WWU Western Riders attend successful Pinto Horse Show

4/20/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

William Woods University's western riders attended the Easter Buckle Show in Claremore, Okla., April 7. Riders competed in the amateur division in both western and hunt seat classes.

Joni Spurgeon and Balido KA:  Placed well in almost every class with a beautiful hunt seat equitation pattern to start off the morning.  Balido was impressive on the rail and had a fan club by the end of the show.
 
Katie Bigge and Unzip This: The pair was nearly rock solid consistent throughout the day. They placed high in both Novice Amateur and Amateur in all classes (showmanship, hunt and western).  Bigge finished the day as the high point Novice Amateur rider of the show.
 
Danielle Heerdt and Red N Precious: The team had big wins in hunter under saddle classes and had solid placings in both hunt and western classes.  It can be challenging to put a retired show horse back in the ring and Danielle's riding met the challenge head on.  Heerdt finished as Reserve High Point Novice Amateur for the show.
 
Brie Shillingford and Purely Zip N Rock: The pair was nearly flawless in showmanship, with impressive wins in both Novice and Amateur divisions.  They continued the day dominating the rail and pattern classes with wins in pleasure and horsemanship. 
 
Shannon Yeaton also attended the show as groom for the four horse and rider teams.
 
Each rider came away with national pinto points in multiple classes, and are well on their way to achieving Register of Merit awards in the Novice Amateur and Amateur divisions.
 
Jennie Petterson, western riding instructor at WWU, coached the students at the show.
 
"The Pinto show in Claremore, Okla., was a smashing success with four very competitive horse and rider combinations," Petterson said.  "WWU horses were turned out impeccably with help from groom Shannon Yeaton, and both fellow competitors and spectators and show officials commented on the wonderful turnouts and positive attitudes of the students."