Meet The 2023 Area VI Champions
all photos – Tina Fitch Photography
Regional stars took center stage Sunday, Nov. 5, with all the razzle dazzle afforded to Saturday night’s contenders in the 2023 USEF CCI4*-L and CCI2*-L Eventing Championships, the Adequan CCI3*-L and the USEF Eventing Young Riders Championships presented by USEA.
Organizer Robert Kellerhouse remained on Cloud 9 seeing seniors, juniors and professionals at all levels showcased on the glitzy stage built for the Eventing Championships’ star-studded international roster.
The jumbotron displayed real time scoring for the final phases of 14 USEA Area VI Championship divisions, and contenders navigated the showcase stadium filled with colorful, creative fences in the jazzed atmosphere of the Grand Prix Arena.
“I think for our first attempt we knocked it out of the park,” said Andrea Pfeiffer, Area VI Chairman and Area VI Council member.
Along with added atmosphere, there was much more at stake in this year’s Area VI Championships because riders from all USEA regions were invited to take their shot at the titles. This unprecedented opportunity arose from the Area VI Council’s desire to plant the seeds for a true regional championship in the West. It’s also about promoting the idea that competing in different regions, environments and against different competitors is important to building winning horsemanship skills – a point emphasized by leaders at every level of the sport.
In addition to having contenders in all the divisions, those contenders and their crews helped pack the stands for the FEI competition, revving the amperage meter for everyone involved. “That really made me smile!” Pfeiffer said. “It was a national championship and it really felt like it.”
“My vision for the Area VI Championships is to make it special. If a show wants to host them, we need to ask how they are going to do that?” She acknowledges that filling the Championships divisions has been a challenge in the past, and that combining it this year with the multi-faceted Eventing Championships helped tremendously with that. So did special prizes, swag and being spotlit in the Grand Prix Arena.
Speaking of the spotlight, here are the 2023 AREA VI Champions.
Preliminary Championships – Mikayla Howard and HH Ontario
Having won the Modified Training Challenge at Galway Downs last year, Mikayla Howard set her mind on prepping HH Ontario for a successful move up this year. She was surprised to be able to win the competitive division with two show jumping rails, but it was one of those days. HH Ontario’s characteristic nice dressage netted a 27.6, while cross-country required an extra push throughout to stay relatively close to the optimal time. That may have tired Ontario out a bit for show jumping, and Howard felt a few pilot errors may have played their part.
Nonetheless, it was a great way to finish a competition that Howard and her Avon Eventing crew look forward to and gear their goals toward all year. The Northern California professional had three Area VI Young Riders contending the USEF Championship and several horses and riders who took advantage of the Galway Downs’ popular Challenge divisions.
“We really appreciate all these different types of classes and we always have such a good time.”
Busy Tommy Greengard and Quick Quinn were reserve champions, and McKenzie Rollins and O Gigi SE were third.
Modified Championships – Stephanie Goodman & Global Monmore
Competing in the Area VI Championships was icing on the cake for Eagle, ID-based professional Stephanie Goodman. Her crew makes the 15-hour annual trek to Galway Downs every fall, this year with seven horses. She was thrilled to give Global Monmore, a young client’s horse, a terrific experience in what she described as a well-calibrated Modified event. These are few and far between, period, she noted, and finding one that hits that balance between “smaller than Prelim and a step above Training” is tough.
With just a few time faults on cross-country, Global Monmore rose easily to carry the division on a 36.4 and end his season on “super high point,” Goodman said. “Being able to ride in the Grand Prix ring for all these horses is great. There’s a lot of atmosphere and all our horses are actually jumping really well. Plus, it was really fun!”
Emily Schmitz and Fernhill Blueprint were second, and Audrey Fisher and GoldRiverDancer were third.
Modified/Training Championships – Tommy Greengard and Cooley Sligo
Still aglow from finishing as reserve champ in the USEF CCI4*-L Championships Saturday night, Tommy Greengard piloted Cooley Sligo to the top, adding nothing to their 22.7 dressage score. One of 5 horses Greengard rode in his post with Chocolate Horse Farm, Cooley Sligo is owned by client Megan Beachler, who finished an impressive 2nd in the American Eventing Championships Novice division earlier this year.
“He’s one of those unique horses who is very good in all three phases. He’s a terrific jumping horse, quite relaxed and a good mover, which helps with dressage.” Greengard loved having all the previous night’s atmospheric effects in place. “It’s great that they have the jumbotron and everything else going for the horses in the lower levels who haven’t seen that before.”
Taren Hoffos and Gusto were second on a 29.8 and Andrea Baxter and Camelot PJ followed on a 31.6
Training Novice Championships – Seika Streets and Counterpoint
“This was a high point!” said Seika Streets, who leases the veteran upper-level campaigner, “Count” from Arnell Sporthorses. “We had a win at Novice at Woodside, and my trainers said, ‘Why don’t you keep this going and give this a shot!”
“It is a total privilege to ride him. He knows when the show is happening and gets super pumped up, he kicks into gear on cross-country, you know he’s going to make it home safe and he’ll jump everything more than it needs in stadium.”
“I was pretty confident in our abilities, and I knew we were going to give it our best out there.”
Alice Chan and Merriewold Quintessa were reserve champions.
