Indio, CA- February 1, 2006- Last week started a new year of competition for the hugely successful Karen Healey Stables of Westlake Village, California. The operation is run by top trainer Karen Healey, who trains some of the top hunter, jumper, and equitation horses and riders in the country. Their year began last week at the first show of the Indio Desert Circuit on January 21-29, 2006.

As one of the top finishers in the major equitation finals last year, 15 year old Shelby Wakeman of Westlake, CA is the one to beat this year in the equitation and medal classes in California. Wakeman had a fantastic weekend, as she posted wins in the USEF Hunter Seat Medal class, the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Class, and the CPHA Junior Medal class.

Karen Healey Stables picked up the top three spots in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search. Michelle Morris of La Canada, CA finished second, and Veronica Tracy of San Juan Capistrano, CA was third. Tracy also finished fifth in the CPHA Junior Medal class. Finishing fifth in the ASPCA Maclay class was Torie Immel of Newport Beach, CA.

Junior riders were not the only ones placing well in equitation last week for Karen Healey Stables. Kristi Siam of Chatsworth, CA won a class on her way to the reserve championship in the Adult Equitation 36-50 division. Siam was also second in the PCHA Adult Medal class, while Agoura Hills, CA resident Karoline Sauls received third place. Skylar Nelson also rode to the top call in the Pony Equitation under saddle class.

Nelson and Magic Formula also won a class and added two thirds and a sixth place ribbon to that in the Small Pony Hunter division.

2005 USEF Horse of the Year in the Medium Green Pony Hunter division last year was Carlye Byron-Nelson's Macy Grey. Macy Grey showed last week with Lucy Davis and showed why she is one of the best ponies in the nation. After two firsts, three seconds, and a third place, Macy Grey walked away with the championship.

Country Grammar, the 2005 USEF Horse of the Year in the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Hunters, returned to the show ring as strong as ever this past week. He received two third place ribbons, while his stablemate Diva and owner/rider Mary Ann Weisberg-Perry of Burbank, CA picked up two second places.

Karen Healey Stables' assistant trainer Kasey Ament rode Tiffany Weeda's Times Square to the top call in two Green Conformation Hunter classes. Ament and Times Square ended up with two second place and two third place ribbons.

Santino did double duty in the hunters last week. With rider Jenny Karazissis, he received a third and fourth in the highly competitive First Year Green Working Hunters. Owner Lauren Kay took over the ride for two second place finishes in the Amateur-Owner 18-35 Hunters.

In the jumpers, Torie Immel and Regal finished seventh in the $10,000 High Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic.

Karen Healey Stables will compete this week at the Indio Desert Circuit II and should be competitive in every facet of the show.