Crossfire Farm

08/26/2024

Excel Star Babadook at his first Beginner Novice 💙

He had an excellent dressage test, minus my -2 point error 🤦🏻‍♀️, for 30.6, one green -4 in showjumping, to finish 4th on a 34.6 😍

Good boy Baby Babadook 🎩

08/26/2024

Available in Damascus MD, low 5s

Lunar Dash just happily skipped around his first Beginner Novice this past weekend! He has all the makings of an upper level mount. I see him partnering with someone like myself 10 years ago. Someone hungry for potential and working on a budget.

Dash is a 17.1h, 5 yo, OTTB gelding. I’ve taken things very slow with him as he’s a very big horse and big mover. He is not hard on his body, and very well balanced for his size and stature. This horse is unflappable as well, he’s never so much as spooked underneath of me. I ride him in a nathe in all three phases and a hackamore on the trails. He is a extremely sound, no prior soundness issues. He did however have tie back surgery and requires a knowledgeable owner.

He is very soft in the mouth and very trainable. However his gaits and size would probably make him better suited for someone with experience looking to produce something special. I’m flexible on price to partnering him with a professional or young rider working with a professional, looking to produce him up the levels. He would also make a great foxhunter or staff horse.

Contact me to come see him 301-980-9931

08/22/2024

Eddie and James in the Boyd Martin eventing clinic, day 2!

Available for lease in Damascus MD! Eddie has so much to offer a young rider with aspirations to move up the levels. He is the consummate professional. He hasn’t been jumping these heights for quite some time, but he has gleefully stepped up to the plate to be a sub horse in the prelim group. Excellent scores on the flat, winning 3rd level USDF. Wins with multiple students at various levels in USEA recognized events, experience up to 3*

Contact me for more details in regards to potential lease 301-980-9931

08/22/2024

Eddie is a last minute sub for James to ride in the Boyd Martin eventing camp! He is stepping up to the plate like the champion professor he is!

He is available to lease in Damascus MD. Do you want to be produced into the next top young rider? Or are you an ammy with serious competition goals?! He is THE man for the job! 💙

08/11/2024

Eddie’s short term lease is ending and he is now looking for a new partner! I would prefer a full, on-site situation. But would consider a half lease in the interim.

This would be a great opportunity for someone looking for a step up horse. Or a junior with goals towards young riders next year. He is still capable of running at the one and two star levels with a dedicated jockey.

Eddie has experience through the CCI*** level of eventing and is as uncomplicated as can be. He also is a consistent winner of USDF through 3rd level. He is safe, sweet, and fun. Eddie has taken several students onto winning at training level eventing. He is a proven and competitive professor of the sport!

Located in Damascus MD, at this time only on-site available

Contact Lauren at 301-980-9931

07/27/2024

Beautiful baby Babadook at his USEA debut 💙

‘Excel Star Babadook’ finished 4th in the YEH-4 yo division at Hunt Club. So proud, he put in a lovely test and was bold in the jumping phases.

Duke is sourced from Excel Star Sporthorses
Vittorio X Elf (Diarado)

Excited for him to continue his education into summer and fall ⭐️

Photos by SDH photography

07/24/2024

Available in Damascus MD!

17h, 5 yo gelding, OTTB. Dash has been started over fences, and has basic lateral work. He has the talent to go all the way but extremely safe for a junior or ammy. He does have BIG gaits, so may be better suited for a tall rider. Dash has previously had tie back surgery. Extremely sound, no vices or issues.

Asking low 5s

Contact Lauren at 301-980-9931

07/17/2024

Check out James’ post interview wrap up from YRC! We are still beaming with gratitude and so proud of all they’ve accomplished!!!

We had a fantastic time with our series covering some of the riders that declared for Young Rider Championships at Loch Moy Farm on 7/4-7/7. It was very exciting getting to know the faces and...

