The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Year-end banquets for equestrians present an opportunity to socialize and celebrate without the pressure of caring for their horses or prepping for a show. It's also a time to dress up a bit and turn up without hay sticking to one's clothing.

The recent High Desert Hunter/Jumper Association banquet honored Sisters rider Alessandra Wentworth, 14, and her horse Making Change, aka Penny, in several categories. They won High Point Junior, Champion Modified Children's Equitation 2'9", Champion Open Jumper and Champion Low Children's Jumper. They were fourth in .95-1m Jumpers.

The awards were based on points accumulated by Wentworth and Penny during the 2018 show season. They competed in shows organized by HDHJA.

In addition to the accolades and ribbons, Wentworth was the recipient of a $100 scholarship to be used for lessons, camps, or any other experience that will further her experience working with equines. She intends to use it as she shadows the equine veterinarians at Broken Top Veterinary at equine medical appointments. The scholarship nominees wrote essays outlining ways in which they would use the scholarship if successful.

The off-season plan for Wentworth and Penny include plenty of riding in the indoor arena at the JGW Ranch in Tumalo where they train with Cindy Shonka. Wentworth is aiming to give three-day-eventing a try next season, which means more dressage and jumping.

"We would like to focus on the bigger shows in the area, which may involve some travel, making this experience even more exciting," she said.