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BURBANK, CA - Showing the depth of his training program, Jim Hagman had students showing at three different shows this past weekend (Sept. 29-Oct. 1). The elite junior riders headed east for the Capital Challenge where they had a solid showing. Sixteen year-old Whitney Coleman on Katie Gardner’s veteran Amadeus led the charge. She garnered ribbons in the Equitation 16 Year Old Section and then stood third after the first round of the Monarch International North American Equitation Championship out of 100 riders. After all was said and done, Coleman finished 15th overall.

Elvenstar’s younger equitation stars competed in the Monarch National Childrens Medal Final. Both Taylor Harris and Alexandra Block earned two of the coveted qualifications for the top 30 riders nationally. “I am really proud of both of them,” said Hagman. Harris finished 9th overall and Hagman was pleased with her first trip to the east. “All the kids helped one another and I was really proud to see such camaraderie,” added Hagman.

Two of Elvenstar’s top amateur riders competed at the Flintridge Autumn Show, host of the prestigious PCHA Adult Medal Finals for riders 35 and over. Anne Marie Wotkyns finished as the reserve champion of the finals after posting two solid rounds and a work off. This was Wotkyns’ best finish in the PCHA Adult Finals. Gail Horrigan won the LAHSA Senior Medal on her new horse, Ben Hur.

Some of the youngest and most novice Elvenstar riders went to the one day Camelot show. “It is really important for the riders to get in the show ring and compete at the appropriate levels,” explained Hagman. McKenna Skelton rode her Follow Me to reserve champion honors in both the Green Rider classes and the Short Stirrup. She won two Green Rider classes and one Short Stirrup class. Caitlin Hatmaker earned consistent prizes in the Green Rider and Short Stirrup classes as well. Erin Herman-Kerwin won two Prior Rider classes, while Caitlin Mallory finished second in the SFVHSA Medal 13 & Under. Mallory also placed in all her Chidrens Hunter classes.

Elvenstar riders gain valuable show experience, and by the time they head east or compete in major finals they are seasoned and well prepared. With a team of talented instructors, riders at all levels receive solid, consistent coaching. In addition, Elvenstar has a thriving lesson program, and a number of riders migrate to the show barn as they progress. Hagman is deservedly proud of the fact that some of his top junior riders took their first lesson at Elvenstar.

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