Tag Archives: Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

Competitions, Saddle Seat, USEF

Upton Earns 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Title

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Reagan Upton and Oh Night Divine (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, Ky. – A field of 19 competitors, the largest field in the class’s history, vying for the 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final title, kicked off the evening session at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show on Wednesday, July 6. Following the competitive field’s display of equitation skills, 27-year-old Reagan Upton was named the unanimous 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Champion. Upton (Birmingham, Ala.) rode St. Simons Island Saddlebreds LLC’s Oh Night Divine to top honors under the tutelage of her mother, Courtney Huguley.

When asked how it felt to be the Gold medal winner, Upton said through tears, “It’s surreal. I’m 27 years old, a poor trainer’s kid. I never had a nice horse when I was a kid. You always have to have a nice horse as a kid and I could never compete with everybody else. At 27, to finally be able to do it is so cool.”

Upton was confident in her test, but didn’t expect to be the unanimous winner.

“I felt pretty good. With 19 in there, I felt like every pass counted,” Upton said. “I felt the rail work was ribbon-worthy, but I didn’t know everyone else kind of had tough patterns. After my pattern I thought I had earned a ribbon, but I wasn’t sure because I had a couple things I could have done better.”

The talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail, and completed an individual pattern created by the judging panel of Rodney Hicks, Raymond Krussell, and Donna Pettry-Smith.

The Reserve Champion and Silver medalist in the Final was Kristen Dull (Apple Valley, Minn.) riding In Your Sights. The Bronze medal was presented to Cecelia Hoffmann (Bolingbrook, Ill.) riding Kamunyak.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

The 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final was supported by Zubrod Stables, Cindy Mugnier, and past Zubrod Stables champions of the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Dr. John Stutts and Deveau Zubrod.

Results from the 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final:

Champion: Reagan Upton (Birmingham, Ala.) on Oh Night Divine instructed by Courtney Huguley

Reserve Champion: Kristen Dull (Apple Valley, Minn.) on In Your Sights instructed by Sarah McClintock

Third: Cecelia Hoffmann (Bolingbrook, Ill.) on Kamunyak instructed by Jonelle Chovanec

Fourth: Jennifer McGowan (Louisville, Ky.) on The Toy Soldier instructed by Melissa Moore

Fifth: Morgan Wolin (Chicago, Ill.) on So Smitten instructed by Erin Boggs-Richey

Sixth: Avis Van Zomeren (Leighton, Iowa) on Absolutely Got It instructed by Renae Van Zomeren

Seventh: Elizabeth Cagle James (Winston-Salem, N.C.) on The Cover Story instructed by Evan Orr

Eighth: Rachel Griffis (Baxley, Ga.) on Cabernet’s Will Command instructed by Caitlin Jarriel

Ninth: Lexie Bragg (Charleston, W.V.) on CHThe Muffin Man instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Tenth: Sara Szychlinski (Genoa, Ill.) on The Princess Dianna instructed by Jessica Moctezuma

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director, National Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

From the USEF Communications Department

Competitions, USEF

Brett Self Claims 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Title

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Brett Self, 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final winner, on Safe Harbor (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, Ky. – A field of 15 competitors vying for the 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final title kicked off the evening session at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show on Wednesday, July 8. Following the competitive field’s display of equitation skills, 18-year-old Brett Self was named the winner of the 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Self (Charleston, W.Va.) rode her own Safe Harbor to top honors under the tutelage of Stephanie Lilly.

When asked how it felt to be the Gold medal winner, an ecstatic Self said, “Not even real; I can’t even describe it. It’s the best moment ever.”

After having a rough pattern with Safe Harbor in the qualifier on Tuesday, it was uncertain if Self would ride the 15-year-old American Saddlebred gelding in the Final class. However, she decided to ride her beloved partner, and it was the right decision.

“Yesterday we went in for our pattern for the qualifier and we were doing everything but the pattern; we hardly even finished the pattern,” Self said with a laugh. “We were going to try and get in with another horse but he’s my soulmate, I love him to death, and I figured I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else. I took my horse in there and he nailed it. It was awesome; I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

The talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail, and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of judges Betsy Boone (Concord, N.C.), Paul Boone (Concord, N.C.), and Annalize van der Walt (Shelbyville, Ky.).