Senior Training Rider Championships – Teresa Harcourt & Csongor
“It’s great to put a bow on the end of the year,” said Teresa Harcourt of her win with her own Csongor, aka “Blue.” She purchased him in August of 2022 after a seven-year hiatus from competing herself, during which she groomed for Bec Braitling and Arnell Sporthorses. “I’ve been able to build up a strong partnership with him, and it was great to have this week’s big environment of a national championship and to be around so many upper-level riders.”
The pair finished on their 28.6 dressage, amid a hectic, happy week. Teresa is USEA Area VI’s Young Rider Coordinator and was heavily involved in the preparations for the team’s CCI2*-L gold and CCI1*-L silver efforts. “It was a lot of work, but we cleaned up and it was a great weekend!” As a member of the Arnell Sporthorses posse, Teresa also had Bec Braitling’s reserve finish in the CCI4*-L National Championships to celebrate.
Shelby Murray and Mannoury vd Watermolen were second on a 30, and Eri Takada and Toronto Z were third on a 35.6.
Junior Training Rider Championships – Maddie Kelly and Favoloso
18-year-old Maddie Kelly had a happy trip back to Idaho, reflecting on how “all the stars aligned this weekend.” A student of Stephanie Goodman, Kelly began leasing Favoloso early this year and initially struggled to “feel on the same page” – especially in dressage. Finally, dressage felt “easy,” resulting in a 30.6 score. A few time faults impacted a cross-country track that “was good for him – it kept him engaged, but was not too challenging. That’s one of his hardest phases and he was a very good boy.” They sailed double-clear in show jumping, to retake the top spot.
Sophie Celeste and Max Attraction finished second on a 33.1, and Raney Wolfers and Kingston V.E. were third on a 33.4.
Senior Novice Rider Championship – Keelari Mauzy and West Coast Cooley
It was love at first sight when Keelari Mauzy set eyes on her dream horse on a dream horse shopping trip to Ireland two years ago. Since then, random realities made consistent progress difficult but it’s all come together this year, and especially in their fault-free 29.4 finish in this division. The San Diego-based amateur produced West Coast Cooley on her own and was thrilled to qualify for the Area VI Championships and to have it be close to home.
“With the really great success we had this weekend, I’m thinking of setting a new goal for next year,” reports the owner of a PEMF business for horses, people and small animals. She’s qualified already for the American Eventing Championships and looks forward to returning to Galway Downs.
Johana Ligtenberg and Hunters Bolero finished second on their 30 dressage, and Maxine Beck and Laguna Seca followed on their 30.6 effort for third.
Junior Novice Rider Championship – Isabella Rega and Blurred Lines
A 4th place finish in the huge field at the American Eventing Championships in August, in Kentucky, inspired Isabella Rega to see if she could keep her roll going here at the Area VI Championships. “We’ve done so many Novice divisions it feels pretty easy,” she said of a 26.9 dressage score and flawless cross-country and show jumping. “It was all pretty straight forward.”
A student of Sabrina Miller’s Riding Academy, Rega said a move up next year is on the agenda.
Lauren Hsieh and Happy Prospect were tied with Rega throughout the run, taking second on a hair’s breadth time difference in cross-country. Kennedy Wiklund and Atta Boy Atticus were third.
Junior Beginner Novice Rider Championship — Charlotte Boleda & Bellechase
Great advice from a great rider helped Charlotte Boleda and Bellechase get where they are today. “Tamie Smith told me easy horses don’t make great riders,” Boleda said. Through the tough times of their first year together, “I said, ‘This guy has too much potential to let it go to waste,” explained Boleda, who trains regularly with Olivia Putrino.
The 6-year-old Irish Sporthorse came through for Charlotte today, finishing fault free on their 30 dressage score. “He’s super brave and I like horses that are spicy! They’re more fun.”
Katherine Jackman and Prada were reserve champions on a 34.1 effort.
Novice/Beginner Novice Championship – Chloe Smyth and Topper
Marian Cerrilly’s “Topper” is a really great young horse,” said the professional, who won on a 27.7. “He has been a pleasure to bring along.
“We love coming to Galway and always enjoying seeing the improvements. I want to give a huge thank you to my team at White Horse Eventing for keeping everything running smoothly.”
Dawn Scott and Cappa Aoife finished second on a 32.
Senior Beginner Novice Rider Championship – Justin Flach & Aracelli
The Area VI Championships “became a goal as we’ve had sort of a rough year,” explained Justin Flach. “We had to re-set and learn a few hard lessons.” Warm-up ring anxiety was the main issue for the 2012 Oldenburg mare and the former county-level show jumping rider. “We focused on re-introducing her to ideas and concepts that would get her comfortable in the warm-up arena and this week is the culmination of those efforts and of working through some tough times.”
Flach is also grateful to his fellow competitors for their welcoming attitude and approach to the competition, and to his wife for encouraging him to try eventing. These last two years, he’s “put a lot of miles” into dressage and cross-country, including work with trainers Robin Garrett and Darci Bayney, for dressage and show jumping respectively.
“And, it looks like I’ll be getting an eventing trainer soon,” he said. “Because, I’m not going to stop now!” Afterall, they already have a basic principle mastered – try to finish on your dressage score, in their case, a 32.1, to which they added nothing.
