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WELLINGTON, FL - March 10, 2001
The elite of the equitation divisions
competed today in the third annual R.W. 'Ronnie' Mutch Equitation
Championship at Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. Sherry Robertson, created
the Championship as a challenging and enjoyable equitation class and in honor
of legendary horseman, Ronnie Mutch. In order to compete in this prestigious
championship, riders must qualify by having won a class at the Medal, Maclay,
Washington or USET Horse Shows.
The most interesting and difficult aspect of
competing in this competition is the fact that the riders must not have any
interaction with their trainers. They must do it all alone with the
exception of having one groom for basic assistance, interaction with any one
else means elimination.
Riders are also judged while in the schooling area,
very unique to this competition. Basically anything goes; it is all up to the
judges. This competition instills an independence and awareness that seems
to benefit the riders while showing at the major equitation finals around the
country.
Seventeen year old, Brian Walker of Quebec, Canada won the Cosequin Winter
Equestrian Festival Equitation Championship aboard Grappa. Second place went
to Kisty McCormack up on her mount, Editorial.
CALIFORNIAN WINS $10,000 CLASSIC
US Equestrian Team Veteran, Meghan Johnstone of Orinda, CA was in the
winner's circle aboard, Ramerique Royale at the Cosequin Winter Equestrian
Festival for her first win of the 2001 season. Johnstone rode a clear
jump-off track against 28 qualifiers out of a field of 64 starters in 45.638
seconds, edging Chris Delia into second place.
Less than one second kept
Delia and Double Diamond from the victory circle, they clocked in a
penalty-free time of 46.228 seconds. Third place went to Alison Firestone,
Upperville, VA aboard Casanova after they turned in double clear rounds, in
46.347 seconds, less than 1/10th of a second behind second place.
Show jumping action continues with the $100,000 Cosequin US Open Jumper
Championship at 2:00 PM on Sunday. Olympians Joe Fargis, Leslie Howard and
Peter Leone will all be competing in the Grand Prix. Call (561) 793 - JUMP.
FROM THE 2001 COSEQUIN
WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club
14440 Pierson Road
Wellington, Florida 33414
Contact: Caren Hunter / YA Teitelbaum / Marty Bauman (561) 793-5867
