Thermal, Calif. – When it comes to the equitation, Skylar Wireman is certainly a pro, and on Friday, December 5, she earned her second consecutive Pro Eq Challenge win at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, Calif. This time, Wireman rode Crunch K to victory in the $20,000 3’3” Pro Eq Challenge, presented by Valencia Sport Saddlery.
A field of 24 professionals contested the class at Desert Holiday 1, with the top 12 returning for a second round. From there, the field was further narrowed down to the top four for a horse swap and additional testing on each rider’s new mount.
Skylar Wireman and Crunch K. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
“This class is so fun because, as pros, we don’t get a chance to do [the equitation],” said Wireman. “I did get to do some of the eq classes this year because I was still under 21…but once you’re over 21, there are really no equitation classes. It’s fun because sometimes the pros have either a younger horse or they’ll take one of their kid’s made equitation horses and kind of go have fun. I love doing them. Certainly, there is good camaraderie around it; we’re all having fun.”
With Crunch K, Wireman led the way from beginning to end. Her first round in the Main Hunter Ring earned her an impressive score of 92, and she coupled that with a second-round score of 88 for 180 total, putting her in the top spot coming back for the final test.
Joining Wireman for the work-off were Marisa Metzger, Andrew Jayne and Halie Robinson. For the shortened course, Wireman was assigned Jayne’s mount, Leica.
“[Leica] is a little bit newer to the equitation,” said Wireman. “It was also a jumper. So, we were both kind of laughing. We both had big horses with huge strides, and they were ex jumpers. So, we just thought it was kind of funny. It was a super fun horse to ride. I had a great time.”
Skylar Wireman and Crunch K in their winning presentation. Photo by High Desert Sport Photo
Coming into the test, Wireman had the lead by an eight-point margin, and she held on to that top spot for the victory. Finishing in second place were Jayne and Leica; Robinson and Lifetime took home third, and Metzger and Cornetaro finished in fourth.
“I just want to say thank you to MJ and Todd for letting me always keep riding Crunch,” concluded Wireman. Crunch has been doing the eq for awhile, and I’ve always loved riding him. I can really rely on him whether it’s spooky or the turns on the test, he can do all of it. Knowing that I have every trick in my back pocket is a nice feeling. That was kind of why I chose to do him – and he’s beautiful and elegant.”
To learn more about all competition at Desert International Horse Park, visit deserthorsepark.com.