Lexington, KY – Sepetmber 20, 2013 – It was an exciting weekend for the top equitation riders as they competed in numerous ASPCA Maclay Regionals to vie for a spot in the coveted Finals at the Alltech National Horse Show. The competition was stiff as the top junior riders went head-to-head in a battle of the best and the chance to take it all. In Region 2 the winning honors went to Michael Hughes, while Hunter Holloway took the Region 5 title. Kelli Cruciotti was presented with the Region 6 Championship, while Haley Stradling piloted her mount to the Region 7 top honors. Olivia Champ rode to the top of the ranks for Region 8.
Region 2 Winner Michael Hughes
The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in the equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2011 ASPCA winner was Sarah Milliren and Jacob Pope took the title during last year’s 2012 Alltech National Horse Show.
The top 61 competitors from Region 2 gathered at Old Salem Farm during the at 2013 American Gold Cup CSI4*-W to showcase their skills and qualify for the ASPCA Maclay Championships at the Alltech National Horse Show. After an over fences phase, a flat phase, and a test of the top four, it was Michael Hughes of Allendale, NJ, earning the win. Lillie Keenan was awarded the second place honors, while Victoria Colvin captured the third place position.
Region 5 Winner Hunter Holloway
The Region 5 Maclay Regionals were held last weekend during the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show in Lake Saint Louis, MO. It was Hunter Holloway who rode to the top of the class, earning the top score, and catching the judges’ scrutinizing eye for the second year in a row. Caroline Mcleese took the second place honors, while Taylor Sutton rode to the third place award.
The Colorado Spring Fall Classic welcomed competitors to Colorado Springs, CO, with a challenging equitation course and a contest that proved fierce for Region 6. Kelli Cruciotti came out on top, rising to the challenge and leaving nothing to chance. Ruth Foley was awarded the red ribbon, while Alessandra Sozzi finished in third.
Region 6 Winner Kelli Cruciotti
Haley Stradling piloted her mount to the Region 7 Championship during the Northwest Autumn Classic in Monroe, WA. She posted a fantastic round, securing the top spot. Kendall Pedigo was presented with the second place ribbon for her efforts, while last year’s victor Sara Nordstrom took the third place honors.
The West Coast 2013 ASPCA Maclay Regionals took center stage in the Blenheim Indoor at the Oaks Fall Classic held in San Juan Capistrano, CA. Thirty-four riders qualified for the event, but it was Olivia Champ who rode to the top of the ranks. Morgan Dickerson took the reserve championship, while third place was awarded to Shelby Drazan for her beautiful efforts throughout the class.
Region 8 Winner Olivia Champ
It was a fantastic start to the ASPCA Maclay Regionals. This upcoming weekend will see Regions 1, 3 and 4 getting underway. Region 1 will compete on Sunday, September 22, at the Fairfield Hunt Club and the Southeast Medal Finals will host Region 3. On Saturday, September 21, the Kentucky National tests the nation’s best from Region 4. The top qualified riders from each region will travel to the 130th Alltech National Horse Show held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, for the ASPCA Maclay National Championships in November. The anticipation is high as the riders and their talented mounts compete for the coveted title.
