Giving a leg up to horse sport

TORIE IMMEL WINS MACLAY REGIONAL

BURBANK, CA - Torie Immel assured herself a chance at the national Maclay championship in Syracuse, NY when she topped the field at the West Coast Maclay Regionals hosted by the Oaks Fall Classic in San Juan Capistrano (Sept. 16). “Last year I had the winning trip until the last fence,” laughed Immel. “This year I just wanted to improve and I hoped I would qualify for the Finals.” Because she kept her focus on riding well and not winning, Immel entered the ring for the jumping phase relaxed and confident.

When the judges asked the riders to return for their flat work, Immel was in the lead. Although other riders shifted around after the flat phase, Immel held her spot, the top spot. “When they told me I won it was really exciting. I am really looking forward to going east.” Immel will not only ride in the Maclay Finals, but also the USEF Junior Finals at Harrisburg (PA), and perhaps at the Washington International as well.

“I drew third for the order at the Regionals,” said Immel. “It is better when I go early. I walk the course with my trainer and then I just spend time by myself in the ring reviewing my plan. I don’t like to watch a lot of other rounds. It just makes me nervous.” Immel stuck to her plan and rode an exact, stylish round. “It was a very careful course and it was in the indoor, under the lights, at night. It was an intimidating setting with a technical course.” However, none of the intimidation got to Immel and she feels the experience will only help prepare her for Indoors.

“Horses love her,” said Immel’s trainer, Jim Hagman, of his sixteen year old student’s riding. “She is confident and rides forward to the jumps. She has balance and timing.”

Immel shows her flashy gelding, Ambassador, in the equitation and medals. She also loves the jumper ring. To hone her horsemanship skills, Hagman suggested she spend some time riding for Ronnie Freeman. “Ronnie has so many sale horses that it gave Torie a lot of opportunities,” said Hagman. Additionally, Immel was part of the 2005 Zone 10 Junior team that won the gold medal at the North American Young Riders Championships. In addition to her rides in the jumper ring, Hagman wants Immel to round out her riding experience by competing in the Junior Hunters next year. For now, Immel plans to concentrate on the various fall medal finals.

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