07/07/2024

Our very own James Power and Brambleridge Ponder the Truth finish TOP 5 in the North American Junior/Young Rider Championships CCI* 🇺🇸💙

We are so proud of them! It was a hot weekend, and Patrick gave his best effort as James rode him so professionally. Excited for this big step forward into representing Area II, and the doors it has opened for them together!

Photos from USA Eventing 🇺🇸

07/05/2024

After much consideration, I am regretfully offering my lovely boy “Lunar Dash” 💙

Dash is a 17.1, 5 yo, OTTB gelding. He has been very slowly restarted since retiring from racing. He is absolutely lovely on the flat, w-t-c and started lateral work. He has also been started over fences and extremely brave XC, banks/ditches/water no problem! He did have tie-back surgery, and will need someone experienced in managing a horse with tie back, but should pose no limitations. He is also extremely sound, sturdy. He is kind but stays out of trouble in the field, and hacks out alone or in groups.

I do believe this could be someone’s big time horse, he has the makings of a horse that can run round around some massive XC tracks. But he’s also quiet enough for a (taller) ammy or junior to enjoy. He is so safe, no spook, buck, disobedience. He is perfect.

Unfortunately for me, my body can’t handle such a large and expressive horse of his size. He is soft in the bridle and very rateable, but he does have brilliant and big gaits. And might be better suited for someone taller than me at 5’2” !! I also believe he will need someone willing to produce him slowly and steadily as he is a big boy and needs to develop the top line and core the sport requires. But it will be worth it!

He is a very special horse. I’ve wanted him since my neighbors bred him as a yearling. And they raised him and did a wonderful job caring for and prepping him for his new walk in life outside of racing. I will be extremely particular on who he partners with. He is so kind and willing and deserves the absolute best! While I think he could be an upper level mount, I also think he would be very happy and suitable in any discipline. I am working on getting more video!

Asking low 5s, 301-980-9931

06/23/2024

We are very lucky to have some excellent brands on our side, to keep us looking and feeling our best through training and competition! Contact us if you’d like any information on any of these wonderful brands and suppliers.

Voltaire Design USA & Canada
H. C. Summers Feed & Supply
Purina Performance Horse
Irideon Riding Wear
Equi-Prism

06/22/2024

How do our horses look and feel this enthusiastic about competition? We have the best care providers!

Thank you to Ridgeview Veterinary Practice & our farriers Sara Cjf Farrier and Sean Losee!

Always making time for us and helping us keep everyone healthy and prepared for whatever the season may bring us.

05/29/2024

We have a rare field board opening! Located in Damascus MD. Come join our very active team of riders. 301-980-9931

Great atmosphere, lots of showing opportunities, and great amenities. Access to full SJ course, XC schooling on site, conditioning path, miles of trails, indoor, etc.

Training with Lauren Sumner, active competitor to the CCI3* level, USDF Bronze Medalist and HA graduate pony clubber.

05/17/2024

Pepe cruising around his first Intermediate at Plantation Fields HT, finishing in 4th place and Reserve TIP Champion 💙

As always thank you to our sponsors for keeping us feeling and looking our best through training and competition:

H. C. Summers Feed & Supply
Purina Performance Horse
Voltaire Design USA & Canada
Irideon Riding Wear
Equi-Prism

05/14/2024

Check out Pepe putting in a double clear SJ round and clear XC at Plantation Fields Horse Trials! He finished 4th and Reserve TIP Champion in the Open Intermediate. 💙🏇💙

04/16/2024

Some pictures of Crossfire students enjoying their first event of the year at MDHT! Kerri/Bandit, Reagan/Storm & Abby/Kix! Photos by Erin Gilmore Photography and Reagan’s mom, Pam 🤠

04/15/2024

Dash and Duke both had awesome days at MDHT in the starter division! They look a little goofy over these tiny fences 🤣

What wonderful baby horses!

Beautiful Erin Gilmore Photography photos 😍

04/02/2024

Pepe had a super start to the season at the beautiful Morven Park Spring HT! Morven did an excellent job presenting courses and hosting. I always trust that the distances will ride how they walk here and the course and footing were perfect.

