BURBANK, CA - Warm weather, great courses and a high level of competition marked the first hunter/jumper shows of the season at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado. The High Prairie Spring Preview (May 11-4) and the High Prairie Spring Classic (May 18-21) have become very popular with Colorado riders and this year the shows were the largest ever. Langer Equestrian Group produces the shows, and they served to kick off the 2006 Trainer Incentive Program.
We wanted to do something special to recognize the trainers who support our shows and who work so hard throughout the year, said Larry Langer, CEO of Langer Equestrian Group. With a week long trip to Maui on the line for the winning professional, competition should be keen. All eight hunter/jumper shows held at the Colorado Horse Park are part of the Trainer Incentive Program. Each trainers highest scoring hunter, jumper and equitation rider from each show will count toward that trainers overall Maui points. Only classes with a show championship will be considered. At the High Prairie Fall Finale (September 14-17), the winning trainer will be presented with a certificate for a stay of eight days and seven nights at the beautiful Maui Marriott Ocean Resort from Dec. 3-10, 2006.
And it looks like one Colorado trainer, Tracye Ferguson, is well on her way to earning a second Maui trip. Her rider, Leesa Carver aboard Reveille, earned the championship in the Adult Amateur Hunters 18-35 both weeks, thus making her Fergusons highest pointed rider in the hunters.
Carver also earned top honors in the Ariat Adult Medal both weeks, making her among the top ranked Ariat riders in the region. Leesa was very successful as a junior and she is continuing that success as an amateur, said Ferguson. All of her rounds both weeks were consistent and thats not really something that can be attributed to a significant change to her program. She just is much more relaxed as she has moved into the adults.
Heather Christie, who trains with Kris Nixon, was equally successful in the Adult Amateur Jumpers with her Wilder, earning the show championship both weeks. This horse is the best, said Christie. I really couldnt do it on any other horse. He just takes care of me.
Christie, who has been a powerhouse in the amateur hunter divisions, moved to the jumpers just last year. For her, its just a fun thing to do where she doesnt have to be as focused and accurate. You know, Kris and I dont ever walk the course. We just stand at the back gate, learn the course, and go. Otherwise, I get lost, Christie said with a laugh.
In the second week, Christie also earned the Amateur Owner Hunter 18-35 championship aboard her Rivoli. Trainer Kris Nixon captured the Regular Working tri-color with Rivoli the first week.
In the Short Stirrup Hunters the first week, championship honors went to Emma Willsky aboard her Woodlands Blue Haze. Reserve champion by just half of a point was Emily Myler and Strawberry Shortcake. The pair took the top honors in the Child Pony Hunters.
In the second week of shows the equitation riders strutted their stuff with Taylor Alexander dominating the 11 & Under Equitation. Kelly Buringa was champion in the 12-14 age group, while Laura Lynch led the 15-17 riders.
Closing out the two weeks of hunter/jumper competition, seven riders contested the $2,500 Mini- Prix. Noble Gesture and Natalie Rea topped the field . An entry of Sally Parks, Noble Gesture and Rea also were first and fourth in the 1.40M Jumpers and third in the 1.30M Jumpers. Hunter/Jumper shows return to the Colorado Horse Park for the Colorado Summer Circuit, four weeks of top competition that draws horses and riders from throughout the mid-west, Canada, and Mexico.
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