The Reserve Champion and Silver medalist in the Final was Reagan Upton (Birmingham, Ala.) riding Callaway’s Letter to the Editor. The Bronze medal was presented to Ashley Brandies (Jesup, Ga.) riding Tender Troubadour.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Results from the 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final:

Champion: Brett Self (Charleston, W.Va.) on Safe Harbor instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Reserve Champion: Reagan Upton (Birmingham, Ala.) on Callaway’s Letter to the Editor instructed by Barbe Smith

Third: Ashley Brandies (Jesup, Ga.) on Tender Troubadour instructed by Christy Parker

Fourth: Jennifer McGowan (Cross Lanes, W.Va.) on Man In Charge instructed by Melissa Moore

Fifth: Dr. Morgan Wolin (Chicago, Ill.) on So Smitten instructed by Stan Bodnar

Sixth: Taylor Deer (Charleston, W.Va.) on Tanbark Heiress instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Seventh: Dr. John Stutts (Louisville, Ky.) on WV He’s A Phine Design instructed by Cindy Zubrod-Boel

Eighth: Kate Nichols Totterdale (St. Louis, Mo.) on Callaway’s Emancipation instructed by Barbe Smith

Ninth: Katy Flynn (Manchester, N.H.) on Callaway’s Born A Star instructed by Gary Garone

Tenth: Danielle Dubay Navarro (Louisville, Ky.) on Tommy Bahama instructed by John & Renee Biggins

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director, National Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

By Kathleen Landwehr

Competitions, USEF

Bevins Takes Top Honors in 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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Caitlin Bevins, 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final winner, riding The Wizard (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, Ky. – A field of 10 competitors vying for the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final title kicked off the evening session at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show on July 9. At the end of the class, held at the famous Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Ky., history was made as Caitlin Bevins was named the winner of the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Bevins (Rotterdam, N.Y.) rode her and Tamra Lynch’s Morgan horse, The Wizard, to top honors under the tutelage of Jaisen Von Ballmoos. Her win was especially exciting because she is the first rider to ever win the Final riding a Morgan in the 14-year history of the Final. The win was all the more meaningful for Bevins as she has owned “Oz” since he was four years old. The pair quickly began competing in equitation classes, taking a break when Bevins was in college, but began pattern work again in January to aim for the Final. Bevins and The Wizard put their 11-year partnership on display, earning much acclaim for their performance.

“We came here with very little expectation; all we wanted to do was have a fun experience,” Bevins said of her plan for competing in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. “We did better than we could have imagined. I had so much fun and had a clean pattern. It felt great to present the Morgan breed.”

Bevins and The Wizard have been training with Von Ballmoos for a year-and-a-half and have excelled in his program. Bevin hadn’t shown pattern work in about 10 years, but her hard work leading up to the Final paid off.

“Oz is a great partner for me. He knows his job and if I ever rush or get anxious, he gets upset with me,” Bevins explained. “With him, I don’t have an opportunity to get anxious. I thought he could hold his own, and I knew going in the goal was to have fun and a wonderful time. Winning is just icing on the cake.”

A very talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail, and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of James Hale, Brooke Jacobs, and Nancy Troutman.

The Reserve Champion and 2014’s Silver medalist in the Final was Katie Moeller riding Virtual Volcano. Moeller (Chesterfield, Mo.) received the Bronze medal at the 2013 Final, rising in the placings this year. The Bronze medal was presented to Kaitlin Kelly (Anchorage, Ky.) riding La Zingara.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

To see the full results for the 2014 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, click here.

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director, National Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

Competitions, USEF

USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Set to Begin

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Lexington, Ky. – The country’s best adult amateur saddle seat equitation riders are ready to compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Taking place at the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Ky., the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show plays host to the USEF Championship on Wednesday, July 9. Riding before judges James Hale (Columbiana, Ala.), Brooke Jacobs (Georgetown, Ky.), Nancy Troutman (Salem, Va.), riders will demonstrate their skills that have qualified them for the Final.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show. Zubrod Stables returns in 2014 as a supporter of the Final.

Amateur riders age 18 and over are eligible to compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final by competing in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.

Find out more about the past winners here.

More/Other, USEF

Emily Chapman Claims 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final Title

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Emily Chapman, the winner of the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, riding CH EQ One Night Stand (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, KY – A sunny day at the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, Kentucky provided the backdrop for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, held during the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show. The judges made a unanimous decision to crown Emily Chapman the 2013 winner of the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. Chapman (Tuscon, AZ) rode Ted Chapman’s CH EQ One Night Stand to the Championship title under the tutelage of Zubrod Stables.

“It feels good to win the title,” said Chapman, a member of the Gold medal-winning 2012 U. S. Saddle Seat World Cup Three-Gaited Section Team. “I haven’t shown equitation since last year and we decided last minute to do it. My horse really likes equitation and it worked out for the best.”

