Off-islanders turn out for Vashon-Maury equestrian competiton

Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association hosted the 18th annual fund-raising competition, Two Days in Paradise, at Paradise Ridge Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Twenty-seven off-Island competitors signed up to bring their horses to Vashon to compete against the local equestrians, in spite of warnings about ferry difficulties such as extreme low tides and substitution of the Hiyu for the Rhododendron.

Vashon-Maury Island Horse Association hosted the 18th annual fund-raising competition, Two Days in Paradise, at Paradise Ridge Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8.

Twenty-seven off-Island competitors signed up to bring their horses to Vashon to compete against the local equestrians, in spite of warnings about ferry difficulties such as extreme low tides and substitution of the Hiyu for the Rhododendron.

In two days of competition, Vashon riders took home ribbons and dressage medals. In the Grasshopper Horse Trial, designed for beginning eventers or less-experienced horses, Rachel Anderson on Rebel without a Cause placed first in the Under 15 category, with Diane Kennicott third.

In the Novice Horse Trial, Anna Wilson on TJ was first in Junior Novice, and Hannah Knaebel on Patrick O’Michael won their Senior Novice division (both also received the high score medal in the dressage phase of the competition).

Diane Kennicott on Quincy’s Bar Lightning took second in Junior Hopeful, with Rachel Anderson on Rebel Without a Cause sixth, and Linda Kozak on Cheerio was third in the Senior Hopeful.

In the Combined Tests portion of the competition, Diane Kennicott was second in Junior Beginner Novice, and Natasha Medved on Snickers was fifth. Leah Royal on Shelby was second in Senior Beginner Novice.

In the Hopeful division, Diane Kennicott was second and Rachel Anderson sixth in the Junior section. Linda Kozak took third in the Senior Hopeful.