First Series of AQHA Trail Challenges Ends in FL., Saw Riders From Eight States With 15+ Different Breeds Compete
Press release
2013 marked the first series of AQHA Trail Challenges at Lynn Palm’s and Cyril Pittion-Rossillon’s Fox Grove Farm in Ocala, FL. Sanctioned by AQHA and sponsored by SmartPak, a trail challenge is a course of 6 to 16 obstacles that tests a horse’s and rider’s ability to work as a team and navigate through natural obstacles they might experience on a trail. Open to registered Quarter Horses as well as other breeds, over 200 horse and rider combinations competed in four events for prizes in Training, Intermediate and Master Levels.
The first annual challenge series was a great success. With riders from eight states showing more than 15 different breeds throughout the series, judges and competitors alike had their work cut out for them. In addition to individual class awards sponsored by SmartPak, Kerrits, Sneak-e-Snacks and Alliance Saddlery, winners earned ribbons supplied by AQHA and vied for high honors including Gist Silversmiths Belt Buckles for High Point in each level and Silver Trophies for High Score and Reserve High Score of the series. Palm Partnership Training is proud to announce the 2013 winners.
Image courtesy of Palm Partnership Training.
Gist Championship Buckle Training Level- Rosetta Johns and AQHA gelding Love a Good Night from Melbourne, FL
Training Level Reserve Champion- Robin Coleman and Paint Draft Cross gelding Harley from Oviedo, FL
Gist Championship Buckle Intermediate Level- Shawn Charles and APHA mare Splash from Orlando, FL
Intermediate Level Reserve Champion- Anna Gay and AQHA gelding Peppy’s Cat Ichi from Ocala, FL
Gist Championship Buckle Master Level- Celine Reilly and AQHA gelding Rewarding Invitation from Port Orange, FL
Master Level Reserve Champion- Jon Seefeld and AQHA Gelding Designated Bold from Ft Pierce, FL
Awards sponsored by Palm Partnership Training and SmartPak
High Score Silver Trophy- Shawn Charles and APHA mare Splash from Orlando, FL
Reserve High Score Silver Trophy- Traci Woodard and Rusty Executive from Middleburg, FL
Awards sponsored by Three Does Ranch and Three Oaks Ranch of Ocala, FL
Image courtesy of Palm Partnership Training
High Point AQHA Youth Training Level- Mikayla Moore and AQHA mare Miss Face It from Clermont, FL
Reserve High Point AQHA Youth Training Level- Mackenzie Boyd and AQHA mare Miss Red Frosty from Kingsland, GA
Awards sponsored by Sparr Building and Farm Supply of Sparr and Wildwood, FL
High Point Youth All Breed Training Level- Breann Karbiwnyk and AQHA gelding Rusty Executive from Green Cove Springs, FL
Reserve High Point Youth All Breed Training Level- Brandon Lee and Paint Pony Cross Cornbread from East Palatka, FL
Awards sponsored by Sneak-e-Snacks all natural horse treats of Ocala, FL
High Point Adult All Breed- Robin Coleman and Paint Draft Cross gelding Harley from Oviedo, FL
Reserve High Point Adult All Breed- Jami Robinson and APHA gelding Texas Genuine Jet from Umatilla, FL
Awards sponsored by SmartPak
To be a part of the 2014 AQHA Trail Challenge Series and the Training with Natural Obstacles Clinics April 26-27, including competition rules along with video and photos from previous events, please visit www.lynnpalm.com.
About Lynn Palm
Palm’s career highlights include 2007 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Horsewoman of the Year, a record four AQHA Superhorse wins, AQHA Female Equestrian of the Year by the Women’s Athletic Association, named one of the top United States clinicians by Horse & Rider magazine, over 34 AQHA World and Reserve World Champions, over 50 bridleless dressage exhibitions at events including the National Horse Show, 1989 World Cup and the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, and World Cup. Palm and Cyril Pittion-Rossillon are co-founders of three horse industry companies: Palm Partnership Training, Women LUV Horses, and Alliance Saddlery USA. Palm is the author of the new release, The Rider’s Guide to Real Collection. Being the first female with an equine educational TV show, Palm’s training show airs on HRTV Dish 404 Tuesday evenings with additional airings throughout the week and on demand at HRTVlive.com.
About Cyril Pittion-Rossillon
Pittion-Rossillon hails from Paris, France, where he earned his Riding Master Degree from the French National Equestrian School. With his extensive equine background and thirty years of experience, Cyril brings an ideal background to his instructor duties. His credentials include: Trained under members of French Olympic Team • French Junior Jumper Circuit • French Open Jumper Circuit (Levels 5 and 6) • Eventing Preliminary Division • AQHA & USEF Hunter Division • Youth & Amateur Coach for USEF & AHSA competition • Co-Director and Instructor Palm Partnership Training Clinics • Co-Founder and Managing Director of Alliance Saddlery