Annie Desmond and Little Elf were close behind on a 32.4 for second, and Mia Roeser and Miss Magnolia were third on a 36.7.
Senior Starter Championship – Britt Sabbah and Delilah 111
It’s not a typo. Britt Sabbah’s 5-year-old German Riding Pony, Delilah 111, in her second-ever away from home show, logged a 16.7 dressage score. Britt bought her to be a “dressage pony” and the mare is delivering the goods. “She really likes to jump so we do eventing to give her more life experiences.” Along with the lowest score of the show, Delilah got a “bright future” note on her score sheet from judge Axel Steiner. “He can be a tough one to impress, so that was very nice.”
Delilah handled the Championships amped up atmosphere just fine, but being separated from her “brother,” Sabbah’s other horse, was hard to handle. “I think everybody on the show grounds probably heard her calling to him during her cross-country warm-up. She’s extremely vocal. But once she was out on course, she was fine!”
Amber Ryan and Finding Nemo finished second with a 31, and Lisa Prior and May As Well were third.
Junior Starter Championship – Bo Moore and Zodiac Kowboy
“It was really fun,” said 15-year-old Bo Moore of her experience en route to winning this division. Initially locked in a tie after her 33.7 dressage ride with Zodiac Kowboy, this student of Sigourney Jellins set out determined to be close as possible to cross-country’s optimal time. She and the 10-year-old Thoroughbred were a little too fast, in fact, but they wound up edging into the top spot after only 1.6 time faults in stadium. It was a high point in their one-year partnership for this Northern California-based duo.
The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs
Liz Halliday leads newly crowned national champions and venue is verified as world-class stage for equestrian sport.
Nov. 5, 2023, Temecula, California – The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs offered myriad magic moments yesterday as the 2023 USEF National CCI4*-L and 2*-L Eventing Championships and the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, presented by USEA, concluded. However, it may be the event’s glimpse into the future that is most indelibly etched for those who competed, organized, volunteered, or watched in person.
The VIP Pavilion was sold out, the Grand Prix arena was ringed several deep with fans and the vibe was Saturday night sizzle, California style.
“The event is amazing,” said US Eventing CEO Rob Burk, speaking of the entire experience. “The team here at Galway Downs just leaned into raising the bar, not only for California, but for eventing facilities anywhere in the country. Some of the most important things in our sport are the stables, the horsemanship, the quality of footing and you are not going to get better footing than this anywhere, in show jumping or cross-country, or more of the feel of a Championships than what we have here.”
Even before the results were determined, Burk predicted that Galway Downs will be widely acknowledged as a world-class equestrian sport stage. Which has been part of the plan for some time – a combined effort of Galway Downs owner, Ken Smith, organizer Robert Kellerhouse and Nilforushan Equisport Events.
The future looks bright for Young Riders, too. “I see this as a snapshot of what our Olympic and WEG teams will be in the next few decades,” Burk continued. “Early indicators of future success” included having Young Riders Championships contenders take the top two spots in the Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L and a reserve in the Adequan CCI3*-L; and an Emerging U25 rider take third in the Defender CCI4*-L.
Liz Halliday & Cooley Nutcraker top the USEF CCI4*-L Eventing National Championships & Defender CCI4*-L
Speaking of the future, Pan Am Team USA silver medalist Liz Halliday zoomed back from Santiago, Chile to ensure Cooley Nutcracker got his crack at the national title, the $16,500 of the division’s $50,000 in prize money and a place on the 2024 Olympic team selectors’ radar screen. The 9-year-old Irish Sporthorse’s 29.9 dressage score on Thursday established a solid lead which widened to five rails in hand by the show jumping conclusion.
In the interim, Clayton Fredericks’ cross-country shook up the standings. Five of 12 pairs were eliminated, including Liz on her first ride, Shanroe Cooley, late in an otherwise smooth-looking effort. Liz liked the rest of the course, but felt the test at 19A-B was a little too tough, too late in the track and lacked a “graceful way to ride it without just manhandling it.”
Fredericks, a 5* contender himself, acknowledged it was gut-wrenching to have the first three pairs fail to finish. “I never set something I won’t ride myself and we had a fairly good intensity,” he said of the 4* national championship route. “The only thing is maybe the level of the horses was on the green side. There were 4 or 5 doing their first 4*-L and that always affects the results. The problems were spread evenly throughout the course, and I think the course was of a good level for what we are doing here.”
Warming up as one of those partnerships tackling their first 4*-L, Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF filtered the reports through the rock-steady influence of Andrea Pfeiffer, the Chocolate Horse Farm proprietor for whom Greengard rides. “She is like an emotional rock for me. It made that a lot easier to cope mentally.”
They stuck with their plan of a careful pace throughout and it paid off, after a double clear show jumping round, to finish reserve in the USEF CCI4*-L National Championships. It also resulted in a third place finish in the Defender 4* that netted $10,000.
Australian Bec Braitling and Arnell Sporthorse’s Caravaggio II finished 2nd in the Defender CCI4*-L, earning the $12,500 reserve check. But as an Australian, Braitling was not eligible for the US title contention. Caravaggio’s performance was win enough. After an intense summer of training and competing in Europe, Braitling saw marked improvement in “Ernie’s” ability to keep his considerable abilities “together” through all three phases. She plans on a 5* debut as next year’s target for the 2011 British bred horse.
