Thermal, Calif. – The Barnstyle 3’ Team Equitation Classic presents the rare opportunity for two equitation riders to come together and compete as one team – whether that team is made up of amateurs, juniors, professionals or, in the case of this year’s winners, two sisters. On Saturday, February 14, Kathryn and Lauren Padilla teamed up to take home the win at Desert International Horse Park.
Kathryn and Lauren Padilla were presented as the winners of the Barnstyle 3′ Team Equitation Classic. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
The uniquely formatted class requires that one rider jumps a course of gymnastic exercises, following which the second teammate jumps a traditional, equitation-style course. For Saturday’s victory, Kathryn Padilla took on the gymnastics course aboard Georgetown, and Lauren Padilla rode Classified over the equitation course.
Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown, owned by Highland Farm LLC, started things off strong for the duo, earning a score of 87.
Lauren Padilla and Classified. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“My horse is really good at gymnastics, so we knew he could do it,” said Kathryn Padilla of the 8-year-old Hanoverian gelding. “I really liked the turns because my horse is really good at landing the leads, so I knew I could do some inside turns.”
Following Kathryn Padilla, Lauren Padilla and Classified then kept the momentum going, and they earned a score of 91 over the equitation course.
“I did my green equitation horse that we have been bringing along for about year now,” said Lauren Padilla of her 8-year-old Oldenburg gelding. “I just wanted to give him a good, confident round and be consistent throughout the jumps.”
Kathryn Padilla and Georgetown. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
With a total score of 178, the Padilla sisters clinched the win. Finishing in second with scores of 90 and 86 for a 176 total were Jamie Sailor on Alleto and Hailey Eynon and Castelino 5. Third place with a score of 165 (84+81) were the team of Denim Schneider on Inkell and Addison Cheney on Jelly Roll.
“I think it’s a great type of class to be able to go against the professionals and then also let the juniors have fun with the professionals or if you want to do a junior/junior or amateur/amateur situation, you can all collaborate together,” concluded Lauren Padilla, who trains with Paige Dendiu. “It’s just a really fun class!”
For full results of the Barnstyle 3’ Team Equitation Classic, click here.