Winners Circle
Junior Writers
A poem by Jocelyn Neff
Shalanno
Style of
New Ride
Riding
I am nervous, but still walk into the spotlight,
Doing what I have never done, at a new height.
Award
Starting my opening circle by the gate,
Cantering, creating a rhythm, and selecting my gait.
Swiftly traveling to the first fence,
The adrenaline spikes and I become tense.
R
The distance is there, I kick and spurred,
eceiving the prestigious Shalanno Style of riding
My horse takes over and moves forward.
award is a very special accomplishment at the Del Mar
horse show. This award is presented to the top junior
Safely to the next corner and around the turn,
rider for their horsemanship and sportsmanship.
Learning quickly, I loose my concern.
Overconfidence is my great weakness,
Sophie Benjamin, from Rancho Santa Fe, California
Faith in instinct, but still sometimes I miss.
was presented the award following an impressive
week in the Equitation division the beginning of May.
Approaching the next obstacle, a tough drop rail,
Carrying scores of 90 and 92 for the first two rounds
Training flashes in my mind, “stay positive and you’ll always prevail!”
Soaring over the fence I already plan my next track,
of the $25,000 Open Equitation Championship,
I’m not ready for the jump and my horse takes a whack!
Sophie ended up 4th overall, the highest placing Junior
rider following three professionals who took the top
Keep going, through the next corner,
spots.
My mind on the moment, everything else a blur.
Nice even pace, all the way there;
Prior to the Del Mar win she took top honors in the “Steady, woohhh” My horse and I a great pair.
$5,000 Open Equitation Classic at the Oaks Blenheim
Spring Classic in April. Again competing against
Despite the bond, I can’t find a distance,
Professionals, she walked away with the win in that
Panicking, I come to the fence.
competitive class. These open equitation classes are
At the jump, my horse plants his feet,
I fall to the ground, tasting defeat.
becoming very popular here in California and are
tough to say the least.
Although I fell, I still enjoyed the round,
Learned a lesson when I hit the ground.
Sophie is one of the West Coast’s most promising
What I discovered was immense,
Equitation riders with exceptional success in every
I’ll go into the ring next time with new experience.
Medal class offered at most California shows.
Advertise your
business here.
(714) 797 - 1404
califshowbiz@aol.com
Photo © Ed Moore 16
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