The Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) was pleased to host the San Fernando Hunter Jumper Association (SFHJA) Challenge Medal Finals during the first week of competition at the National Sunshine Series. Eleven of SFHJA’s top equitation riders took on the challenge and, in the end, Katalina Considine-Rickard was crowned the winner aboard Lost In Blue. Second place was awarded to Katarina Ivanovich and the bronze went to Tegan Zimmerman respectively.
Kataline Considine-Rickard on Lost in Blue in their presentation ceremony. Photo by ESI.
The course was built to tests the rider’s abilities with its long bends and multiple roll back turns. Following today’s round, the top four riders were asked back for additional testing. Coming back in reverse order, judges asked riders to demonstrate a trot fence and simple changes within a shortened course.
Considine-Rickard has been paired with her mount since she imported him two years ago. This is a very special show for the pair as it is their last one together. Going into the work off in the lead, Considine-Rickard said, “my plan, after watching the first few people go, I had thought originally to take the right turn. I just felt like I wanted to be different; I wanted to stand out to the judges, so I did a different turn than everyone else did for the changes of lead.”
Equitation competition kicks-off tomorrow morning in the Grand Prix Stadium with the R.W. Mutch Equitation Championship.
About the Desert International Horse Park
With nearly 1.3 million square feet of competition and riding space, the Desert International Horse Park is one of the largest equestrian facilities in North America. Offering multiple weeks of world-class equestrian competition from October through March, the facility is a destination location for thousands of equestrians, their horses, family and friends for several months annually. Competitors from all over the world travel to Thermal, CA to not only compete but to enjoy everything the desert has to offer.
All photos by ESI.