Articles: Press Release
Wuesthofen Completes the Saddle Seat Triple Crown at the USEF Saddle Seat
Medal Final
Faye Wuesthofen aboard Kiss of the Zodiak in the victory pass of the USEF
Saddle Seat Medal Final. (Photo by Howard Schatzberg)
Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 23, 2009
By Brian Sosby
In what many are describing as a historic event, the United States
Equestrian Federations (USEF) Saddle Seat Medal Final came down to a workout
of the top two ridersFaye Wuesthofen and Ellen Medley Wrighton exchanged
horses. Add to that the fact the top two riders shared the same trainer,
DeLovelys Lillian Shively, and it was one for the record books. The arena
erupted with excitement and anticipation of the workout of these two
extraordinary riders and their horses. As one of the events held during the
United Professional Horsemens Association American Royal National
Championships in Kansas City, MO, it was a hard-fought battle for the
medal. In the end, Wisconsins Faye Wuesthofen was crowned champion.
Wuesthofen rode Michelle Werrys Kiss of the Zodiac (trained by Shively and
DeLovely Farm) to the winners circle. Ellen Medley Wright aboard Soli Deo
Glori (owned by Fish Creek Stables, LLC, and trained by Lillian Shively) was
named the reserve champion.
One thing that makes this win particularly special is that with this win,
Wuesthofen secured the Saddle Seat Triple Crown, which includes the National
Horse Show Good Hands Final, UPHA Challenge Cup and the USEF Saddle Seat
Medal Final. She also won the Saddle Seat Equitation Championship at the
2009 Kentucky State Fair Worlds Championship Horse Show.
It was so exciting, and I put so much work into trying to win the Triple
Crown this year, said Wuesthofen. I was very excited when they said that we
had to switch horses because I have spent my whole life riding all sorts of
different horses. I knew that it was something that I could do very
well. All of the competitors had excellent rail and pattern work. This has
been a dream come true for me. And it has taught me that hard work pays
off.
Shively was in this same situation some 12 years ago as the trainer of the
champion and reserve champion. She stated, When they lined up, I knew it was
too close to call. Both are outstanding horsewomen, and as the trainer of
both of them I was so excited, overwhelmed and very proud to be in that
position. These were wonderful horses and riders.
Shively was also impressed by the response from the audience when the riders
were called for the workout.
There is a need for more excitement in this division, said Shively. These
children have a passion for it, and if people could see what the children
gain from it, its truly preparation for life. Being able to be a part of it
made me want to do cartwheels.
In addition, the Breyer Award was presented to 12-year-old Margaret McCool
of Newburyport, MA. The prize, donated by Breyer Creations, is given to the
youngest rider to compete in the competition.
The top 10 placings in the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Finals were:
CH Faye Wuesthofen aboard Kiss of the Zodiac (owned by Michelle
Werry)
RC Ellen Medley Wright aboard Soli Deo Glori (owned by Fish Creek
Stables, LLC)
3 Angela Darrow aboard Tango Till Dawn (owned by Mara and Russ
Darrow)
4 Belle Owen aboard Chantis Prayer (owned by Belle Owen)
5 Deanna Lanigan aboard Oh What A Feeling (owned by Margaret
Lanigan)
6 Eleanor Watkins aboard Worthy Am I (owned by Samuel and Eleanor
Watkins)
7 Nick Maupin aboard Coco Mojo (owned by Melissa and Nick Maupin)
8 Rachel Machamer aboard All About Charm (owned by Rachel Machamer)
9 Sarah Lawson aboard Feng Shui (owned by James Williams)
10 Cori OBrien aboard Steeln A Dream (owned by G.P. Rom, LLC)
For more information about the Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp at
jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.
Brian Sosby
ENDS
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