WEF Press Release

Clara Lindner for Equestrian Sport Productions/photos: Randi Muster/Must Photo Inc

Wellington, FL - March 28, 2010 - The Children's Hunter divisions wrapped up competition today at the South Grounds of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The day began in the Equine Tack and Nutritionals Arena with the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (T.H.I.S.) Children's Medal 15-17. Emerging victorious in the T.H.I.S. Children's Medal today was Beverly Catlett, who rode Heather Shimer's Venlo to the victory today. Next up in the schedule was the Sentient Jet Children's Hunter 15-17, and Chelsea Huss was victorious with Aljano Jr., owned by CME Holdings.

There were 19 entries in the T.H.I.S. Children's Medal this morning, and Beverly Catlett improved greatly in the test to secure the win. After the first round, Catlett was called back in third place and mastered the test to move up to first place. The second place finisher was Emily Addison, and the third and fourth places were awarded to Taylor Shekels and Claire Steig, respectively.

During the test, riders were asked to walk into the ring from the in-gate and canter directly to the first fence, turn left through the middle of the ring to an oxer, then roll back to another vertical, halt, and canter directly to the last jump which was about six strides away from the halt. They were then asked to exit the ring at a walk.

"The first round was fine, but I think I improved from the first round in my test," Catlett noted of her performance today. Catlett, a 15-year-old from Middleburg, VA, said that her strategy in the test was "to go forward." "He's an older horse. He's good, and he's really honest," Catlett said about her winning mount, Venlo.

Catlett, who started riding four years ago, trains with Ginny Edwards and comes to Wellington to compete at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival for the month of March. After this she plans to show at Culpeper in April, and hopes to get the chance to compete in the T.H.I.S. Children's Medal Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in October.

Chelsea Huss returned to the winner's circle when she garnered the Sentient Jet Children's Hunters 15-17 with CME Holdings mount, Aljano Jr. Huss rode the seven-year-old Holsteiner gelding to two first place ribbons over fences, as well as a fourth and fifth place over fences to clinch the championship. The reserve championship was awarded to Emily Dupont and her Coeur de Lis, who earned three second place ribbons over fences this week. 

Fifteen-year-old Huss is a freshman in high school at the Prestonwood Christian Academy in her hometown of Dallas, TX, and rides with Kathy and Gerry Newman.

Competition concludes today during the eleventh week of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. The final week of competition begins on Wednesday, March 31, and the entire 2010 circuit will end on Sunday, April 4.