Catalpa Corner

Catalpa Corner is a modern Eventing Facility situated on an expansive working farmstead in rural West Branch, Iowa, 15 minutes outside Iowa City. The family farm dates back to the 1800s and this is reflected in many of the exquisite buildings on the grounds. To complement this, Dr. Susan Brigham and Dr. Jim McNutt have constructed a first-class facility that seamlessly blends the modern aspects of Eventing with the farm's heritage. Beneath the Catalpa trees, competitors can expect to find a relaxing atmosphere with ample space to move about. Each of the three phases harkens back to Iowa's farming heritage. In Dressage, competitors ride in two grass arenas with small portable ‘barns' serving as the judge's booths. The warm up area is expansive and abuts a long hacking lane perfect for settling the excited horse. The cross country terrain is open and inviting, moving from the start box surrounded by crops, to open fields, across a covered bridge, water, and through woods. Beyond an initial warm up area, competitors on deck and in the hole enjoy a separate space with coops while their countdown proceeds. Jumping efforts reflect the surroundings and Iowa's heritage, most notably a covered bridge on course for Training and Prelim. After cross country, enjoy a competitor's party in the back of a wonderful old barn, looking out over the cross country course. The Stadium rounds take place on grass footing with wonderfully decorated fences in various themes, including Foxhunting and American Gothic. While on the grounds, horses are stabled in several facilities including 3 permanent open, airy, barns and temporary stabling housed in a large, bright indoor arena. Modern water and electricity make it easy to wash, groom and water your horse and hopefully keep you clean as well. Currently, Timber Ridge Pony Club sponsors a schooling show in the spring and Catalpa hosts a USEA recognized horse trial in August. Additionally, the property hosts local instructors, 4* clinicians and open schooling days, truly making it Iowa's premiere Eventing facility. Competitors can expect horse trials that run smoothly and entry lists that fill fast- so get your entry in at the opening date!