaxed experience for you and your horse! 2026 Taproom Schooling Evening Schedule May 7th – May 21stJune 4th – June 18thJuly 9th – July 23rdAugust 6th...

07/31/2026

We are very excited and grateful to announce that Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply will once again be returning as a prize sponsor for the 2026 Waredaca Classic Three-Day!

As you prepare for the Classic, make sure to check out their website for all of your tack and supply needs: http://www.bigdweb.com/ and support our long time sponsor of the Classic Three-Day.

THANK YOU to Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply for your continued support of the Waredaca Classic Three-Day!!

07/29/2026

Only Twelve Weeks Until The Waredaca Classic Three Day Event!

You might be casually enjoying the summer and may not be thinking about October just yet, BUT if you are planning on competing in The Classic (and we hope you are!), here are some helpful tips to be thinking about RIGHT NOW as you prepare.

Now is a great time to talk to your vet about a routine wellness check to make sure you enter the fall season with confidence. Whether you have a young horse you are bringing up the levels or a seasoned campaigner who might require some maintenance, it is much easier to manage issues when they are caught early so keeping your vet involved can only improve your odds of success. Your horses well-being and fitness for the job at hand is paramount and having a trusted team of vets with you on your journey to the classic is key.

Another thing to consider is if you are traveling from out of state, it is important to make a plan with your vet to get a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or more commonly known as a "health certificate" done for your horse within 30 days of travel to the competition. Additionally, all competitors need a negative EIA test (coggins) within a year of the competition, and proof of Equine Influenza Virus and Equine Herpes Virus (Rhinopneumonitis) vaccinations within 6 months of arrival to stabling. Rule Refresher can be found here - https://useventing.com/news-media/news/rule-refresher-have-your-vaccination-record-ready

Lastly, no one wants to have all their hard work spoiled by a close nail or a lost shoe right before or during the competition. Talk to your farrier now to organize your shoeing schedule so that ideally your horse is shod 2 weeks before The Classic. This may involve slightly shortening or lengthening your horse's normal shoeing cycle once or twice so the sooner you talk to your farrier to plan this out, the easier it will be.

We hope you found this post helpful as you prepare. Look for more posts in the coming weeks covering such topics as competition schedules, conditioning schedules, icing/aftercare, stud selection, etc.

All previous blog posts can be found at https://waredacaclassicthreeday.blogspot.com/
and we will share posts weekly as we countdown to the best week of the year!

Rule Refresher: Have Your Vaccination Record Ready

07/29/2026

It is that time of year again: we are a little less than 3 months away from the 2026 Waredaca Classic Three-Day Event on October 22-25! We can't wait to see everyone at our 22nd Classic 🎉✨

Make sure you like and follow this page for all of the latest news and tips to help you prepare for the Classic!

***Please note that this is the only official page for the Waredaca Classic and we will never ask you to buy anything or send a friend request - any other pages sending friend requests or offering live streaming etc. are scams***

Opening day for entries is September 8, so make your plans to join us for all of the education, challenge, camaraderie, and FUN of the Waredaca Classic Three Day!