The Rocking Horse Trials III Competitor's Party

Phelps/Hathaway Inc. and HorsesDaily.com sponsored the competitor's party on Saturday night to the delight on sponsors, competitors and grooms alike. The party was preceded by a Grand Prix dressage demonstration and a cutting horse demonstration, at which several eventers tried their hand at riding a cutting horse - no easy task apparently, but no one fell off.

The BBQ dinner was a big hit, with copious portions of chicken, pork and side dishes piled on every plate and drinks flowing freely. The party was such a success that even after the band stopped playing, revelry continued at a local watering hole. Thanks to the support Phelps gets as a Markel Equine Insurance Specialist, she was excited to share her budget with Rocking Horse, which is where her career as an equine photographer began 25 years ago.

Groom's Awards - Recognition for Hard Work

A special award ceremony was held during the competitor's party for the best groom and best working student at the event. Those receiving the awards were nominated and the people who nominated them then read aloud what they had written in that person's favor. Each winner received a $100 prize.

The Working Student Award was awarded to Sandra Bartsch, a German girl who has worked for Louise Meryman for two and a half years. Meryman's speech brought tears to the eyes of the crowd as she read an account of how Bartsch trained a difficult horse until he was performing like an experienced eventer, then he shattered his leg while galloping cross-country in a competition with Bartsch, who later that same day rode another horse to second place and also helped school Meryman's daughter before her ride.

Meryman noted the dedication and perseverance with which Bartsch does her job against financial odds, and noted that she is now riding a horse that was bought out of a field for one dollar. "She is a very special person and deserves this award more than anyone I can think of," said Meryman.

The Groom Award went to Aubrey Dunkerton, who works for and was nominated by rider Becky Douglas.

"Aubrey managed to keep the eight horses I rode at Rocking Horse I and seven more including her own on track and on schedule," said Douglas. "With Sarah, my working student, all of the horses will emerge from our aisle glowing and shiny with carrot speour aisle glowing and shiny with carrot specks on their lips and ready to compete."