An uncharacteristic two show jumping rails slotted Galway Downs-based Emilee Libby and Tosca into fourth overall and third in the USEF National 4*-L championships. It was this pair’s debut 4*-L effort, too.
Sabrina Glaser & Cooley Mr. Murphy top the Adequan CCI3*-L
Sabrina Glaser’s journey from Langley, British Columbia, was rewarded with a win aboard Cooley Mr. Murphy in this 22-horse division. Sabrina described her partner of 4 years as “probably the trickiest horse I’ve ever sat on.” After consistent successes at 3*-S, he had “niggly little injuries that made us trickle along for a while.” It led to him getting over-familiar with the dressage test and “wheeling and bucking into transitions” in earlier outings. “But he kept a lid on it” Thursday to score a 32 in the sandbox. Double clear on cross-country vaulted them into the lead, followed by double clear show jumping, several exuberant fist pumps and $7,000 of the division’s $21,000 in prize money.
Area VI Young Rider Molly Duda was thrilled with her reserve finish, the $5,250 check and how “fresh and good” Disco Traveler felt. “I was surprised because in our last 3*-L, I could feel his fitness was lacking a bit on the final day. But today, he was jumping out of his skin and I am super proud of him.”
Erin Kellerhouse didn’t have the stellar dressage outing she and Bon Vivant GWF are capable of. That was nicely counterbalanced by a “fabulous” effort on cross-country that made a tough track “feel like Training Level.” Just a few time faults there, plus double clear stadium, moved this Galway Downs-based duo from 8th after dressage into third and a $4,200 prize check.
Kellerhouse credits some of her show jumping success to regularly competing in the Nilforushan Equisport Events jumping competitions that have been a significant part of Galway Downs’ evolution as an international venue. “It’s really helped me get to know what type of ride he likes, and it’s helped all of my horses.”
Hanni Sreenan Atop the USEF CCI2*-L National Championships and Pro Series Equine CCI2*-L
Hanni Sreenan aspires to 5* competition and came to Galway Downs expecting “an amazing experience.” She didn’t expect that to include the double crown of USEF National CCI2*-L Champion and the USEF Eventing CCI2*-L Young Rider Individual title. But that’s what she and Ebenholtz, a 2007 Hannoverian, earned by staying fault free after their 28.8 dressage start.
They were second going into Marc Donovan’s stadium finale and ascended to the top when Area VI Young Rider Sarah Ross and Fernhill Heart Throb had two heartbreaking rails to disrupt what would have been a Young Riders sweep of the division’s top three spots. Ross’ finish earned the Parker Insurance Top Amateur Award.
Area V’s Molly Duda and Carlingfords Hes a Clover were also double clear on cross-country and stadium to move from 4th after dressage to reserve champion in this competitive 40-horse division sponsored by Pro Series Equine.
James Alliston and Cora snapped the Young Riders sweep, finishing third on their 31.3 dressage effort.
In additional special awards, Gabriella Ringer earned the inaugural Pam Fisher Memorial Trophy. And Maddie Kelly and Bonner Carpenter were the Low Score Junior Training Rider and Low Score Amateur Training Rider. They both will receive RevitaVet Tendon Savers for their efforts, generously donated by RevitaVet
Auburn Excell Brady Wins the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L
Auburn Excell Brady registered a first international win for Boudica BSP and it was indeed a victory in her partnership with the 2016 KWPN mare named after a Celtic warrior. She’d been marketing the mare as a show jumper, for Andrea Baxter, because it didn’t seem eventing was in the cards. “Honestly, I was scared of her at first. She’s big, very athletic and not always agreeable,” the California professional explained.
Excell Brady’s dressage coaches felt she had potential aplenty, but cross-country was “tricky,” to put it mildly. “We duked it for a few days in a clinic with Ian Stark this summer, and Ian really helped me work things through.” The warrior pair led this 28-horse field with a 27 in dressage and didn’t give up an inch.
“The level of competition and the atmosphere are fantastic,” said Excell Brady, a longtime Galway Downs exhibitor. “It’s really a special experience riding down centerline and I thought the cross-country and show jumping courses were great, though challenging.”
Unprecedented prize money, live-scoring on the jumbotron and overall pizzazzy presentation were icing on the cake, she said. Excell-Brady was one of several competitors to especially appreciate the enhanced amenities for spectators, including owners, clients and family.
PC: Tina Fitch Photography
USEA Area VI Young Rider Scarlett Peinado and Shadow Inspector also finished on their dressage score, a 27.4, to maintain 2nd place in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L and be crowned the 2023 USEF CCI1*-L Eventing Young Rider National Champion. Qualifying for the Young Rider Championships was a “big goal” coming in and “I have not processed what happened” she said in the afterglow.
Shadow Inspector is a California veteran thanks to his years with Haley Turner. “My horse knew what was going on here, even in all this atmosphere,” Peinado said. “I was very nervous – a little bit panicked, so I was just trying to manage my stress and remember the course.” She travelled from Pennsylvania, where she trains with Area V chef Dom Schramm. He advised pretending like it was a schooling show, which proved effective throughout Marc Donovan’s turny track of quick-arising obstacles. Striding got a little tight in the final combination of pastel-colored cookie-standard obstacles, but the pair stayed clear to gallop to individual Young Rider gold.
