©ESI Photography. Jessica Sikorski and Just-A-Flirt on their way to a win in the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic.
SAUGERTIES, NY (September 14, 2013) – With high school underway and college planning in full swing, Jessica Sikorski of Glastonbury, Connecticut admits that she almost didn’t come to this year’s Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals. But, in a last minute decision, she and Brooke Cagwin’s Just-A-Flirt were on a trailer and headed to New York to win the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic.
Sixty Children’s and Adult Hunter riders eagerly showcased their talents in the Strongid C 2X Grand Prix Stadium during the $1,500 Bit O’ Straw Hunter Classic as part of the 23rd annual Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals. After a year-long qualifying process, the top riders earned their spot at the Finals.
Sikorski trains with Renee Scarpantonio at Hunter Run Stables in Glastonbury, Connecticut and leases Just-A-Flirt from Cagwin. “I hope Brooke never sells this horse because she is the best horse ever – she’s perfect,” said Sikorski. “We really went for it today.”
Jerry Dougherty of Bokeelia, Florida, the resident course designer of the Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals, designed the two-round classic that gave riders a chance to capture a National Championship. Record-breaking numbers turned out to compete in the class and 12 were called back for a second round.
After riding to an 86 in the first round, Sikorski was in fourth place going into the second round. She and Just-A-Flirt scored the highest in the second round with an 82 for a total score of 168 to move from fourth to first. “We had been back and forth about coming for the last month, but my mom encouraged me to come and I am so glad we did,” said Sikorski. “This was my last horse show for a while because I will be going to college next year.”
Sikorski is currently researching schools and plans to study business and equine studies after she completes high school.
Second place was awarded to Claire Kenny of Kingston, New York and Domani, owned by Betty Kenny, with a total score of 167. Kenny trains at Lucky C Stables in New Paltz, New York and is the daughter of Dennis Kenny who presents the weekly Dennis Kenny Law Offices Grooms Award at HITS-on-the-Hudson.
Third place went to owner/rider Suzanne Atcavage of Honesdale, Pennsylvania and Nuff Said with a total score of 166. Rounding out the top five was Alisha Giordano of Yaphank, New York in the irons of her own On Cloud Nine with a two-round total of 161 and Ashley Christiano of New Paltz, New York on her own Summer’s Dark Saint with a 160.
About The Marshall & Sterling League
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 22nd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.
The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit HitsShows.com. Stay connected with HITS: join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!
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