Tag Archives: USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

Hunter/Equitation, Saddle Seat, USEF, USEF

Macey Miles and Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful Earn Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation

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Macey Miles and Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful (Howard Schatzberg Photography)

Kansas City, Mo. – Few have won the Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation. Now, Macey Miles and Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful join the coveted list of Triple Crown winners. They earned this feat after taking the 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final presented by Elisabeth M. Goth at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) American Royal National Championship Horse Show on Saturday. The Triple Crown of Saddle Seat Equitation includes winning the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup, the Good Hands National Championship, and the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final. As the winner of USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, Miles will have her name engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, alongside a prestigious list of prior winners dating back to 1937. She also earned the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze.

“I had to work really hard; you only get one shot at the Triple Crown. This has been something I wanted since I was five years old and knew what equitation was about,” said Miles after winning the last leg of the Triple Crown. “I looked up to so many riders above me, including those who won it before me. I worked as hard as I could, and Sarah Barclay, my riding instructor, helped me get through it all.”

Coming into the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final was not easy for Miles (Rockport, Ind.). She faced immense pressure and stiff competition, joining young women who have been a part of Gold medal-winning Saddle Seat World Cup and Young Rider Teams. She also brought an inexperienced horse, her own six-year-old American Saddlebred, Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful. For this being the gelding’s first year in equitation competition, he fooled a lot of people.

“I don’t think it would have been earthly possible for this horse to come this far in such a short time. My dad has worked night and day with this horse and has brought him to his full potential,” said Miles.

A group of 23 combinations began the USEF Saddle Seat Final with preliminary ride-offs on Saturday morning. Miles and Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful stood out to the judges of Michael Craighead (Fresno, Calif.), Gary Garone (Richmond, N.H.), and Cindy Mugnier (Belchertown, Mass.) early.

“I thought it was a really great [preliminary] pattern, and it was one everybody could do. There was a lot of transitioning, and I thought riding without stirrups would set me apart from everyone else. I was praying we would get through it, and we did; he did absolutely awesome,” said an excited Miles.

The combination advanced to the afternoon session for additional rail and pattern work, along with 11 other combinations. As the nerves crept up on Miles, she settled down after the first cantering figure eight and trusted her partner to get them through.

“I have been practicing these movements ever since I can remember, and I liked all the elements. He was absolutely great, and he did not let me down,” said Miles.

Molly Codeanne (Wethersfield, Conn.) claimed back-to-back Reserve Champion honors with Cedarledge Farm’s CH EG Chanti’s Prayer. With solid performances in front of the judges, Codeanne was awarded the USEF Silver medal. The Bronze medal was awarded to Victoria Walz (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) riding her own CH Meritage Signed Sealed Delivered.

Full class results:

Champion: Macey Miles (Rockport, Ind.) with Harlem’s Wild and Wonderful
Reserve Champion: Molly Codeanne (Wethersfield, Conn.) with CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer
3. Victoria Walz (Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.) with CH Meritage Signed Sealed Delivered
4. Faith Robbins (Carmel, Ind.) with Heir’s Encore
5. Madison Stringer (Scottsdale, Ariz.) with My Kind of Lover
6. Hallie Ricci (Allentown, N.J.) with CH EQ Madeira’s Fame
7. Lora Becker (Sioux City, Iowa) with Royal Tryst
8. Ellie Grosspietsch (Cross Plains, Wis.) with CH EQ Final Act
9. Kaeley Arterburn (Carlsbad, Calif.) with CH EQ La Zingara
10. Gabriella Snyder (St. Louis, Mo.) with Nuttin’ Doing

The USEF is appreciative of its class donors for helping make the 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final possible: Elisabeth M. Goth (Lexington, Ky.), Mary Anne Cronan (Louisville, Ky.) Cynthia Knight (New Orleans, La.), Dr. Catherine McNeese (Austin, Texas), and Carol Reams (Frankfort, Ky.).

From the USEF Communications Department

Competitions, USEF

Kay Claims Top Honors at USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

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Cameron Kay on CH EQ Reedann’s Heir To Glory (Howard Schatzberg)

Lexington, Ky. – A talented field of competitors entered Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Mo., on Saturday, November 14, in hopes of winning the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final presented by Elisabeth M. Goth at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) American Royal National Championship. Three riders were tied for first place at the end of the Final, requiring a ride-off in front of the judging panel comprised of Betsy Boone (Concord, N.C.), Liz McBride Jones (Raeford, N.C.), and Helen Robertson (Simpsonville, Ky.). Cameron Kay, Molly Codeanne, and Courtney McGinnis returned to the arena rail to perform additional rail work to determine the champion. Kay (West Bloomfield, Mich.) gave a stellar performance in the ride-off to be crowned the champion, improving from her 2014 Reserve Champion finish. She received the Gold medal after demonstrating her excellent equitation skills aboard her own CH EQ Reedann’s Heir To Glory, both on the rail and during pattern work.

“It was so exciting,” Kay said of her experience in the Final, with the ride-off being a particular highlight. “It was the most thrilling experience in my entire life. There were two other amazing riders so it could’ve gone any way.”

