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California Riding Magazine • March, 2009 Northern Revelers by Amy Young |
On Sun., Jan. 11, amid exclamations of, “You clean up nicely” and “I didn’t recognize you; you’re not wearing your helmet,” members of the Northern California Hunter Jumper Association (NorCal) gathered to acknowledge their 2008 show season successes at the NorCal annual year-end banquet. Over 200 riders, trainers and their families congregated at the J.W. Marriott hotel in San Francisco for the festivities. NorCal president Denize Borges began the ceremony by asking the audience to observe a moment of silence in honor of three well-respected horsemen who passed away in 2008: Ted Fieger, Dr. William “Bill” Nissen and Art Gottfried.
Mariano and Nina Alario of Edgewood Equestrian with student Carrie Cella. The awards presentation itself, conducted by Ben Watson, began with an acknowledgement of the 2008 NorCal medal final winners: Haley Webster, the junior medal final winner, Kelley La Fond, the winner of the senior medal, Stevie Sorenson, the pony medal final champion and Emma Dake, the winner of the 3’ equitation final. The NorCal Medal Finals Horse Show was held Oct. 8-12, 2008 at Brookside Equestrian Park in Elk Grove. Awards were handed out for 28 different divisions from Pre-Green Working Hunters to Children’s Jumpers all the way through to the equitation divisions. Ribbons were awarded to 10th place for each division. In addition to their tricolor ribbons, champions were presented with embroidered wool coolers. Reserve champions received embroidered Irish knit coolers and third place winners were given embroidered coat bags. A special award, the “Lionheart” Memorial Trophy, donated by Konny Murray, was presented to Katie Janousek, owner of Cantelli, the champion in the Adult Amateur Hunter 18-40 division.
NorCal members get a chance to catch up with each other In addition to division awards, Macella O’Neill, Duncan McFarlane and Carol Wright were presented with checks as the first, second and third-place $1,000 NorCal 2008 Leading Jumper Riders, respectively. Maiden, Novice and Limit equitation graduates were acknowledged and received certificates commemorating their achievements. NorCal 2008 Equitation Classic champions and reserve champions from five age groups, as well as the pony division, were also commended. To close the ceremony, NorCal 2008 Hunter Bonus Program winners representing eight divisions were awarded checks in recognition of their consistent performances throughout the year. A silent auction, with proceeds going to NorCal, was held throughout the afternoon. Items that were generously donated for the auction included a one-week stay at the Resort at Squaw Creek, a one-night stay at Solage in Calistoga, a half-page color ad in California Riding magazine, schooling and ringside assistance from Archie Cox, veterinary services from Dr. Douglas Novick and gift baskets provided by individual barns. NorCal is grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the silent auction.
Robyn Burton of Edgewood Equestrian with her son, Chase. Aside from doing a little post-Christmas, equine-themed shopping at the silent auction and celebrating hard-won achievements, the year-end banquet was a chance to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. It was a chance to visit with trainers and recognize their hard work throughout the year. It was also an opportunity for members to support their barnmates and fellow riders. Most importantly, it was a time to celebrate our sport, our organization and all of the people that make it so special. NorCal congratulates every member on their achievements in 2008 and wishes everyone continued success in 2009.
For more information about NorCal and the programs available to NorCal members, including the Leading Jumper Rider and Hunter Bonus Programs, please visit www.norcalhunterjumpers.com. |
