The Young, the Dedicated, the Champions!

By the United States Dressage Federation & K. Granath

The top equestrians from the Southwestern states gathered in Santa Fe, New Mexico on September 28-30, to ride for individual honors in the American Bankers Insurance Company/United States Dressage Federation Region Five Championship, recognized by USA Equestrian.

The championship featured riders from Training Level through Grand Prix, including Freestyle and featured open, adult amateur and junior/young rider divisions.

The American Bankers Insurance Company, the title sponsor of the Regional Championships, presented an all-weather jacket donated by Mountain Horse with an embroidered ABIC/USDF Regional Championship logo, a quarter sheet from Saratoga Horseworks, and a tri-colored neck sash from Hodges Badge Company. Champions received $199 and Reserve Champions received $139 in prize money. Rosettes were presented to eighth place.

The American Bankers Insurance Company began its sponsorship of the regional championships in 1993. The championship program seeks to promote and recognize the pursuit of excellence in dressage by providing a showcase venue for riders within each of the USDF's nine regions.

A special note is made of Lauren Smith, of whom we are most proud! Lauren is 14 years of age, and her beautiful Jaxon is a 10 year old Dutch warmblood, bought last year in December with the assistance of Paula Paglia and Tracey Roenick, of Dynamite Dressage.

Lauren is the 3rd Level Region 5 Champion, the 3rd Level State Champion, and also the 4th Level High Point rider at a recent Tucson show! She even earned her Bronze Medal this summer. Her mother must be adding rooms for all of her awards! What an inspiring year this has been for Lauren-we wish you many victory gallops!

Lauren Smith and Jaxon

photo by Captive Spirit