Close behind in the Dechra Equine CCI1*-L third spot was Harper Padgett and Cooley Starship. Their finish on a 28.2 dressage score resulted in individual Young Rider silver and helped Area VII earn 2*-L team gold.
USEF Eventing Young Riders Championships, Presented by USEA
Sarah Ross epitomized good sportsmanship after the two rails that knocked her from individual Young Riders gold to bronze in the CCI2*-L division. “Of course, it’s upsetting. I came here for the Young Riders Championships, from Florida and after spending a fair amount of time competing in jumper shows earlier this year. It’s been my dream to compete here, and this has been incredible and I’m excited about next year.”
She and her fellow team gold medal winning Area VI riders agreed the best part of the experience can only be understood once experienced. “You don’t understand until you’ve done it,” Ross elaborated. “You want a sponge, and all of the sudden, you have 20 sponges coming your way. Now we can all be excited about going home and cracking on with homework from this great experience.”
CCI1*-L Standings
- Team Gold: Area VII
- Harper Padgett, Olivia Keye, Lizzie Hoff, Caterina Ritson
- Team Silver: Area VI
- Brooke Corsaut, Fiona Holland, Greylin Booth, Jillian Mader Team Bronze
- Bronze: Alberta/Ontario, Canada
- Mackenzie Hoffman, Mickanna Austad, Michaela Aulicino, Avery Tallman
Individual
- Gold: Scarlett Peinado, Area V
- Silver: Harper Padget, Area VII
- Bronze Lizzie Hoff, Area VII
CCI2*-L Standings
- Team Gold: Area VI
- Sarah Ross, Gabriella Ringer, Lauren Crabtree, Julia Beauchamp Crandon
- Team Silver: Area VII
- Kaylee Petticord, Avery Jacob, Hanni Sreenan, Harper Padget
Individual
- Gold: Hanni Sreenan – Area VII
- Silver: Julia Beauchamp Crandon – Area VI
- Bronze: Sarah Ross – Area VI
CCI3*-L Standings – Individuals
- Gold: Molly Duda – Area VI
- Silver: Else Warble – Area VI
- Bronze: Kayla Dumler – Area VI
The Eventing Championships at Galway Downs continue Sunday, Nov. 5, with the USEA Area VI Championships, the Galway Downs’ unique Challenge divisions and national competition.
Presenting Sponsors
USEA, Presenting Sponsor of the USEF Eventing Young Riders Championships
Gold Medal
Silver Medal
Bronze Medal
Southern California Equestrian Sports
American Horse Trials Foundation
Lodging Sponsors
Media Sponsors
Private Sponsors
Avon Eventing
Karen Bristing
Kay Hitch
Ruth Bley
Leonie Padgett
Meet The Young Riders!
Galway Downs is honored to host the 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, presented by USEA. Staged at the CCI1*-L, CCI2*-L and CCI3*-L divisions, the Championships run concurrent with the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs, Nov. 1-5, 2023.
Please welcome these impressive contenders…
Alberta Young Riders
Michaela Aulicino – CCI1*
I am 18 years old from Calgary, Alberta and I’m so excited to represent Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships with my horse Nottingham Hill, (aka Niko)!
Niko Is a 2011 KWPN and I have owned him for just over 3 years. Together Niko and I have competed up to the Modified level. I am looking forward to representing Alberta and accomplishing my longtime goal of competing at the FEI level.
I’ve been involved with Alberta High Performance as a member of the U18 and Development teams the past several years, and am so grateful for the skills I’ve learned and opportunities I’ve been given through these programs.
I look forward to representing a community I am very passionate about, and one which has provided me so much support in accomplishing my goals.”
Mickanna Austad – CCI1*
I am 14 years old and I live in Rocky Mountain House. The horse I am riding is Expo, a 19 year old OTTB. His breeder was Dr Bryan Anderson from British Columbia. His sire is Exploit and his dam is High Hatted. This also will be my last year eventing him at this level so I’m super excited we are having our last event at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships.
I started riding barrel horses as soon as I could hold on and I started my eventing career in 2018. I am hoping to go to the 5* level in eventing. I also would love to become an eventing coach when I am older. It means so much to me to be able to have the ability to be on the Alberta Development eventing team and now attend Young Rider Championships.
This has been a goal of mine for 2 years now, but I was too young. I am so excited I am able to do it and there are so many things that this will lead me to in the future. I think this is going to be a great experience and I will learn a lot and be able to spend time with some great people.
I want to thank all of our sponsors, as well as Alberta Horse Trials, the Alberta High Performance team and my coaches for everything that they have done for me and my horse.
Mackenzie Hoffman — CCI1*
I am 17 years old and from Tees. My horse, Creative Crossing, aka “CC” is a 2014 Off The Track Thoroughbred. His dam is Dover Crossing and his sire Creative Cause, bred by Heinz Joseph Steinmann.
I have been riding my whole life and started eventing at 8 years old. I have been part of the Alberta High Performance Development Team for the past 5 years – two of those seasons on my Warmblood Heathcliff competing at the Training level. He has now been passed on to my younger cousin.
In the fall of 2020 I purchased CC and he quickly caught on to his new job. In the fall of 2022, I had the opportunity to compete in Florida, and train with Canadian Olympian Kyle Carter. As well as compete in the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships on team Alberta in the CCI-1*L division. This season we have been competing successfully at the EV105 (modified) level.
