October 12, 2014–After a full day of competition at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show the Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Medal Finals presented by Randolph College came to a historic conclusion, as Spencer Smith topped the field of 241 competitors to claim the 2014 National Title and in doing so became the first male rider to do so in 12 years.
Smith (Wellington, Fla.) was among the 25 competitors to come back for a work-off and then in the final five rider test that would be used to determine the victor. In all three rounds the Don Stewart-trainee demonstrated poise and style on Ashland Farm’s Beau Van Het Keyershof, which was rewarded by judges Cynthia Hankins and Candice King.
“From the first round to the final round, he kept a rhythm and kept connected from start to finish,” said King of the 2014 champion.
Smith was making his third Pessoa/US Hunter Seat Equitation Medal Finals presented by Randolph College appearance this year and believes that the hard work and support of Stewart along with his parents Ken and Emily Smith paid-off.
“It’s really something I’ve been working for and a lot of people have been helping me to get here. So it just shows what such good trainers and such a good horse can do.”
Earning the Reserve Championship was McKayla Langmeier (East Granby, Conn.) with her own Skyfall.
“I’m truly honored to be Reserve Champion, I’ve dreamed about testing here and to be second is amazing,” said the 13-year-old who is trained by her mother Linda Langmeier and the team at North Run.
Third-place honors went to Timmy Kees-trainee Ali Tritschler (Southport, Conn.) and her own Helio Rouge.
For top 25 results visit; http://ryegate.com/SHOWS/PNHS/2014/472.htm
All rounds from the 2014 Pennsylvania National Horse Show will be live streamed on the USEF Network and can be viewed here.
To learn more about the 2014 Pennsylvania National Horse Show, visit: http://www.panational.org/