Sisters equestrians win awards

Ten equestrians from Sisters area training barns made a splash in the Area VII eventing region this year. The year-end awards dinner held in January revealed three champions, four reserve champions, two third- and one fourth-place getters. An administrative glitch prevented another rider from claiming her fifth-place award.

Area VII consists of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and Alaska, which translates to a lot of traveling for serious competitors. Riders compete at an average of six to eight events during a season that runs from May through October.

Eventing has seen an upsurge in popularity in Central Oregon in recent years. The sport, which is comprised of competition in dressage, cross-country jumping and stadium jumping, has divisions in an array of levels. Competitors and their horses at all stages of development can find a level that suits. Many competitors also show their horses in Central Oregon Hunter/Jumper Association jumper classes.

O'Neal Farms, based in Sisters, had six riders claiming awards. Trainer Karen O'Neal said of her students: "I am extremely proud of these riders and looking forward to more successes with them."

Two of her riders, Courtney Beal and Samantha Novotny, were in their first year of showing.

Beal on Sugar Lady was Champion Junior Beginner Novice. Novotny on Rainbow Dash was Reserve Champion in the same division, and Langley Vogt on Christopher Robyn would have claimed 5th place but somehow her horse's membership in the United States Eventing Association got overlooked.

In Senior Beginner Novice, Yvette Chandler on TGIF came away with the champion's ribbon. O'Neal said that Chandler was also ninth in the nation in her division.

Aubyn Geser on Valeria was Young Rider Preliminary Champion.

Karen O'Neal on TC Royale brought home the fourth place award for Preliminary.

Oracle Farms, on Goodrich Road, had three riders bringing home awards. In Young Rider Preliminary, Alexa Orr on Osito was Reserve Champion and Danielle Orr on Jury's Out was third. Cassady Kinnamon on Zinnia was third in Novice Junior.

Audrey Goldsmith, who is herself a trainer, and her horse Special's Chromatic Legacy brought home Reserve Champion in Novice Senior.