Locals Win NAL Children’s Hunter Finals

Riding is a partnership and Megan Brodbeck’s partnership with A Bit Of Gold proved a winning one in the North American League (NAL) Children’s Hunter Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

“I was a nervous wreck before going into the ring,” said the 18-year-old Spring Grove, PA native. “He took care of me the first couple of fences until I got my feet back under me. He’s like that, very competitive—walks into the ring, ready to go.”

Her first year competing in the NAL, Brodbeck was the third highest of the 30 nationally qualified riders.  This meant she rode at the end of the class allowing her to watch how other riders, including her friend and stable mate Kristina Sprenkle, negotiated the course.

Her nerves were not obvious as she tallied an 84 in the first round, placing her second. Sprenkle, 17th in the first round, had an 83 for third going into the second round.

Brodbeck nailed her second trip with an 86 for a combined score of 170 and the win.  Sprenkle’s two-round total of 164 placed her second. Both riders train at Woodberry Farm with Chris Gemmil.

“There were quite a few riders in my barn competing in the Children’s Hunter Division this year,” said Gemmil “and, they’ve all been very supportive of one another.  “Brodbeck has had a very good year: 21 shows with 14 championships and reserve championships. She’s the top qualifier for this year’s Zone II Older Children’s Hunters. Zone II finals are held Sunday, October 19 at the Farm Show Arena.

“Sprenkle’s horse, Eden, is young,” said Gemmil. “She’s a very sensitive mare, aware of her surroundings sometimes instead of doing her job. But, she’s really improving.”

Sprenkle, 17, bought Eden just over a year ago.  At 6, Eden is still a baby to showing. “She really likes to look around and know what’s going on around here,” said Sprenkle. “Hopefully she will be more comfortable when we show in the Local Division Tuesday night.  She showed last year with another rider.”  After that, it’s down to Washington, DC for the Gittings Finals and the National Horse Show Local Division, weekend after next.