Harrisburg, PA – October 18, 2014 – Anika Pirkle, of Carmel, IN, and her own JUST A DREAM won the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Children’s Jumper Final Presented by EquiFit at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, beating qualified riders from all over the nation.
Out of the field of 30 riders, only eight riders made it through to the jump-off course designed by Michel Vaillancourt. Sixth into the ring, Pirkle pulled out all the stops on her bay gelding, and produced a clear round in a blazing time of 31.350 seconds to clinch the victory and the first place prize money of $3,000.00 and a pair of EquiFit D-Teq Boots.
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Anika Pirkle and Just A Dream on their way to winning the NAL Children’s Jumper Final Presented by EquiFit (c) Al Cook – alcookphoto.com
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“I’m so happy right now, he did so well!” said an excited Pirkle. “It’s a huge honor to get to the NAL Finals. The journey has been a little up and down for me. I’ve had some good rounds, and I’ve had some rails and fallen off in a few places. All in all it’s been really nice.”
Pirkle, who is only 11 years old, has been riding with trainer Dave Dorner for six years. She started in hunters, and Dorner convinced her to do jumpers. “I’ve learned almost everything I know from him,” commented Pirkle who finished eighth in the final standings of the 2014 NAL Children’s Jumper Division Presented by EquiFit with a total of 3,137 points.
Madison Charlton of Galloway, NJ, and PETIT FLIPPER, owned by Ellen Mitchell, jumped clear but they were not fast enough, crossing the timers in 32.730 seconds for second place. Charlton earned a total of 4,290 points for third place in the 2014 NAL Children’s Jumper Standings.
Charles Jacobs, Jr. of Wellington, FL, and CAMPESINO IV, owned by CMJ Sporthorse LLC had taken over the lead for a brief moment with a clear round in 36.764 seconds, but was nipped by Pirkle, and ended in final third place. Jacobs finished ninth in the final standings of the NAL Children’s Jumper League division with a total of 3,122 points.
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Anika Pirkle and Just A Dream receive their awards
(c) Al Cook – alcookphoto.com
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$10,000 North American League Children’s Jumper Final Presented by EquiFit Results
Place/Horse/ Rider/ Round 1/ Jump-Off/ Total Score
- Anika Pirkle/ JUST A DREAM/ 0/ 0/ 31.350
- Madison Charlton/ PETIT FLIPPER/ 0 /0/ 32.730
- Charles Jacobs, Jr./ CAMPESINO IV/ 0/ 0/ 36.764
- Emma Ellis/ COLANDO/ 0/ 0/ 37.364
- Gabby Hensley/ CAVANTA/ 0/ 0/ 40.345
- Tyler Mayer/ WINDELINDE/ 0/ 4/34.887
- Bailey Imbus/ CYMPHONY/ 0/ 8/ 34.556
- Dana Wille/ MACH 5/ 0/ 8/ 41.250
About the NAL
The North American League (NAL) offers a great opportunity for competitors across the country to compete in five divisions including Children’s Hunter; Children’s Jumper, Presented by EquiFit; Adult Hunter; Adult Jumper, Presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper, Presented by UltrOZ. Riders and horses compete all year in order to qualify forNational Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the West Coast Finals at the Las Vegas National Horse Show.
The qualifying period for the NAL runs from September 1 through August 31 and anyone can compete in NAL qualifying classes. However, only current members are awarded points. Joining the NAL is the best way to ensure that you get the points necessary to make it to the finals and annual memberships are only $40 per rider.
For more information regarding the North American League series please call (717) 867-5643, email to NAL@Ryegate.com or visit www.ryegate.com. Follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/NALFinals.
About EquiFit, inc.
EquiFit, inc. has been helping top equine athletes train, compete and succeed for over a decade. Taking cues from the healthcare and sports industries, EquiFit delivers innovative products to help horses excel both in and out of the ring. All EquiFit products are imagined and designed by experienced equestrians. Pairing horse-world expertise with cutting-edge technology and premium materials, EquiFit offers invaluable products for athletes at all levels.
For more information, please call 877.437.8434 or visit equifit.net. EquiFit products are available for purchase online and at fine equestrian retailers nationwide.
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) is one of the largest indoor horse shows in the U.S., hosting horses and competitors from across the country with 20,000 spectators attending from the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 1,400 qualified horses competing for $485,000 in prize money, the show features national Hunter and Jumper competition and is the site of the Pessoa/USEF National Hunter Seat Medal Final, the Randolph College/USEF National Junior Jumper Championships, North American League (NAL) National Finals and the $85,000 Grand Prix de Penn National.
In addition to world-class equestrian competition, the horse show offers a unique shopping experience with boutique vendors showcasing one-of-a-kind, equine inspired products including jewelry, fun fashion and accessories.
The 10-day event is being held from October 9th to 18th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. Proceeds from the event benefit community equine and youth programs. Since its inception in 1945, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation has donated nearly $2 million to charitable entities.
Live coverage of the competition, scoring results and more details on the show are all available atwww.PAnational.org.
