Harrisburg, PA—October 13, 2003—Ashley Hotz 15, of Shamong, NJ, won the $10,000 North American League Children’s Hunter Final riding her Dutch Warmblood, Insignia, at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. The Reserve Champion was Gangbuster, owned and ridden by Ashley Scott of Reistertown, MD.

Consistency was the key for Hotz and “Micki”, the barn name for the 13-year-old gelding. The pair came into the second round in third place, but moved into the top spot when they put in an impressive second round and received the highest overall score.

“I was really excited to win,” said Hotz. “I was a little nervous at first, but Micki’s been here before and he was great.”

Ashley’s mom Karen still could not believe her daughter’s good fortune. “I never would have dreamed that Ashley would have won,” said Karen. “The whole experience has been so good for her. It’s a wonderful program and a great confidence builder.”

The North American League (NAL) runs season long series in six hunter jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals.

For more information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2003, please see the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.