Final Three Regions Wrap Up ASPCA Maclay Regionals Before Alltech National Horse Show

Lexington, KY - September 26, 2013 - It was a full weekend for junior riders as the final three regions concluded their ASPCA Maclay Regionals. The anticipation was tangible as the nation's top riders competed for the chance to attend the prestigious ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals during the Alltech National Horse Show this fall at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Charlotte Jacobs captured the first place honors for Region 1, with Ashley Foster riding to the top of the ranks for Region 3. Christina Firestone took the championship in the ASPCA Maclay Regionals for Region 4.

The ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship class has been held since 1933, and it is one of the most prestigious competitions for junior riders in the United States. Its winners are some of the biggest names in the equestrian sport. Previous winners include: William Steinkraus in 1941, Frank Chapot (1948), George Morris (1952), Leslie Burr Howard (1972), and Nicole Shahinian Simpson in 1992. The 2011 ASPCA winner was Sarah Milliren and Jacob Pope took the title during last year's 2012 Alltech National Horse Show.

The Fairfield Hunt Club in Fairfield, CT, saw great competition from riders this weekend, but it was Charlotte Jacobs who stood out above the rest. Jacobs laid down a beautiful round, and rode to the top of the leader board and the chance to battle the best at the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals. Hannah Patten earned the second place spot, while Sydney Schulman rounded out the top three for the second year in a row.

It was a fantastic finish to the Southeast Medal Finals in Jacksonville, FL, for Ashley Foster as she successfully won the Region 3 ASPCA Maclay Regionals during her final junior year. Thirty-nine skilled riders navigated the equitation course, and Ashley Foster came out on top with a confident performance aboard Leena L, owned by KMW Ponies LLC, capturing the coveted prize. Haley Waters took the second place honors, with Barbara Ann Merryman securing third place.

The Kentucky National welcomed junior riders to the Kentucky Horse Park, and inside the prestigious Alltech Arena, riders competed for the top of the rankings. Leading the way was Christina Firestone, showcasing her skill for the top call from the judges. Meredith Darst claimed the second place award, while Lizzie Vander Walde took home the third place honors.

The top qualified riders from each region will travel to the 130th Alltech National Horse Show held at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, for the ASPCA Maclay National Finals in November. The anticipation is high as the riders and their talented mounts compete for the coveted title.

For more information about the ASPCA Alfred B. Maclay Finals, please visit http://www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com/maclay/maclay-information/.

For tickets and more information about the Alltech National Horse Show, visit the website at:  http://www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com/