Trainer: Mick Costello
Length: 06:23 Minutes
In this video, course builder Mick Costello takes viewers behind the scenes of the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Mars Equestrian’s expansive cross-country course, which encompasses nearly four miles of rolling Bluegrass and 45 jumping efforts. The annual process of constructing the course for this international event is a year-round affair, starting with the course designer’s first plans made the preceding summer. Costello describes how he makes as many as 65 jumps available each year for possible use on the course, the majority of which are made out of local wood. He explains where he sources his materials and the tremendous amount of milling work that goes into actual construction of the fences. Since safety for horses and riders is always the number-one priority, Costello talks about how modern safety features, such as frangible pins, factor into the construction of certain jumps. And even though the beautiful jumps are the most visible aspect of the cross-country phase, Costello explains why footing is a critically important component in the overall safety and success of the course. He also points out the products and techniques he uses to help ensure the best possible ground on competition day. Finally, Costello lists the myriad final preparations which are made during the actual week of the event to welcome competitors and tens of thousands of spectators from around the world.
Key Principles:
Planning Sourcing Materials Building Jumps Footing Event Week