Pepe put in one of his best tests at the level for a 32.9 in dressage. We’ve finally convinced him to harness his excitement for the jumping phases. Two rails in the vertical elements of the triple had us finish on a 40.9. XC was a blast, fast and clear.

Beautiful photos by Erin Gilmore Photography

Thank you to our sponsors/partners:
H. C. Summers Feed & Supply
Purina Performance Horse
Voltaire Design USA & Canada
Irideon Riding Wear
Equi-Prism

03/13/2024

Huge congrats to Patrick and James for one of their many national leaderboard accomplishments! They received their awards for Connemara leaderboard at both training and modified levels.

Just in time for St Patrick’s day 🍀 luck of the Irish… more like hard work paying off!

🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

02/23/2024

🐎 Clinic Schedule 🐎

SATURDAY FEB 24

N-T: Reagan, Chloe, Gretchen
9-9:40am: Course Setting
10am: Mounted Portion

Training: Abby, James
11:30-12:10: Course Setting
12:30: Mounted Portion

SUNDAY FEB 25

BN: Milla, Kerri
9-9:40am: Course Setting (CS Only: Lela, Leslie, Jan)
10am: Mounted Portion

ELM: Vivia, Jace
11:30-12:10: Course Setting
12:30: Mounted Portion

02/21/2024

There’s a few spots left in the setting fences clinic this weekend! Feb 24/25.

Saturday we have a few Novice and Training openings (mark in the comment section which day you prefer) Sunday, ELM and BN spots still available. Offering discount to USPC members.

OR, sign up for just the unmounted portion where we will learn key concepts on how to build and walk courses.

Sign up below ⬇️

https://www.striderpro.com/a/hr047RgszUeWePhJZCz5Vg

02/09/2024

Ears are pricked looking ahead to next season! Pepe is feeling good after a winter vacation and ready to tackle the 24’ season. We couldn’t keep him looking this spectacular without the help of H. C. Summers Feed & Supply and Purina Performance Horse fueling him with the best products! Thank you to our partners for helping him feel and look his best!

02/06/2024

JUMP CLINIC - DAMASCUS, MD 2/24 & 2/25
*added availablity*
We’re adding a few slots to Saturday 2/24. If you enter, just add in the comment section.

Don't miss this 'SETTING and RIDING OVER FENCES' clinic in Damascus, MD, February 25th!!!

Join us at Crossfire Farm for an enriching day of learning how to set fences, creating plans on course walks, and executing them in the saddle! Clinic will be held in an indoor arena.

Develop an understanding for setting distances for various types of jumping exercises. In this series you will not only learn how to walk and set your courses, but you will discuss and learn key concepts towards making fixed distances at competition suitable towards your individual mount.

It is important to learn to ride competition distances, but also understand there is room for creativity and adjustment at home. You will develop a broader understanding of how to adjust distances and fences to suit your horses strengths and weaknesses.

Each session will include gymnastics type exercises as well a proper course work. The clinic is two part. Groups will meet prior to the riding portion for a 40 minute session on foot. They will help build the exercises for the riding portion as a group. The mounted portion will be ridden shortly after. The objective is to give riders the tools to take home to help set and ride their own fences safely.

Lauren Sumner of Crossfire Farm is a CCI3* level eventer, USDF Bronze Medalist, and USPC HA graduate. She operates and manages her own boarding and training farm in Damascus MD. Specializing in starting young horses towards careers in eventing, and coaching riders of all levels towards their eventing goals. Lauren has produced multiple horses to the FEI levels of eventing, and has helped numerous horse and rider pairs find success.

Register on Strider ✅

Join us at Crossfire Farm for an enriching day of learning how to set fences, creating plans on course walks, and executing them in the saddle! Clinic will be held in an indoor arena. Develop an understanding for setting distances for various types of jumping exercises. In this series you will not o...

01/30/2024

Help Support the Area II Young Riders
AUCTION

Bid on a lesson with Lauren Sumner at Crossfire Farm
Flat or Gridwork in the indoor.

