Lexington, KY – A strong field of 14 drivers is set to contest the USEF National Single Horse Championship this weekend at the Carolina Horse Park in Raeford, NC. Held in conjunction with the Southern Pines CDE, competition will run April 13-15 and will be doubly important as it also serves as a Selection Trial for the 2012 Singles World Driving Championship, which will be held in Lezirias, Portugal, September 12-16.
The National Championship competition will feature a mixture of decorated veteran drivers and rising young talent. Four previous USEF National Single Horse Champions will be contesting the 2012 edition of the event. Kim Stover (1999), Sterling Graburn (2008) and Robin Groves (2010) all look to secure their second titles, while Kelly Valdes (1996, 1998) will be in pursuit of her third USEF National Championship.
Valdes will be incredibly busy this weekend as in addition to driving she also helps to organize the Southern Pines CDE.
“Tensions are a little high; everyone is vying for position to go to Portugal. Winning the National Championship would definitely help get you into the top three or four to go to Portugal.” Valdes continued, “The National Championship should bring more spectators and credibility to the show.”
The future of the sport shines particularly bright, with two up-and-coming drivers vying to add their names to the illustrious list of National Champions. At just 17 years old, Jan Jan Hamilton has driven to strong results in Florida all winter, going toe-to-toe with drivers more than twice her age. Nineteen-year-old Jacob Arnold, the 2011 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, has been capturing attention all year and heads to Southern Pines with a win at Little Everglades International under his belt.
Dressage gets underway Friday, April 13th.
For competitor information, times and results visit: http://drivingnewsusa.com/results/results2012/SouthernPines/.
Follow the 2012 U.S. Driving Time here: http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2012Driving/.
For more information regarding the USEF High Performance Driving Programs, please contact Lizzy Staller at estaller@usef.org.