Caitlin Boyle receives awards from Suzanne Mayo, Pat Boyle, Pat Haines and the Antares Saddle Representative for her Zone 5 Horsemanship Class win.

Lexington, KY- The USHJA Zone 5 Hunter Committee would like to congratulate the riders who participated in the 9th Annual Zone 5 Horsemanship Class. This class was created in 2005 to recognize junior members who place great importance on becoming well-rounded horsemen. The unique format of the class tests participants’ mounted knowledge and skill as well as their understanding of quality horse care. This three-phase equitation class includes a 50 question written test based on text from Hunter Seat Equitation by George Morris, a flat test and an over fences test. The scores from the written exam, over fences and flat phases were combined to determine the overall top 10 places.

The 2013 USHJA Zone 5 Horsemanship Class Winners are-

Champion: Caitlin Boyle of Hampshire, IL who rode Loredo, owned by Michaela Kennedy. Caitlin is trained by Katie Kappler, Jodi and Freddie Vasquez and Kim Gardiner. 

Reserve Champion: Vivian Yowan of Lexington, KY aboard Sanderson owned by Saddle Ridge, LLC. 

3rd -Lizzie Van Der Walde of Ann Arbor, MI riding App For That owned by Dasilva Investments. 
4th -Sarah Van Der Walde of Ann Arbor, MI riding Friend Request owned by Thinks Like A Horse. 
5th -Maggie Ridenour of Birmingham, MI riding Budo owned by Maggie Ridenour. 
6th-Audrey Seely of Oxford, MI riding Meeko owned by Audrey Seely. 
7th-Rachel Hake of Washington, MI riding Black Tie Affair owned by Diane Hake. 
8th-Hayley Banas of Lake Forest, IL. 
9th-Devin Milan of White Lake, MI riding Summit owned by Andrew Farless. 
10th-Caitlin Creel of Kildeer, IL riding Confession owned by Caitlin Creel.

As overall champion, Boyle received a custom embroidered cooler, a keeper trophy to celebrate the perpetual trophy, custom tack truck, engraved leather halter and lead, Essex Riding Shirt, a Liverpool jump, a commemorative stall plaque and an Antares saddle.

“I had a wonderful experience participating in the Zone 5 Horsemanship class. This class is a true horseman's test because not only do you need to do well over fences and on the flat, but you are also tested on your knowledge of George Morris and his book ‘Hunter Seat Equitation’. There were many smart and talented riders in this class which made winning very difficult. The key to this class is being consistent. You must score high in each phase to win the overall. I was thrilled to win the Zone 5 Horsemanship class. My horse performed very well and all of my training and hard work paid off. It was a great win for my entire team. I want to thank all of the sponsors for donating such wonderful prizes; including an Antares saddle, custom tack trunk, Liverpool and numerous other prizes that made this an amazing class to win.” Boyle said.

Reserve Champion Vivian Yowan was awarded a fine leather crafted bridle and a commemorative stall plaque. All the competitors were gifted with a saddle pad courtesy of the Zone 5 Hunter Committee.

“As always the USHJA and Kentucky National Horse Show did a wonderful job of welcoming the riders to the class. How lucky Zone 5 is to be able to use this facility.” said Patricia Haines, Treasurer of the Zone 5 Hunter Committee.

Zone 5 Scholarship Winner 

During the event Brandi Burton of Mt. Prospect, IL, the 2013 Zone 5 College Scholarship winner, received a check for $10,000 towards her education at a college or university of her choice.

“As the recipient of the USHJA Zone 5 $10,000 scholarship, I cannot express my gratitude and appreciation to such an amazing organization enough. It is a dream come true being selected as the student receiving such a prestigious award this year. Receiving this scholarship has truly been life changing. As a college student looking to go to a professional school, every penny counts, and the USHJA has done an excellent job of showing its support of students like myself. The money I am receiving is going towards student loans and other college expenses, alleviating a significant amount of my college debt. Because of the USHJA, I will be able to start my life and career financially ahead of where I anticipated being, and for that, I am forever grateful. Once again, my love and passion for horses and the sport have proven to be the driving forces of a successful future.” Brandi said. USHJA would like to thank the generous sponsors of the 2013 Zone 5 Horsemanship Class. Antares, Showplace Productions, Maypine Farm/Debbie Bass, The Kentucky National Horse Show/Suzanne Mayo, Dandy Products,Personalized Products, Custom Fox, Judy’s Tack Shop and Telluride Farm/Diane Carney.

Chicago Equestrian also donates to the Zone 5 Scholarship Fund.