The Vashon Rock Riders 4-H Club, made up of 11 young equestrians, has now completed its show season under the leadership and coaching of Bay Breeze Farm’s Joe Cunningham.
On June 24, the Rock Riders hosted a horse show at Paradise Ridge Equestrian Park, where they were joined by several adult riders, members of the Olympus Pony Club, and riders who traveled to Vashon from other parts of King County.
At the event, some of the young riders who were not 4-H members tried events like horse showmanship and stock seat equitation for the first time.
Several Rock Riders received medals cards (a first step to attempt earning a medal in an equestrian event) or were awarded medals at the show.
Winners of Bronze Medal Cards in various classes included Lana Antonelis, ElsaVatheuer, Cassidy Poole, Violet Alpen, Olive Alpen, Memphis Saffron Sweet, and Piper Staffeld.
Bronze medals were awarded to Cassidy Poole (Stock Seat Equitation), Lana Antonelis and Violet Alpen (both for Obstacle Trail).
High Point awards were given to one rider in each age division who earned the highest points for the day in their combined classes. This included Piper Staffeld (Junior Division), Olive Alpen (Intermediate), and Cassidy Poole (Senior).
One of the judges for the event was Lizzy Corliss, who is local to the island and a former 4-H club member.
On July 10-12, the Rock Riders traveled to Enumclaw for the King County Fair to exhibit their riding skills in showmanship, dressage, and various Western and English classes. Here, too, the Rock Riders excelled.
High Blue Danish awards in various classes were given to Olive Alpen, Hazel Mathews Otwell, Violet Alpen, Memphis Saffron Sweet, Cassidy Poole, Rosemary Rudolph, and Lana Antonelis.
Grand champion prizes in various classes went to Piper Staffeld, Cassidy Poole, and Violet Alpen. Reserve champion prizes in various classes went to Rosemary Rudolph and Ilya Eivy. Additionally, Olivija Lanske won second place in juniors dressage.
Three of Rock Rider’s young equestrians — Olive Alpen, Violet Alpen, and Ilya Eivy — were invited to represent King County at the Washington State Fair in September.