As the 2015 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Champion, Kay will have her name engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, alongside a prestigious list of prior winners dating back to 1937, as well as the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze.

Codeanne (Wethersfield, Conn.) claimed the Reserve Champion title with Cedarledge Farm’s CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer. With a solid performance in front of the judges, Codeanne was awarded the USEF Silver medal.

The Bronze medal was awarded to McGinnis (Santa Barbara, Calif.) riding Fish Creek Stables’ CH EQ Imagine My Surprise.

Full class results:

Champion: Cameron Kay, West Bloomfield, Mich., aboard CH EQ Reedann’s Heir To Glory, instructed by Todd Miles

Reserve Champion: Molly Codeanne, Wethersfield, Conn., aboard CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer, instructed by Kristin Cater

  1. Courtney McGinnis, Santa Barbara, Calif., aboard CH EQ Imagine My Surprise, instructed by Todd Miles
  2. Ellie Grosspietsch, Cross Plains, Wis., aboard CH EQ Final Act, instructed by Sheri Brandl
  3. Taylor Pszeniczny, Southwick, Mass., aboard Won for the Gipper, instructed by Gary Garone
  4. Clara McCool, Newburyport, Mass., aboard My Sudden Surprise, instructed by Kristin Cater
  5. Madison Stringer, Scottsdale, Ariz., aboard My Kind of Lover, instructed by Scott Matton
  6. Faith Robbins, Carmel, Ind., aboard Heir’s Encore, instructed by Kelly Budd Wendling
  7. Sydney Budzinski, Mukwonago, Wis., aboard Royal Tryst, instructed by Scott Matton
  8. Alice Rowland, Kansas City, Mo., aboard CH Callaway’s Winning Number, instructed by Melissa Smith Hughes

For more information regarding the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

By Kathleen Landwehr

Competitions, USEF

Wuesthofen Wins USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

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Jessica Wuesthofen, winner of the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, aboard CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer (Howard Schatzberg)

Kansas City, Mo. – A talented field of competitors entered the Kemper Arena on Saturday, November 16, in hopes of winning the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) American Royal National Championship. The judging panel comprised of Kim Cowart (Statesville, N.C.), Sandra Currier (Bellville, Texas) and Cecile Hetzel Dunn (Weirsdale, Fla.) unanimously declared Jessica Wuesthofen the champion. The Verona, Wis., native received the Gold medal after demonstrating her excellent equitation skills aboard Michelle Werry’s CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer both on the rail and during pattern work. By winning the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, she claimed the Saddle Seat Equitation Triple Crown after winning the National Horse Show “Good Hands” Final in October and the UPHA Challenge Cup earlier last week.

As the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Champion, Wuesthofen will have her name engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, alongside a prestigious list of prior winners dating back to 1937, as well as, the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze.

Nadine Van Zomeren (Leighton, Iowa) claimed the Reserve Champion title with Mark and Renae Van Zomeren’s Heirronic. With a solid performance in front of the judges, Van Zomeren was awarded the USEF Silver medal.

The Bronze medal was awarded to Courtney McGinnis (Fishers, Ind.) riding CH EQ Kiss of the Zodiac owned by Fish Creek Stables LLC.

As the youngest rider in the final, 13-year-old Grace Allison (Ringoes, N.J.) was presented a model horse from Breyer Animal Creations.

Champion: Jessica Wuesthofen, Verona, Wis., aboard CH EQ Chanti’s Prayer, instructed by DeLovely Farm

Reserve Champion: Nadine Van Zomeren, Leighton, Iowa, aboard Heirronic, instructed by Renae Van Zomeren

3. Courtney McGinnis, Fishers, Ind., aboard CH EQ Kiss of the Zodiac, instructed by DeLovely Farm

4. Juliette Dell, Austin, Texas, aboard CH EQ Imagine My Surprise, instructed by DeLovely Farm

5. Sydney Budzinski, Mukwonago, Wis., aboard Royal Tryst, instructed by Scott and Carol Matton

6. Aleia Brown, Dayton, Ohio, aboard Madeira’s Fame, instructed by Erin and Reese Richey

7. Macey Miles, Rockport, Ind., aboard CH EQ Coco Mojo, instructed by DeLovely Farm

8. Kailin Baechle, Rexford, N.Y., aboard Harley Rally, instructed by Fairfield South

9. Caroline Moeller, Chesterfield, Mo., aboard He’s My Beau, instructed by DeLovely Farm

10. Kaitlin Kelly, Anchorage, Ky., aboard La Zingara, instructed by Cindy Zubrod Boel

For more information regarding the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates, at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

By Kathleen Landwehr

Competitions, USEF

UPHA American Royal National Championship to Host USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

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Hunter Chancellor, winner of the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, riding Imagine My Surprise (Howard Schatzberg)

Kansas City, Mo. – The United States Equestrian Federation’s Saddle Seat Medal Final presented by Elisabeth M. Goth will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association’s American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, Mo. This medal final brings together the premier saddle seat equitation riders from across the country that will perform for a judging panel comprised of Kim Cowart (Statesville, N.C.), Sandra Currier (Bellville, Texas) and Cecile Hetzel Dunn (Weirsdale, Fla.).

