(Sparr, Florida, December 29, 2008) Hayley Waters rode Top Of The Morning to the National Championship in the Large Green Pony Hunter 
division, a major accomplishment for an 11 year old. But, the awards didn’t stop there. She finished 1st and 2nd in the NAL Children’s Jumper National standings for the year with her two jumpers, Rocky and Houston. Other year end awards included: The Quiet Hill Trophy for the overall equitation rider (11 and under) in North Florida, The Raymond P. Wadsworth Memorial Trophy for the highest scoring Equitation rider in Central Florida.
All of the above was the culmination of a year filled with hard work, lots of jumps and lots of fun. “A thousand jumps a week” according to coach and dad Chuck Waters.”
Dana and Chuck Waters imported Top Of the Morning in early 2007 to their Waterworks Farm in Sparr, Florida. Dana loved the pony from the beginning “In fact, he arrived on St. Patrick’s Day, hence his name, and was lucky from the start, winning at his first show in Jacksonville.” Over 70 blue ribbons later, including Circuit Champion at HITS Culpeper, Dana went on to thank the many professionals who helped her and Hayley while they campaigned Top Of the Morning, learned the ropes of the pony world and became a force to reckon with in the Children’s jumpers. Among them those who helped were; Bibby Farmer, Christina Schlusmeyer, Thom Hardy, and Lisa Jacquin.
When asked which show was her favorite Hayley replied “Chicago” why “because all her friends show there and they have lots of big classes for the jumpers.” The fact that she won the $20,000 Children’s Jumper Classic at the Wachovia sponsored show held at Lamplight Equestrian Center and was also Champion with her large green pony several times during the circuit might have had influenced her answer a bit.
Based on all her success, you would never guess this was a transitional year for Hayley going from riding ponies to horses. Dana freely admits she gets as nervous as the next horse show mom maybe more and sites the first time Hayley competed in the High Children’s Jumpers. “It was at Cleveland and Hayley was riding her first Children’s Jumper, Billy. We didn’t realize they didn’t offer a low division so we let her go in the Children’s Classic. She was supposed to go 4th but we got ready and were too nervous too wait so we moved up and let her go first. She went clean and ended up 4th!” Hayley’s success in the jumpers continued with her horses Houston and Rocky. Among the noted wins was the FEI Children’s Classic at the Gold Cup. “The home of the first Grand Prix in the country.” Dana reminded me. Hayley’s dad Chuck is of course pleased with Hayley’s success and love of the jumpers and credits much of her success to having, not just one but, two very nice horses to compete.
As for 2009, Hayley would like to continue to improve, “do better at indoors” and maybe move up. Her parents, however, think her jumpers still have plenty to teach her at this level. Hayley also wants to continue to show in the equitation, AND don’t count her out of the pony ring just yet, as I hear there might be a new star waiting to shine in the larges!!! One thing is for sure; Hayley wouldn’t trade her horse show experience for anything else.
Photo credits: Headline, 2nd & 4th photos by
Flashpoint Photography
, 3rd photo at Wachovia
by Anne Gittens, last candid photo by
Susan Benson/Somerset SportArt
.
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Susan Benson
352 528 4763
ssportart1@mac.com
News Editor
Staff Writer
news-ed@horsesinthesouth.com