Sisters rider wins equestrian challenge

Competing in the equestrian sport of three-day eventing is a test of physical and mental stamina for both horse and rider. Add in the element of a teen competing at training level against adult riders and there are bound to be even more nerve-wracking moments for the rider and her entourage.

Olivia Chandler, 15, and her mother's horse TGI Friday, came through just such a test on June 9-11 at Aspen Farms in Yelm, Washington. Chandler won the ZEIT Capital Challenge, a competition with open age and skill levels. She rode away with a check for $1,500 and a slew of prizes, a fancy ribbon and a trophy.

The competition consisted of the first 25 riders to enter, who each paid an extra fee that went into the prize pot.

It was the pair's first event of the season, and Chandler's been working hard all winter and spring.

"I was proud of myself and him (TGI Friday) to go against trainers and adults and do well," she said.

Chandler rides at O'Neal Farms and is coached by Karen O'Neal. She'll spend the rest of the season competing at Jr. Training Level, where riders are all under 18 years old.