Elizabeth Barron Scores Win at Will O’Wind Horse Trials

Hockley Valley, Ontario --- July 18, 2003 --- Elizabeth Barron of the United States was crowned the winner of the Bahr Saddlery Training Division at the third annual Will O’Wind Horse Trials held July 13 in Orangeville, ON.

Riding Royal Fox Paw, her six-year-old dark bay Holsteiner gelding, Barron posted the day’s best score, 38.85 penalty points, to beat out 37 other entries in the Training division. Coached by Olympian Peter Gray, Barron is from Monticello, FL.

Placing second was Gary Roque of Caledon East, ON. The seasoned competitor rode Sharon Patchett-Lomere’s nine-year-old thoroughbred/Hannoverian-cross stallion, Hakuna Matatta, to a score of 40.45 penalty points over the course designed by Canada’s Jay Hambly. Roque also took fourth place honours with Eric-K. American competitor Paul Delbrook riding Diamond Master was third on a score of 44.40 penalty points.

In the Junior Pre-Training Division, Presented by Nobleton Feed Mill, Rebecca Baron was the big winner after posting a score of 33.80 on Broadstone Windsor. Ali Miletic and My Guy were the runner-ups with 36.60 while Samantha Clark and Lady Marmalade placed third.

The Senior Pre-Training Division, also Presented by Nobleton Feed Mill, featured 37 entries and was claimed by Edie Tarves, 41. The Olympic, World Championship and Pan American Games veteran rode Arwen to a score of 30.6 penalty points to narrowly edge out Caroline Pass-Cormier who posted a score of 31.8 penalties with Dakkin. In close third was Kaitlin Habermehl and her mount, All Jazzed Up.

In the Junior Entry division, Chantelle Devitt and Boomerang took top honours with a score of 39.6 to best Dylan McPhail and Helmut, who scored 41.4 penalty points. Prizes through to tenth place were generously donated by Katherine and Caroline Wong and Newell Rubbermaid.

In the Senior Entry division, sponsored by Doonaree Farm and Tack Shop, Ashley Bates and Kings Over Aces easily claimed the win, posted a score of 35.4 that was well ahead of the 43.8 earned by second-place finishers, Mirabelle Dickhart and Make My Day.

In a short amount of time, Will O’Wind Horse Trials has established itself as one of Canada’s premier eventing competitions. With 150 entries over the five divisions offered this year, organizers Ann and Geoff Morgan plan to expand the event for 2004.

“Our focus is building a new water and bank complex that will be used at all levels next year,” explained Geoff Morgan. “A preliminary course is also being added this fall.”

Jay Hambly of Guelph, ON, who has built courses throughout North America and Europe, including the annual CCI** Bromont International in Quebec, has been contracted to design the new Preliminary track. While Hambly has been responsible for Will O’Wind’s Training course, Geoff and Ann Morgan designed and built the Pre-Training and Entry courses, along with Hambly’s assistance.

“This year, things were perfect, it was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable weekends of competition for both the competitors and the organizers,” said Morgan. “Of course, this is possible due to our wonderful volunteers and the sponsors who were all incredible. We plan to build on this momentum for next year.”