LAKE VIEW TERRACE, Calif.– Langer Equestrian Group wrapped up its final show of the 2019 season with the LA Season Finale (Nov. 16-17) at Hansen Dam Horse Park. The show kicked off on Saturday with a variety of special classes, including the inaugural LEGIS League Equitation Challenge Presented by CWD, a $500 Hunter Under Saddle Derby, and a USHJA National Hunter Derby.
In the LEGIS League Equitation Challenge, Samantha Maclean trained by Ginny Plancke rode her own Roshambeaux, a 15-year-old Hanovarian gelding, to the win. Judges tested riders on the flat and asked them to show various skills, including extending the sitting trot, dropping their stirrup irons, and demonstrating a change of lead.
Samantha was thrilled with her ride. “It was such a hard class and it’s so special to win,” Samantha said. “We have been preparing for this class and practicing a lot of work with no stirrups. I rescued my horse three years ago and at that point, he couldn’t even trot in a circle. We’ve come a long way and he is so awesome. Flying lead changes are still challenging for him, so I decided to do a simple change of lead and it worked out well. I’m so grateful for the amazing prizes. I look forward to hopefully getting a CWD bridle with the gift certificate.”
Samantha’s trainer was just as pleased with her performance. “We have worked so hard over the past few years with this project horse and I’m so proud to share this moment with them,” commented Ginny. “This win is only a testament to her dedication. She’s a college student, works in the barn, and takes care of her own horse. I am so happy for her.”
As the champion, Samantha was presented with a $1,000 CWD gift certificate and a $300 CWD gift certificate for her trainer. In the reserve spot was Sofia Brocca-Jacobs trained by Elvenstar, receiving a $350 CWD gift certificate. Third place went to Olivia Gray trained by Elvenstar, earning a $300 CWD gift certificate. The top ten riders each took home LEGIS League rider gift bags, CWD leather conditioners, and LEGIS League ribbons.
Equitation Challenge Results
Sponsor Highlight: CWD
Thank you to our sponsor, CWD, for presenting the LEGIS League Equitation Challenge. CWD is a high range saddle maker dedicated to the rider’s sporting performances. Today, European and American champions ride with a CWD. To learn more about their products, click here.
Open Hunter Under Saddle Derby
The $500 Hunter Under Saddle Derby was open to any horse or pony and rider combination. The horses were judged on their movement and entries were brought into the middle of the arena until only the top three remained. Taking top honors in the class was Verbatim (Lexie Looker, owner) ridden by Victoria Simonds and trained by Rainie Rose.
“I normally ride in the junior hunters and it was fun to do something a little different,” Victoria said. “I liked competing against professionals and amateurs as well. I tried to show off my horse’s trot because that’s his strength.”
Judy Lucas’ Quastro earned the reserve spot with trainer Julie Conner-Daniels in the irons.
USHJA National Hunter Derby
In the USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by S&S Bankcard, Lisa Wall and Tangled Up In Blue owned by Macy Dimson did it again. The pair earned the highest marks from the judges with an overall score of 176. Lisa also secured a $750 LEGIS Hunter Rider Bonus as she clinched her third win in a Verdugo Hills Hunter Derby this year with Tangled Up In Blue.
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible,” Lisa said. “I’m super happy about this win. The ring was a bit smaller, which made some of the turns very challenging. She jumped so well. She is the horse of a lifetime. I’m excited that she’s leading right now for the 2019 USHJA Zone 10 National Hunter Derby Horse of Year. The bonus check from LEGIS is so helpful as a professional and I’m looking forward to putting it toward a new pair of boots.”
In second place was Leah Von Henkle and In Case, owned by Eve Aron and trained by Joe Thorpe. In third place was Julie Conner-Daniels and Quastro, owned by Judy Lucas. Congratulations to all!
Official Horse Show Photography
The official show photographer is Kristin of Kristin Lee Photography. Visit her website to view proofs and purchase your medal final memories. Kristin’s gallery can be viewed here.