Auction item 'Lesson with Lauren Sumner at Crossfire Eventing' hosted online at 32auctions.

12/17/2023

Christmas has come early at Crossfire Farm!! We’re excited to welcome two new boys to our team.

Welcome ‘Excel Star Babadook’ 💙 a 3 yo ISH by Vittorio, damsire Diarado. Thank you Excel Star Sporthorses for sourcing him. He was started in Ireland and just landed in the US this week. What an exciting opportunity, he is outstanding!

Welcome to ‘Lunar Dash’ 💙 a 4 yo OTTB bred by our neighbor Keith’s Harpster, then owned by Sarah Wingfield. Dash is by Holy Boss, out of Dibble Dash (Jump Start). We have been patiently waiting for him to retire from the track, he has all the makings of a big time event horse!

What exciting horses to have in the barn going into 2024!!!

12/13/2023

We are so happy to congratulate Leslie Harrelson on the purchase of our wonderful baby girl, Tica! This is a bittersweet transition, as she has been such a joy to produce.

I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together, we know she is a dancing queen and just loves to show off in the sandbox. And even more wonderful, she is only moving down the road! It will be so fun to see their partnership grow.

Tica truly has been the easiest and kindest horse to come through my barn. A dream to ride, and a beloved member of the team. I know all of us at Crossfire Farm will greatly miss her. But are happy she found someone who will cherish her just as we do!!

Congratulations Leslie and Tica!! 💖💖💖

12/07/2023

There is still time to get access to an indoor before the coldest weather hits! We have two stalls open due to retirements at Crossfire Farm, Damascus MD!

Amenities include indoor, outdoor, full showjump course, XC course, conditioning path, access to miles of trails, great barn with wash rack, heated bathroom, etc. Personalized care, small barn atmosphere, with great group of riders. Plenty of showing and schooling opportunities as we are very active with both the USEA and USDF calendars.

Training with Lauren Sumner, USDF bronze medalist, competed through CCI3* levels of eventing. All types of riders are welcome, and all levels. Specialize in starting young horses, restarting OTTBs, producing horses with an empathetic and sustainable approach. We have produced multiple horses through the FEI levels of eventing, riders successfully competing and placing from grassroots to FEI level. As well as producing horses to win consistently at USDF recognized competitions.

Contact us today to set up a tour!
[email protected]
301-980-9931
Text is preferred

12/03/2023

A big shoutout to students James and Patrick for making two national leaderboards! Patrick sits behind his sire, TBS Declan Pondi on the National Connemara leaderboard.

James sits in 9th on the Junior Modified National Leaderboard. All points achieved from a fall move up, and only 4 runs at the level!!

12/02/2023

I’m very excited to share I have been awarded the Broussard Charitable Foundation Trust Going Forward Grant for 2023, towards ECP training and certification. I want to thank the United States Eventing Association, Inc. (USEA) and Broussard Charitable Foundation for entrusting me with this honor.

I’m excited to continue my education towards being a better instructor for students and young event horses. This will enable me to attend ECP training programs and further my personal development as a coach/trainer/competitor.

I also want to thank Lauren Parr for her generous and kind letter of recommendation. As well as my current students, and family who continue to support my growth in this business. And my mom for encouraging me to apply.

Lauren

08/29/2023

***Full Care Stall & Training Board AVAILABLE***
at Crossfire Farm in Damascus MD!

Looking for a nice place to settle before the fall and winter season? Crossfire Farm has all the amenities you need. Indoor, outdoor, access to miles of trails, XC and conditioning on site. Training with CCI3* level eventer and USDF Bronze medalist. Lauren specializes in starting young horses, restarting OTTB, and training riders of all levels.

We have an active competition calendar, with a relaxed small barn feel. Personalized care and small group turnout. Looking to add one or two more stall board horses to our fantastic group of boarders and clients!

Pm or text 301-980-9931 to set up a tour!