Oklahoma City, OK-Setting the pace for the rest of the world, the two reiners representing the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) made history December 3, winning the first Gold and Silver Medals ever awarded at the inaugural FEI World Reining Masters, presented by Netjets. Bringing home the Gold in the open division, Todd Crawford of Blanchard, OK, and Matt Dillon Dun It (owned by 3 Peaks Ranch) finished with a top score of 220.5. The win entitled the pair to $17,906.25 in winnings-but Crawford, whose winnings total nearly half a million dollars, says the check was secondary.

"Anytime you win it's a thrill," Crawford says. "But when you walk into this arena at an event like this, it's an even bigger deal."

Todd Sommers of Whitesboro, TX, and Remin Whiz (owned by Lucy Van Swearingen) were in close contention for the title. They won the Silver Medal with a score of 219.5.

"I was real honored to ride for my country. I never did that before," said Sommers. "I have won qualifiers, but to be here representing the United States was pretty exciting." Sommers added $12,892.50 to his career earnings, which nearly reach the million dollar mark.

Crawford and Sommers, or The Two Todds, as they were affectionately called during the competition, were up against the world's best reiners in Oklahoma City. Only the top 21 made it to the Final.

"This event was truly phenomenal," says Frank Costantini, the Chairman of Reining at the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). "It lived up to every expectation and was better than we could have ever imagined."

Rounding out the medal standings, Switzerland's Jeanette Kraehenbuehl rode her own ARC Golden Boy to a Bronze Medal finish with a score of 218.5. Close behind in fourth was Brazil's Jango Salgado, riding Commandalena, Todd Crawford's alternate horse. Almost sidelined after the horse he qualified on died, and the horse he borrowed for the competition was excused for veterinary reasons, Salgado got a last minute chance to ride, thanks to Crawford and Commandalena's owner, Christina Knox.

"I can't thank Todd and Christina enough," Salgado says. "I wasn't sure how it was going to turn out because I didn't know how the horse would be for me, but Todd told me to just trust him and go. He was such a big help. It was really nice of him to help me like that. I still can't believe it."

For more information on the Masters and other USEF Reining competitions, please visit our website, www.usef.org.

Top Finishers at the 2004 FEI World Reining Masters Finals - Open Division

1) Todd Crawford, USA, Matt Dillon Dun It, 220.5

2) Todd Sommers, USA, Remin Whiz, 219.5

3) Jeannette Kraehenbuehl, Switzerland, ARC Golden Boy, 218.5

4) Jango Salgado, Brazil, Commandalena, 217.5

5) Rudi Kronsteiner, Austria, Shiners Chex Mix, 216

6) Aldo Lorenzoni, Italy, OT Taris Melody, 215

7) Lukas Jirak, Czech Republic, SR Sweet N Low, 214.5

8T) Steffen Breug, Germany, Dragon Jac, 214

8T) Dario Carmignani, Italy, Footworks Finest, 214

10) Ann Poels, Belgium, He's One Smart Chic, 210.5

For more information, please contact Sarah Lane, Public Relations Manager on (859) 225-6974 or via e-mail at slane@usef.org mpartlow@usef.org. USEF press releases are available on our website - www.usef.org.