A very talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail as a group and completed an individual pattern created by the judges for the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final supported by Zubrod Stables. The judging panel consisted of Chuck Herbert from Evansville, Indiana, James Nichols from Metairie, Louisiana, and Barbe Smith from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Chapman not only took home the Champion title, she also received a beautiful cast resin sculpture created by noted artist Patricia Crane, the traditional USEF Gold medal, and a bouquet of roses. In addition, she received a Championship cooler and an engraved leather halter for her mount.

The Reserve Champion in the Final was Kristin Smith riding Callaway’s Another Winner. Smith (Smithfield, KY) won the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final and is a member of the Gold medal-winning 2013 U.S. Saddle Seat Young Rider Team. Her Reserve Champion prizes included a Silver medal, bouquet of roses, cooler, and engraved leather halter. The Bronze medal was presented to Katie Moeller riding He’s My Beau.

The American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) equitation medal was established in 1937 by the fourth President of the AHSA, Adrian Van Sinderen, as part of his strategy to connect horse people across the United States.

In 2001, the tradition of the medal program was extended to the adult amateur exhibitor by offering the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final. The Final was created for adult amateur riders to continue to participate in the discipline of saddle seat equitation. Since its inception, the event has been held at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Amateur riders age 18 and over are eligible to compete in the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final by placing in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.

Results from the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final:

Champion: Emily Chapman, Tuscon, AZ aboard CH EQ One Night Stand instructed by Zubrod Stables

Reserve Champion: Kristin Smith, Smithfield, KY aboard Callaway’s Another Winner instructed by Zubrod Stables

Bronze Medal: Katie Moeller, Chesterfield, MO aboard He’s My Beau instructed by De Lovely Farm

Fourth Place: Dr. Morgan Wolin, Chicago, IL aboard Schroeder instructed by Stan Bodnar

Fifth Place: Jennifer McGowan, Cross Lanes, WV, aboard Love Drunk instructed by Melissa Moore

Sixth Place: Taylor Deer, Charleston, WV aboard Tanbark Heiress instructed by Stephanie Lilly

Seventh Place: Kathryn Evans, Concord, NH aboard CH EQ All About Charm instructed by Jim Lowry

By Kathleen Landwehr

For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Director, National Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, USEF

Kristen Smith Takes Top Honors at the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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Kristen Smith, the winner of the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, riding Who Needs Mama (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, KY – Kristen Smith of Smithfield, KY rode Stephens College’s Who Needs Mama through heavy downpours to the championship win in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final, under the tutelage of Zubrod Stables. The Final took place Friday the 13th as part of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show at the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, KY.

“It was very wet, but definitely worth it in the end,” said Smith, a member of 2012 U. S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team heading to Parys, South Africa in December. She added, “It was really important to me to do well in the class. I felt very rewarded after the hard work I put in to receive such a high honor.”

A very talented group of riders from across the country performed on the rail as a group and completed an individual pattern created by the judges. The judging panel was Lisa Waller from Heiskell, Tennessee, Bill Waller from Heiskell, Tennessee, and Paul Boone from Concord, North Carolina.

Continue reading Kristen Smith Takes Top Honors at the USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final →

Breeds, Community/Charity, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, USEF

Dr. John Stutts Prevails at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final

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Dr. John Stutts on CF Cool Night Out. Courtesy of Howard Schatzberg Photography.

Lexington, KY – As a 6-year-old, Dr. John Stutts peeked through the fence at a Louisville, KY, riding club to watch the horses warm up. That little boy fell in love with American Saddlebreds, and today, as a grown man, he turned a childhood Saddlebred dream into reality.

Stutts and a dozen other qualified riders displayed their competitive ability within the adult amateur equitation division, trotting and cantering Friday on the historic Red Mile Race Track in Lexington, KY. The 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final was particularly exceptional because it was the 75th anniversary of the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.

Stutts, a pediatric gastroenterologist from Louisville, KY, rode CF Cool Night Out to the title of Champion.  Reserve champion honors went to Joel Dorignac of New Orleans, LA. The bronze medal winner, Casey Morgan Tibolet of Charleston, WV, rounded out the top three.

“I am very excited,” Stutts said of his first-place win. “It sounds corny, but people talk about dreams coming true. A dream came true for me today.”

That early childhood aspiration began at Rock Creek Riding Club, where Stutts had a real seat to a show at age 7. The following year, he pleaded for riding lessons. They never came, but he did get a riding magazine, and continue to watch in amazement the Saddlebred show world.

Continue reading Dr. John Stutts Prevails at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Final →