I am thrilled to be able to once again represent Alberta at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships, this year at Galway Downs in California. It means so much to be able to represent your province and country in a team event like the Championships, and I am so thankful for this opportunity!
Area V
Luciana Hackett – CCI1*-L
15-year-old Luciana is from Argyle, Texas. Her 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding, As Good As Cash, was purchased from Caroline Pamukcu two years ago with only a handful of shows under his belt. After competing all over the country, they moved up to Modified at Texas Rose where they earned their MER to compete 1*. They competed at Modified through the summer of 2023 including American Eventing Championships in Open Modified division. Then they made their 1* debut at The Fork at Tryon International in September 2023. Luciana and Cash are blessed to have a team of coaches and supporters helping them. They are very excited to represent Area V at the 2023 Young Rider championships!
Scarlett Peinado – CCI1*-L
The USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships have been a big goal of mine for the past two years and I am so excited to be competing this year with Shadow Inspector. I am currently training with the Schramms in Cochrainville, PA. I have just recently finished 5th in my first CCI1* -S, at Plantation Field, and I was also selected for the Emerging Athlete U21 program in 2022 and this year. My horse, “Chief,” is a 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse with the sweetest personality. I am thankful for my horses 50 Shades of Even, Second Amendment, and Shadow Inspector, who have helped me achieve my goals.
Camryn Chung – CCI2*
I’m competing with my off-the-track thoroughbred, Bird Queen, whom I produced myself. Bird Queen has taken me from my first Starter to CCI2*, so this event marks a significant milestone in our partnership! I’m from Dallas, Texas, where I train under the guidance of Rebecca Brown and am a member of the Emerging Athlete 21 National Program.
This will be my third time participating in the Young Rider Eventing Championships, and I’m excited to also be competing my younger horse, Carlos Santana in the Open 1*. I’m especially looking forward to the unique experience of competing on the West Coast at Galway Downs!
Area VI
Fiona Holland – CCI*
I am 15 years old and I’ve been riding Joshua Tree for a little over a year and am currently at the 1* level.
I remember when I first met Juju in July 2022 — it was love at first sight. He has this loving ‘I’ll do anything for you’ personality. Juju means everything to me. Getting him was one of the best choices I have ever made, and I feel very blessed.
Kylie Scott – CCI *
Kylie grew up watching an older cousin represent Area V as a Young Rider, and it has been a goal of hers ever since. Kylie is now 15 and is ecstatic to represent Area VI at the Young Rider Championships. Kylie started riding her current horse, LC O’Shawnisee, in June 2022. It was love at first ride.
“Shawn,” a local celebrity in his previous home state of Washington, has competed at the upper levels in eventing. Their first event together in was in October 2022 Ram Tap at Training Level. They recently competed at Twin Rivers Fall International in Kylie’s first FEI 1*. Kylie and Shawn have a true partnership. Shawn is advancing Kylie’s riding skills and Kylie is helping him to realize that he doesn’t have to gallop through a dressage test. Kylie is truly grateful for all the help and support she has received from her eventing coaches, friends, fellow competitors and family. See you at Galway!
Greylin Booth – CCI *
Sixteen-year-old Greylin starting in Hunter/Jumpers at age 7. She switched disciplines to compete in eventing in 2020 and hasn’t looked back. She brings her six year old Dutch Warmblood, Modesto RE, “Shark”, to compete at Galway Downs.
“I’m incredibly excited to be given this opportunity to represent Area VI; it’s the culmination of so much hard work, and I’m super grateful to my barn family, my coaches Andrea Pfeiffer and Tommy Greengard, and my parents for supporting me. It’s been really fun getting to know other Area VI YR this year and I look forward to coming together with them as a team at this national championship.”
Jillian Mader – CCI *
“My horse, Coolrock Wacko Jacko, and I are so excited to be representing Area VI in this year’s Galway Downs Championships for the CCI1*. I train with Helen & James Alliston up in Northern California so to be headed down south with Jacko feels so special. I’m super grateful to be riding this horse that has given me more opportunities than imaginable. I can’t wait to cheer on my fellow teammates in the next couple of weeks.
Brooke Corsaut – CCI *
My horse Juste Capitaine and I have been partners for 3 years, competing up through the levels to Preliminary! Super excited to have the opportunity to compete for Area Vl at the Young Rider Championships at Galway Downs. I feel very fortunate to represent the 1* team with such a talented group of teammates. Let’s go Area VI!
Lauren Crabtree – CCI **
I began my riding career five years ago on a cheeky little pony named Chex Mix. After Chex Mix passed away, I was so lucky to be given the opportunity to ride a school master, Nabouco De Lessay. He showed me how to be confident and brave in a sport that I was still trying to figure out. Nabouco took me through training level and was the foundation of my great love for the sport.
Soon after Nabouco was retired, we bought Lenny and began training with Kaylawna Smith-Cook. While in her training program, she has helped me develop Lenny from a novice level ride into a 2*L packer. No one believed that Lenny could be where he is now, but Kaylawna saw the potential. Throughout my time in her program, Kaylawna has been instrumental in teaching me the proper fundamentals of riding as well as the importance of the horse-rider bond. I can’t wait to see what is yet to come and I’m so grateful to have been given the opportunity to ride on the Young Rider Team for Area VI.
