Youth National Champions Crowned at AZ Sun Circuit

By: Kristin Spinning

The Equine Chronicle Youth Equitation National Championship

The Equine Chronicle Youth Equitation National Championship finals at Sun Circuit saw four young ladies who were all ranked in the top 25 of Youth Equitation in the country. Grace Himes and Essentially Good, ranked 3rd, had a great few days at Sun Circuit leading up to this point. She rode in the fist pairing against Nadalee Vasquez with One Hundred Percent. With a 263.5, Grace moved ahead to the finals.

The second head to head matchup saw Madison Parduhn riding Shesa Hot Selection and 5th ranked Lily Richardson showing A Natural Dancer. Lily’s ride marked a 254 to move her to the final round.

When the ladies finished riding the pattern a second time, it was Grace’s score of 266 that captured the title and the silver buckle. She also won the circuit award in 14-18 Equitation. All four ladies also received embroidered leather bomber jackets.

Farnam Youth Horsemanship National Championship

The Farnam National Championships in Youth Horsemanship were decided at Sun Circuit. After two goes, the field of 19 nationally ranked exhibitors was reduced first to the Sensational 16, the Exceptional 8, and ultimately the four highest scoring exhibitors were invited back for the head-to-head matches.

The first semi final runs saw a tightly matched pair with Cori Cansdale aboard Promotional Asset scoring a 262.5 and Grace Himes riding Essentially Good scoring 261.5. Next to ride were Emma Cress on Best Gift Yet and Giorgia Medows with Wimpys Show Stopper.

Giorgia showed with panache and scored a 282.5 to advance. The top two ladies were back on the pattern for the final. Cori executed another pretty run, but Giorgia’s showstopper Palomino gained a few extra points with precision stops and transitions reminiscent of his Reining days. Giorgia Medows won the champion title and buckle.

Adequan Youth Showmanship National Championship

Grace Himes and Essentially Good, ranked 3rd in the nation, were essentially great in their first two runs in 14-18 Showmanship. They had secured the circuit award and were ready to take on the pattern for the Four in Adequan Youth Showmanship National Championship. In the semi final round, she faced off with Logan Marie Gloude. Grace scored a 290 to advance to the finals.

The other semi final match saw Kyla Jackson presenting Cadillac In Black and Cori Cansdale with Promotional Asset. Cori entered the tournament ranked 2nd and her run scored a 283.5. The two finalists came back for one last effort. Grace found a few more points on a very pretty and flowing run to score a 293.5. Cori marked another 283.5. Grace received the Adequan Youth Showmanship National Championship buckle and all four girls received embroidered leather bomber jackets.

Scroll below for more photos.