Lexington, KY– Sarah Taylor of Davison, Michigan claimed the Championship title at the 2005 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Finals July 15, riding Undulata’s Time To Shine. This year marked the fifth anniversary of the prestigious Medal Finals and once again, competitors enjoyed the scenic backdrop of the Red Mile in Lexington, home to the Lexington Junior League Horse Show.

“I was really excited,” shares Taylor. “It was a really good experience. This is the same horse that I’ve been riding for three years, but this was our first national finals together.” Taylor’s parents and trainers came along to cheer her on in her national debut. “They were thrilled,” says Taylor. “The USEF medal final is one of the most competitive in equitation. It was a thrill for everyone who got to show in it.”

Taylor’s win earned her the traditional sculpted statue of a Saddlebred created by Patricia Crane. Taylor’s trainer, Kathy Boggs of Spring Valley, Ohio, received the trainer’s award, traditionally given to the man or woman who coaches the 2005 Champion.

The Reserve Championship was awarded to Tasha Rose Sandler of Rancho Santa Fe, California, riding Lotto America. Both Champion and Reserve Champion received halters and wool dress sheets for their mounts, and bouquets of roses to celebrate their wins. The top three riders were awarded with official USEF Medals.

Judging this year’s finals were Michael Craghead of Livermore, California, Kim Crumpler of Simpsonville, Kentucky, and Tim Lockard of Russell, Iowa.

Final Results of the 2005 USEF Saddle Seat Adult Amateur Medal Finals:

1) Sarah Taylor of Davison, Michigan, riding Undulata’s Time to Shine
2) Tasha Rose Sandler of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, riding Lotto America
3) Brooke Jacobs of Georgetown, KY, riding CH Bright Lights RWF
4) Kevin Ingram of Cartersville, GA, riding CH Hayden Fox
5) Christina Sloan of Hallsville, MO, riding Spirit Chaser
6) Melinda Young of Wichita, KS, riding Going To The Sun
7) Kristy Wallace of Grand Blanc, MI, riding Callaway’s Dubonnett
8) Deann Dinelli of McHenry, IL, riding Calculating Man
9) Katie Bartlett of Owensboro, KY, riding Callaway’s Crossfire
10) Natacha Lesburgueres of Louisville, KY, riding Nineties Man
~~~For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager at (859) 225-6974 or via email at [email protected]. USEF press releases are available on our web site – www.usef.org.