Gabriella Ringer – CCI **
I’m 19 years old and I ride my own, Get Wild, an 11 year-old Dutch Warmblood. I have hopes of taking him to the top of the sport. I feel super excited and very grateful to be representing Area VI this year in CCI2*-L at the USEF Young Rider Championships. This is such a great opportunity to be a part of a team of really talented young riders.
Amanda Boyce – CCI **
“I am so excited to be part of the Area VI team, and I am looking forward to competing in the CCI2*-L Young Rider Championships on my 13 year-old Swedish Warmblood, Carter.
“We successfully completed our first 2*-L at Galway Downs last November, so it is great to have the opportunity to come back and compete in my first Young Rider Eventing Championship.
“I am 19 years old and I am a full-time student at CSU Monterey Bay, and I am also part of the EA21 program. Carter and I train in Carmel Valley, California with Lauren Billys Shady. I have been riding for 12 years and Young Riders has been one of my biggest goals, and I aspire to compete at the 5* level one day.”
Taylor McFall – CCI **
I have been riding horses all my life. I started 3-day eventing when I was 8 years old and I always had the goal of becoming an FEI level rider. In 2019, I had the honor of representing Area VI Young Riders, completing my first 2**L competition aboard the legendary High Times. It was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience and I cannot wait to live through it again with my new mount Hallelujah DF, a horse born and bred at my family farm.
Hallelujah has 2 years of experience at Preliminary. I’ve started my partnership with “Halle” this year and I am ready to guide her through her first 2**L.
I can’t wait to see what potential we have together and I am looking forward to representing a Area VI at such a top notch venue on the West Coast. See you all at Galway Downs!
Julia Beauchamp Crandon – CCI **
I’m super excited to be competing for the first time in the CCI2*- L 2023 USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships and thrilled to represent Area VI with my mare, MGH Capa Vilou.
I have been part of the national EA21 program the last two years and I am based out of Portola Valley with Mickayla Howard (Avon Eventing). I got “Pattie” almost two years ago when she had done a handful of Training Levels and one Preliminary in England with Sami Birtch. We have been competing at the Preliminary and 2* level together this season.
My goal is to continue to produce this mare up the levels as well as my 3* mount, Playing the Game (Pip), who has taught me the ropes of eventing from Novice to both our first CCI3*’s over the four years we have forming a partnership. I am looking forward to getting to know new people this year in Young Riders and taking away some valuable experiences.
Sarah Ross – CCI **
I’m 20 years old and I’ve been competing at the 2*/Prelim level with Fernhill Heart Throb and just recently started competing Kilcandra Top Gun in his first Beginner Novice!
Elsa Warble – CCI **
I am 15 years old. I started riding seven years ago when I told my parents one summer that I wanted to sing and ride horses, the latter stuck. Once I had finished my first week of summer camp, I told my parents “that was the best week of my life”. I couldn’t be more grateful for my loyal partner and best friend FE Unlimited (Axel). He is one in a million and forever my heart horse, I can’t wait for the future!
Molly Duda – CCI ***
Molly is 19 and she is currently studying Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at UCLA. Molly rode her first horse at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley, California 6 years ago, and she has been eventing for 4 years now. She spent the past 2 years training with Mickayla Howard, who brought her up from Training Level to 3*. Molly is thrilled to be competing at the USEF Eventing Young Rider Championships this year, and she looks forward to cheering on the rest of Area VI.
AREA VII
Olivia Keye — CCI1*-L
Based out of Kalispell, MT, “Liv” is proud to represent Area VII riding an 11 year old rescue Throughbred, “Chromatic Flyer.” Liv started in dressage and moved in eventing 3 years ago. She spends her summers in Montana and winters in Southern California where she trains with Jil Walton out of JARBA Farms. “I’m excited for the opportunity to ride with an amazing team and to be part of the community Area VII has created. This venue holds a large place in my heart as I have spent the past 2 Winters based out of this incredible facility.”
Abigail Popa – CCI1*-L
My six-year-old mare, Lutina, and I have been competing successfully for the last two years, and just recently made the move up to Preliminary. I have been competitively eventing since 2020 and aspire to someday be competing at the four- and five-star levels. I am excited to be representing our Area VII team as a CCI1* rider, along with an amazing group of riders, grooms, and trainers. This will be an incredible opportunity for learning and improvement, along with making lifelong memories with incredible teammates.”
Catarina Ritson — CCI*-L
I’m competing my 15 year old OTTB This Lad is Gold, “Gary”, in the 1*-L. I have had him for two years and taken him from Novice to Prelim and now the 1*. I am very excited to be riding with such a talented group of people.
Kaylee Petticord — CCI2*-L
Based out of Enumclaw, WA, Kaylee will compete her mare, All That Jazz, at the 2* Level. All that Jazz, “Jane,” is a TB mare her trainer bought sight unseen out of a field in Montana.
“I’m so excited to finally be able to compete on the Young Rider team and represent Area VII. It’s been on my bucket list since i first saw NAYC back in 2019 at Rebecca Farms. I love the idea of competing on a team in such an individual sport! This is such a great group of girls and i couldn’t be more grateful!”