To qualify for the competition, competitors must be 17 years or under and have placed first or second in qualifying classes during the qualification period. The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final is held in two phases beginning with a preliminary round where all entries complete rail work in groups of 15 or less and perform an individual pattern. The judging panel will select finalists who will then compete in the final round which is comprised of additional rail work and a second individual pattern. The preliminary rail work, preliminary workout, final rail work, and final workout each count equally toward the outcome of the class.

The name of the winner of the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final will be engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, alongside a prestigious list of prior winners dating back to 1937, as well as the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze.

Finalists, along with instructors and family members, are invited to attend the annual brunch made possible by Steve and Terri Chancellor, following the preliminary round. The youngest rider competing in the final will receive a model horse donated by Breyer Animal Creations.

The following individuals have contributed to the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final:

Platinum Level
Elisabeth M. Goth

Gold Level
Steve and Terri Chancellor

Silver Level
6D Ranch Ltd
Glenn and Michelle Werry

Bronze Level
Mary Anne O’Callaghan Cronan
Golden Lantern Farm
Andrea Walton
James and Margaret Williams
Alexandra and Sarah Lawson and Family
Kate Williams

Friends of the Medal Final
Catherine Schuessler McNeese
Cindy Mugnier
Judy Fisher Oetinger
Carol Reams
Joshua and Ann Rowland
Erin Swope Votaw

For more information regarding the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.

*Featured/Spotlights, Championships, Competitions, Events, Hunter/Equitation, More/Other, USEF

Hunter Chancellor Claims USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Title

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Hunter Chancellor, winner of the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, riding Imagine My Surprise. (Howard Schatzberg)

Kansas City, MO – In an extremely competitive USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) American Royal National Championship, Hunter Chancellor (Evansville, IN) demonstrated precise equitation skills in her rail and pattern work on Steven Chancellor’s Imagine My Surprise to take the Championship title. After earning Reserve Champion honors in 2011, Chancellor received the Gold medal from the judging panel comprised of Michael Craghead (Fresno, CA), Marilyn Mac Farlane (Simpsonville, KY), and Nancy Troutman (Salem, VA).

For taking top honors, Chancellor’s name will be engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy and the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze. She also received a USEF custom leather travel bag, USEF medal, rose bundle, Triple Crown Custom/Horseware Ireland cooler, and an engraved stable halter for her mount.

Continue reading Hunter Chancellor Claims USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Title →

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

USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Set to Begin at UPHA American Royal National Championship

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Alexandra Lawson, winner of the 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, aboard Imagine My Surprise (Howard Schatzberg)

Kansas City, MO – The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final will be held Saturday, November 17, at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association’s American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, MO. This medal final brings together the best saddle seat equitation riders from across the country who will perform for a judging panel comprised of Michael Craghead (Fresno, CA), Marilyn MacFarlane (Simpsonville, KY), and Nancy Troutman (Salem, VA).

Four of the riders competing in the medal final are members of the U.S. Saddle Seat World Cup Team, which will compete next month in Parys, South Africa. Those members are Brooke Boyer (Johnston, IA), Hunter Chancellor (Evansville, IN), Emily Chapman (Tucson, AZ), and Abigail Mutrux (St. Louis, MO).

To qualify for the competition, competitors must be 17 years or under and have placed first or second in qualifying classes during the qualification period. The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final is held in two phases beginning with a preliminary round where all entries complete rail work in groups of 15 or less and perform an individual pattern. The judging panel will select finalists who will then compete in the closing round which is comprised of additional rail work and a second individual pattern. The preliminary rail work, preliminary workout, final rail work, and final workout each count equally toward the outcome of the class.

Continue reading USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final Set to Begin at UPHA American Royal National Championship →

Championships, Competitions, Events, USEF

Alexandra Lawson and Imagine My Surprise Ride to Championship Win at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final

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Alexandra Lawson and Imagine My Surprise. Photo by Howard Schatzberg

Kansas City, MO – Alexandra Lawson of North Salem, IN, rode James Williams’ Imagine My Surprise to the championship win in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Saddle Seat Medal Final presented by Elisabeth M. Goth. The final took place Saturday as part of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association (UPHA) American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City, MO.

The class was filled with top riders from across the country and included a challenging two-phase competition that required both rail work and patterns in both rounds. The reserve championship was awarded to Hunter Chancellor of Evansville, IN, riding Chanti’s Prayer, owned by Steven E. Chancellor.

The bronze medal was awarded to Taylor Newton, of Liztown, IN, riding Coco Mojo, owned by Melissa and Nick Maupin.

Riders ages 17 and under are eligible to compete in the Saddle Seat Medal Final by placing first or second in an official qualifying class during the specified qualification period.

Continue reading Alexandra Lawson and Imagine My Surprise Ride to Championship Win at 2011 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final →