October 17, 2006

California Riders Earn Top Ribbons in USEF Hunter Seat Finals

Burbank, California - With the exception of the USEF Talent Search, which holds bi-coastal championships, the major national equitation championships are held in the east. Annually, West Coast riders trek east to participate. Some are fortunate to be able to ship their own horse, others lease a horse. Regardless, West Coast riders are at a disadvantage for many reasons. However, the results belie the challenges they face.

This year 271 riders contested the prestigious USEF Hunter Seat Finals, and two California riders earned themselves top ten ribbons. Adrienne Dixon, Torrie Immel, Alex Maida, and Shelby Wakeman all made the top twenty five and jumped a second round. The judges then selected eight riders to work off, and Dixon and Maida were both included. Judges Jimmy Torano and Bill Moroney asked the top eight to switch horses. Dixon found herself switching with Molly Braswell, and Maida switched with Eleanor Kunsman. Dixon was riding a horse owned by Don Stewart, so switching to another unfamiliar horse did not present much of a problem.

In the end, the two California girls finished with Dixon in third and Maida in sixth. Maggie McAlary earned the championship. To read more about this exciting competition, please click on the link below to the USEF story on this competition:http://www.usef.org/content/newsDisplay/viewPR.php?id=1639

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