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SAUGERTIES,
NEW YORK (September 14, 2008) – Laura Huston came all the way from Southern California to capture the blue in the Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal Final at the 2008 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals at HITS-on-the-Hudson.
Huston was in the irons aboard the well decorated mount, London Fog. In fact, Friday was the first time she was aboard Holly Rebello's horse. "It was a little scary being on him only one day before showing him in such a big class," said Huston. "I was making myself sick over it. But then I said to myself what is the worst thing that can happen? So I relaxed and came out of the class the winner."
Huston, from Thousand Oaks, California won a Circuit Champion at HITS Thermal in 2008. She made the 3,000 mile journey to the historic Hudson Valley for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals to ride under the watchful eye of close friend
Armand Chenelle. On the West Coast she shows with renowned trainer Archie Cox.
"I am originally from Connecticut and was considering doing the Ariat Finals," said Huston. "Armand said to come up and do these Finals first and that he would find me a horse. Boy, did he ever."
London Fog won the Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal Final during the Finals in 2004, 2007 and now in 2008. The 18-year-old Thoroughbred also has wins in the Ariat Finals, Rhode Island Finals, New England Finals and Connecticut Finals in his illustrious career.
Huston was second after a field of 49 riders went in the first round of the equitation class. The top 12 were invited back for a work off. "I really nailed the work off," said Huston. "He had the perfect distances between the fences and his counter canter was excellent."
Also excelling in the Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal Final were Lindsey Mohr and Paula Steinberg Goodman, who were second and third, respectively.
While competition in the equitation classes was just getting started, the final hurrah for the Jumpers took place on Saturday afternoon when
Ula Green and her mount Karin, owned by Bill Barr, won the blue in the $7,500 Children's Jumper Classic.
Green and Karin also won the
$2,500 Children's Jumper Classic during the 2008 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals.
Competition at the Marshall & Sterling League National Finals continues on Sunday and will feature the Marshall & Sterling Children's Pony Medal Final, Marshall & Sterling Children's Horse Medal Final and the Central Equine Junior Medal Final.
During the year, riders from coast to coast compete at more than 980 Marshall & Sterling League member horse shows to earn points for a place at the Finals. Since its inception in 1991, the Marshall & Sterling League Finals have provided the goal that has fueled the competitive spirit of child and adult riders at all levels of competition. Click here for the current standings.
Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately-owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion race horse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling has been recognized by IIABA as one of the nation's top “Best Practice Agencies”. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact Mary Moeller at 800-836-3046, extension 224.
HITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville, Florida in 1982. Since that time, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with world-class hunter/jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia.
For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com
Media should contact Chris Mayone at 845.246.8833 or e-mail Media_Info@HitsShows.com.
© 2008 Lili Weik Photography
Laura Huston is congratulated by a slew of supporters after she won the Marshall & Sterling Adult Medal Final during the 2008 Marshall & Sterling League National Finals.
© 2008 Lili Weik Photography
Ula Green and Karin on course during the $7,500 Children's Jumper Classic.
© 2008 Lili Weik Photography
Ula Green and Karin are congratulated by Mary Moeller, Kathy Stringer and Chris Mayone after winning the $7,500 Children's Jumper Classic.
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