Hanni Sreenan — CCI2*-L
“I’ve been riding since I was little and, in the winter months, I also was a competitive ski racer at the national level. I just made the switch to full time eventing this year with hopes of being a 5* rider and trainer. I will be competing Ebenholtz at the 2* level.
“I’m so excited and great full for the opportunity to be on Area VII Young Rider championship team. This will be an amazing experience will lots of learning opportunities.
Lindsay Essex – CCI2*-L
“I ride a 17hh OTTB named Nordic Winter and am competing in the 2-S championships. I began eventing because my mom evented and my love for the sport grew from there! As my dad trains racehorses, I also gallop race horses in the summer. Along with this I am a full-time running start student. I am excited to compete at the Young Rider Championships as it has been a goal of mine since I went to my first young rider camp.
Lizzie Hoff – CCI2*-L + CCI1*-L
Since moving to the east coat to base with Caroline Pamukcu this year, it’s extra special to be able to finish off our season back on the West Coast and to ride for Area VII. I am very excited to compete in the 2* with HSH Limited Edition and in the 1* with my young horse HSH Best Kept Secret.
Kayla Dumler — CCI3*-L
“I’m super excited to be riding my horse Faramir in the 3* championships! I have taken Faramir from his first recognized event up to the 3* level. When I’m not riding, I am at school studying accounting with a minor in Finance and Econ at Grand Canyon University in Arizona! I can’t wait to see what the USEA and Robert Kellerhouse’s team at Galway Downs have planned for us and I’m looking forward to a great week!
Volunteer Spotlight – Bernie Low
This week’s Eventing Championships are attracting the very best – and that includes volunteers.
In addition to the sheer quantity of volunteers, experience in key positions will help the nearly 400 horses and their riders have a safe and terrific competition experience.
Bernie Low is exactly that kind of volunteer. Over 23 years of helping at Galway Downs, she’s held virtually every position. She started out as a jump judge at the invitation of her friend, then-co-worker and fellow horse show mom, Jerri Lance.
Jerri has been volunteering even longer than Bernie and has served as volunteer coordinator for many years. Last year, Jerri asked Bernie to join the growing Galway Downs volunteer committee and she happily accepted.
An Early Test
Bernie’s dedication to the role survived an early litmus test. She was jump judging when Bernie and Ron Low’s daughter Kimberley and her pony approached on their Training Level cross-country ride. “I could see the pony was not behaving and, lo and behold, Kimberley fell off at a jump – she went backwards over a drop.
“The safety officer and the technical delegate came right over, along with the medics,” Bernie continues. “When someone told them that the jump judge happened to be the rider’s mother, you should have seen their eyes pop open!” A pre-teen at the time, Kimberley was taken to the hospital as a precaution, and wound up being completely fine.
“I still volunteered after that, but we had a rule that I would not be volunteering on course when she rode cross-country.”
Horses and volunteering continue to be a family affair. Kimberley rides as an adult, with trainer Taren Hoffos, and Ron Low continues to volunteer. He specializes in score running and standing by at the MD Barns volunteer basecamp to help however needed.
As part of the coordinating crew, monitoring the volunteer list as an event nears can be stressful. That’s especially true when there’s competition on Thursday and Friday because the pool of volunteers is limited by work and/or school schedules. “Jerri always tells me it’s going to work out and it always does!” Bernie notes.
A Team Effort
She is grateful to share the coordinator role with Jerri and the rest of their capable team – Laura Jaeger, Karin Dewald and Dani Trinowski.
And she’s grateful to help lead a volunteer effort that’s evolving in scope and quality. COVID was a strain on already dwindling volunteer turn-out across the country, but Bernie feels that’s turning around now.
The Volunteer Incentive Program and its twice-a-year prize giving get-togethers exemplify Galway Downs’ continual efforts to improve the volunteer experience and spotlight their contributions. Along with vouchers for entries fees, the VIP program offers prizes that can be enjoyed by those who don’t ride or compete. Restaurant and lodging gift certificates and credits toward Galway Downs swag are all part of the generous prize catalog.
There’s also the reward of knowing you helped make the event possible. “The vibe between riders and volunteers is generally good,” Bernie notes. “I’ve noticed over the years more and more people randomly saying ‘thank you.’”
Stewards, Starters & Scribes…Oh, My!
Some roles are easier to fill than others. Ring stewarding is a special skill, especially for the stadium and cross-country warm-up areas. “You’ve got to be very organized, keep everyone on time, and take it calmly. Riders aren’t rude, but they are stressed sometimes, so you’ve got to remain calm.”
Startbox timing is another challenging post. Longtime volunteer Mike Murray is the gold standard in this role, Bernie notes. “He can count a rider down the last 10 seconds and be talking to you at the same time. He doesn’t miss a thing!”
Dressage scribing is something many people eschew until they try it. “I usually find that once people have done it, they love it. They all say how much they learn. I once scribed for a 5* judge from England and it was awesome!”
Whatever role they’re in, volunteers can be assured of fun, friendships and knowing they’re critical to making the event safe and successful. That comes from the top. “Robert (Kellerhouse) is always thanking the volunteers!” Bernie reports of the event organizer.
“I’ve always enjoyed volunteering and what I love most is getting to know people,” Bernie notes. “Ron and I have gotten to know so many people, even though we only see them at shows.”