Upper Marlboro, MD – October 7, 2005 - Cindy Cruciotti of Littleton, Colorado, set a goal last October to be successful in the ARIAT Medal. She met her goal head on as she galloped in to collect her blue ribbon and claim the title of ARIAT National Adult Medal Champion. Cruciotti led the class through two rounds and a test at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Cruciotti rode a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood named Q. She brought him over from Belgium as a four year old to bring along as a hunter, but Q stepped more successfully into the role of an equitation mount. “This was my goal all year,” said Cruciotti. “I started a year ago wanting to just focus on this Medal Finals. We went everywhere we could, a lot in Colorado. We went to Indio (Ca.), I did three weeks there, and then traveled back to Los Angeles for the Memorial Day Classic and more in Colorado.

“I think we ended up winning twelve ARIAT classes this year,” said Cruciotti. “The ARIAT is a great adult medal. It’s nice to see a group support the adults and inspire them to stay within the equitation and improve our riding skills. The ARIAT is something that, having families at home and not being able to ride full time like the juniors, that we can really work towards and still stay within the boundaries of our family life.”

Cruciotti, 41, is the mother of two children, an eight-year-old daughter and a 12-year-old son. She is married to Augie Cruciotti who she is quick to thank for his support. Cruciotti started riding when she was 17, and turned pro when she was 22. She rode as a pro for a few years and then wanted to have a family. So thirteen years ago she retired and regained her amateur status. A year ago she had a farm built in Colorado that she manages. The boarding facility is named Serenity.

TARIAT Adult Medal RESULTS:
1. Cindy Cruciotti - Littleton, CO
2. Emma Mann-Meginniss - Brooklyn, NY
3. Gretchen Ornia Pacher - Bedminster, NJ
4. Caraneen Smith - Carlisle, MA
5. Amy Brubaker - Pasadena, CA
6. Victoria Watters - Wellington, FL
7. Melissa Feller - Long Valley, NJ
8. Anne Connolly - Acton, MA
9. Sally Violin - Dover, MD
10. Lynn Seithel Jekel - Charleston, SC

he Capital Challenge Horse Show runs through Sunday, October 9. The $50,000 Ariat Congressional Cup Grand Prix, presented by Stillwell-Hansen Inc. and Arwen Stables is the highlight of the jumper action. Held at 7:30pm on Saturday, October 8 the FEI World Cup Qualifying class is a great opportunity to witness US Equestrian Team veterans tackle a demanding course. As always, admission to the show is free and classes run in two rings throughout the day. Evening classes are held Wednesday through Saturday. Results, photos and the time schedule can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org . For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 952-7944.