Lexington, KY – Ashley Alden, 17, of Deer Park, Illinois, riding American Saddlebred LA Blues, was crowned champion of the 2005 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, held November 19, as part of the UPHA/American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City, Missouri. Judges for this year’s final included Sandy Sessink of Eugene Oregon, Brent Jacobs of Georgetown, Kentucky, and Lewis Eckard of Hildebran, North Carolina.

Smith topped the class of 24 entries in the two-phase competition that required both rail work and patterns in both rounds. She is instructed by Kenny and Donna Pettry-Smith in New Lenox, Illinois. As champion, Alden will have her name engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy and Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze. In addition to these awards, she also received a Freedman Harness World Cup equitation saddle and gold medal sponsored by USEF.

The reserve championship was awarded to Emily Garten, 16, of Lebanon, Ohio, riding American Saddlebred Highpoint’s Syncopated Rhythm. Garten is instructed by Erin and Kathy Boggs in Spring Valley, Ohio. Both the champion and reserve champion received Blue Ribbon Custom Coolers by Royal Riders, as well as leather halters and rose bundles. All exhibitors were honored at the annual USEF brunch held immediately following the preliminary round and received commemorative gift bags.

Results of the 2005 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final are as follows:

Champion: Ashley Alden of Deer Park, Illinois, instructed by Kenny and Donna Pettry-Smith.

Reserve Champion: Emily Garten of Lebonan, Ohio, instructed by Erin and Kathy Boggs.

Third: Kyle Gagnon of Livermore Falls, Maine, instructed by Francis & Marcia Garone.

Fourth: Shana Jo Brown of Holly, Michigan, instructed by Jenny Taylor.

Fifth: Mandy Martin of Newburgh, Indiana, instructed by Lillian Shively.

Sixth: Jacqueline Beck of Aliso Viejo, California, instructed by Bonnie Zubrod and Cindy Boel.

Seventh: Michelle Krentz of Hartford, Wisconsin, instructed by Bob Griffin.

Eighth: Jessica Moctezuma of Hardwick, New Jersey, instructed by Nealia McCracken.

Ninth: Brittany McGinnis of Fishers, Indiana, instructed by Lillian Shively.

Tenth: Rachel Machamer of Acworth, Georgia, instructed by Andy and Lynda Freseth.
~~~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.