Sarah Bian Rides to Top of WEF THIS Children’s Medal 15-17

Wellington, FL – February 28, 2016 – Sarah Bian won the THIS Children’s Medal 15-17, sponsored by Taylor Harris Insurance Services, on Sunday morning in Ring 8. A competitive field of 30 horse and rider combinations competed over a first round course in the hopes of earning one of the five slots for the second round test.

unnamedSarah Bian and Wodan. Photo: Sportfot

Bian, of Washington State, has ridden with trainer Cara Anthony at Potcreek Meadow Farm for seven years. A tenth grade student at the Forest Ridge School, Bian was the fourth rider to challenge the test course aboard her own Wodan, who is a 13-year-old Warmblood gelding. A solid and effective performance over the shorter course propelled Bian to the top of the class and secured her the blue ribbon.

“I thought today went really well,” Bian said. “I felt I was really connected with my horse and that we were working together as a team.”

The first course proved to be a challenging one for the exhibitors. Bian earned a 79 in the first round, which was the second highest score. “I thought my first round was pretty good, but it could have used some work,” Bian said.

Bian came back in the second round with the goal of improving upon her first round. “Having my pace, being with my horse, and being relaxed and riding in the moment,” is what Bian said set her apart from the rest of the pack.

Bian takes her equestrian pursuits seriously, focusing all of her free time on riding. She will spend three weeks at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year, competing in the 15-17 equitation divisions and the Children’s Jumpers. “I like the equitation divisions the most,” Bian remarked.

The 2016 Winter Equestrian Festival continues with its eighth week of competition running March 2-6, 2016, featuring CSIO 4* jumper and “AA” rated hunter divisions. The week will highlight the $150,000 FEI Nations’ Cup on the evening of Friday, March 4. The Hollow Creek Farm FEI Children’s, Junior and Young Rider Nations’ Cups will be featured on Saturday, March 5. The $216,000 Lugano Diamonds CSIO 4* Grand Prix will conclude the week on Sunday, March 6. For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Lauren Fisher and Callie Seaman for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.