PRESS RELEASE
September 28, 2017 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Jumper riders who placed consistently while competing at the Blenheim Fall Tournament and the International Jumping Festival earned special acknowledgement from Veredus USA. As the two week series wrapped up, Veredus Leading Jumper Rider Awards were presented to riders who had accumulated the most points from their respective jumper sections. Recipients took home Veredus Horse Boots Gift Certificates as well as Leading Rider Sashes.
Following two second place finishes aboard ACE Equestrian’s Ceaser in the two Grand Prix classes during the series, Tina Yates was awarded the Veredus Leading Professional Open Jumper Rider Award. Yates said, “It’s an honor to be recognized with an award. The win is not just mine, but for all the horses, owners and everyone who is a part of Highpoint Farm. Thank you Veredus and Blenheim for a great season!”
The recipient of the Veredus Leading 1.40m Jr/AO Jumper Rider Award was 18-year-old Natalie Dean, who emerged with the high-point total of 57. Attending UC Santa Barbara, with a major in mechanical engineering, she rode Chacco’s Goldy and Mary Poppins to several top placings including a win in the $5,000 1.40m Junior-A/O Jumper Class at the Blenheim Fall Tournament..
Dean also finished fourth in the Platinum Performance / USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Final West at the International Jumping Festival and represented Zone 10 this summer at the 2017 Adequan® FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North. Taking the show jumping path, she’s paved big goals for her future, Dean said, “I’m going to try to go to Young Riders again, and in the future, maybe the Nations Cups team for the United States, as well as the World Equestrian Games and the Olympics.”
The Veredus Leading 1.30m Jr/AO Jumper Rider Award went to Spencer McKee, who rode her mount Chenova to a win 1.30m Jr/AO class at the International Jumping Festival as well as several high placings in her division.
After an outstanding first week of the Blenheim Fall Series, Savanah Stuart was presented the Veredus Leading 1.20m Jr/AO Jumper Rider Award. Stuart and her partner Fleury, owned by Magnolia Farms, had an outstanding first week of the Fall Series, taking home the blue in the $1,500 1.20m Jr/Am Owner Jumper Classic.
Tanna Seltzer was named the Veredus Leading Children’s Jumper Rider. Aboard Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC’s mount Lotta 167, Seltzer won a Children’s Jumper Class at the Blenheim Fall Tournament and was victorious in the $5,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Classic.
“Winning this award means so much to me. I haven’t been doing jumpers for very long, and it was so exciting!” Seltzer said. “Awards are a great validation that your hard work and training are paying off.”
She continued, “I hope to continue to do well on Lotta and eventually move up to the 1.20s. I’d also like to qualify for some equitation finals. I’m so lucky to have amazing horses, an amazing trainer, and the support of my family.”
With an impressive 72 final points, Tara Brown Stocks received the Veredus Leading Adult Jumper Rider Award for the second time this year. Brown Stocks and her mount High Hopes were often unbeatable, winning three consecutive Adult Amateur Jumper classes, including the $5,000 NAL Adult Jumper Final. With up to 20 riders in her division, Brown Stocks remained consistent to earn her rider sash and take home another pair of Veredus Horse Boots.
Known and appreciated for protection of sport horses worldwide, Veredus Horse Boots are used by riders such as Marcus Ehning and Scott Brash. Using advanced technical materials, Veredus boots offer the best support, fit, and protection for all horses. Over the course of the Blenheim EquiSports outdoor season, the riders who won the Veredus Leading Jumper Awards earned the opportunity to experience Veredus excellence. Blenheim EquiSports would like to congratulate all of the award winners on a spectacular series.
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Photos by McCool
