Upper Marlboro, MD – October 1, 2006 – Courtney Cummings of Leesburg, Virginia, dominated the Monarch International North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championship and collected the blue ribbon in the final class on Sunday’s schedule at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Cummings, 36, led the class going into the second round and was the final rider to tackle the course. She said, “My thoughts going in to the second round were, just find the jumps and be smooth and not blow it. I was worried about blowing the last jump because it’s the last jump!”She went on to post an 85.2 for a two-round total of 169.4. No one came close to her score.

It was no surprise that Cummings collected the blue after her successful showing the previous day. Cummings picked up the championship in the adult amateur equitation division riding her gelding Last Call. The 12-year-old Canadian Sport Horse has been with Cummings for four years and can do the equitation as well the jumpers. She said, “He’s a great guy and is as honest as the day is long. He’s my big pet.”

Although Cummings didn’t compete in the equitation as a junior she enjoys the challenge as an adult. She said, “What I like most about the Equitation is that you have to be smooth and accurate. I think it’s wonderful that they do have this for the adults. They make a big deal out of it here and I think that’s wonderful. I have to thank Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine for sponsoring this event.”

Cummings and Last Call will return to the Show Place Arena on Friday to compete in the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals. Cummings was first on the waiting list for the Ariat Finals last year and she was determined not to be on the waiting list this year. Cummings ended the year being the top qualifier going into the Finals.

The 13th annual Capital Challenge Horse Show will run through October 8th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Aside from the equestrian action running in two rings, the horse show also offers some of the best in equestrian shopping. The shopping areas are located inside and out, with a new Boutique Mall located on the concourse level. With over fifty shops on the premises early holiday shopping is made easy. You’ll find unique gift items, artwork, the finest jewelry, clothing, footwear and a variety of quality equestrian equipment.

As always there is no charge for admission and parking is free. The schedule and results can be found on the Capital Challenge website: www.capitalchallenge.org For more information on the Capital Challenge Horse Show call (301) 260-2467 prior to the show or (301) 952-7944 during the show.