Title time is here in riding disciplines

December 18, 2009 12:36 am

ACROSS THE nation, horse owners of many riding disciplines are enjoying the rewards of their efforts.

At the Lexington Junior League Horse Show, Merrill Murray of Versailles, Ky., claimed the Five Gaited Grand Championship aboard Courageous Lord for the first jewel in the American saddlebred Triple Crown. He cinched the second jewel by taking the same title at the world's Championship Horse show at the Kentucky State Fair.

Pony breeder Cynthia Bellis-Jones, of Paris, Ky., brought home multiple honors at this year's National Dressage Pony Cup in Wilmington, Ohio. Her Welsh Cob stallion Nistar Blazing Kansas earned the Mature Horse Championship as well as the Overall Grand Championship.

Castello, a bay Holsteiner gelding by Cassini I, is owned by Roger Smith of Southern Pines, N.C., and is shown by Elizabeth Towell-Boyd. Castello won the International Hunter Derby at the Aiken Classic. Castello also finished in the top 10 against 60 of the best Hunter Derby contenders at the USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals at the Kentucky Horse Park this fall.

Calendar

Dec. 19: TWA jumper show, Hazelwild Dec. 20: TWA hunter show, Hazelwild Dec. 26: TWA jumper show, Hazelwild Dec. 27: TWA hunter show, Hazelwild

Betsy Carter can be reached at The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; or by fax at 540/373-8455.