Lexington, KY – Craig Schmersal of Menifee, California, and Tim McQuay of Tioga, Texas will represent the United States in the 2005 FEI World Reining Masters Series Final in Manerbio, Italy, September 24. Each, a master, in his own right, Schmersal was a member of the Gold Medal U.S. team at the 2002 FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, while McQuay is the NRHA’s all-time leading money earner.

Schmersal took the Gold medal and Championship title August 27, riding Tidal Wave Jack in the 2005 Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The win added $20,645.31 to his Masters money-earning total, making him the leading money-earning rider in the group, with $25,658.33. Unsure of which horse he’ll take to this rider-qualified event, Schmersal says he’s looking forward to getting ready for Italy.

“When we went to Spain—that was a dream come true. We never thought in a million years this would happen,” added his wife, Ginger. “To get to go to international competition twice is beyond my dreams!”

Tim McQuay was the second name added to the masters list. McQuay ranked fourth at the 2005 Adequan/USEF Open Reining Championship, riding Custom Red Berry. The finish added $8,258.12 to his Masters earnings, for a new total of $11,914.88, making him third on the earnings list, behind second-ranked Todd Crawford, $22,304.20.

Crawford says while he’d like to make the trip, he’s already committed to compete in the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in September.

Shawn Flarida, rode Roseanne Sternberg’s, Tinsel Nic to finish with $10,735.56 for fourth overall in the Masters standings. Shawn will stand by as the alternate rider.

Rounding out the top five was Casey Hinton, riding Chex N Sugar, completing this Master’s season with a total $10,330.98.
~~~For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager at (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at [email protected]. USEF press releases are available on our web site – www.usef.org.