San Juan Capistrano, CA – August 7, 2022 – Daphne Shiebler topped a field of 21 entries over three phases of competition to win the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association (PCHA) Junior/Amateur Horsemanship 2’9” Finals, South on August 6-7 at the Blenheim August Festival in San Juan Capistrano, CA.
Following two rounds of competition in the Olympic Sand Ring at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, the top six riders returned for additional testing in front of judges Sandy Aston and Hap Hansen. Shiebler and her mount, Carl, were the final pair to return for the work-off as they held the top spot, and their test only further cemented their lead.
As requested, Shiebler and Carl entered the ring at a walk, cantered down the quarter line demonstrating three simple changes of lead, cantered three fences, and demonstrated a sitting trot before exiting the ring at a walk.
“I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better!” said Shiebler, 15. “[Winning the PCHA Finals] is a dream come true, especially because this is our first finals together.”
Shiebler only began riding Carl, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Heidi Tanklage, three weeks ago, and the Blenheim August Festival marked the duo’s second competition together.
“I just love him so much,” said Shiebler. “I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to ride. He’s kind of a strong horse. It took me a little bit to get used to, but once you figure him out, he couldn’t be more lovely to ride.”
For the win, Shiebler was presented with the Marcia “Mousie” Williams Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Raizy Goffman, a $50 Topline Design Ribbon Wreath gift certificate, and a Topline Design Ribbon Wreath picture frame, donated by Blenheim EquiSports.
Finishing in second place were Ashley Emery and Vuitton, and Katherine Funk and Valentino rounded out the top three.
Founded in 1946, the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association is a non-profit corporation with the main purpose of promoting and developing the sport of horse showing, primarily in the hunter/jumper, Western and reining disciplines. These objectives are accomplished by setting the standards for showing on the West Coast and approving shows that meet these criteria.
Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long. To learn more, visit ThePlaceToJump.com.
