Hunter Chancellor, winner of the 2012 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, riding Imagine My Surprise (Howard Schatzberg)

Kansas City, MO – The United States Equestrian Federation’s Saddle Seat Medal Final presented by Elisabeth M. Goth will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013, at the United Professional Horsemen’s Association’s American Royal National Championship in Kansas City, Mo. This medal final brings together the premier saddle seat equitation riders from across the country that will perform for a judging panel comprised of Kim Cowart (Statesville, NC), Sandra Currier (Bellville, TX) and Cecile Hetzel Dunn (Weirsdale, FL).To qualify for the competition, competitors must be 17 years or under and have placed first or second in qualifying classes during the qualification period. The USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final is held in two phases beginning with a preliminary round where all entries complete rail work in groups of 15 or less and perform an individual pattern. The judging panel will select finalists who will then compete in the final round which is comprised of additional rail work and a second individual pattern. The preliminary rail work, preliminary workout, final rail work, and final workout each count equally toward the outcome of the class.The name of the winner of the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final will be engraved on the Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, alongside a prestigious list of prior winners dating back to 1937, as well as, the Helen K. Crabtree Perpetual Bronze.Finalists, along with instructors and family members, are invited to attend the annual brunch made possible by Steve and Terri Chancellor, following the preliminary round. The youngest rider competing in the final will receive a model horse donated by Breyer Animal Creations.The following individuals have contributed to the 2013 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final:Platinum LevelElisabeth M. GothGold LevelSteve and Terri ChancellorSilver Level6D Ranch LtdGlenn and Michelle WerryBronze LevelMary Anne O’Callaghan CronanGolden Lantern FarmAndrea WaltonJames and Margaret WilliamsAlexandra and Sarah Lawson and FamilyKate Williams Friends of the Medal FinalCatherine Schuessler McNeeseCindy MugnierJudy Fisher OetingerCarol ReamsJoshua and Ann RowlandErin Swope Votaw For more information regarding the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, contact Jennifer Mellenkamp, Director, National Breed/Discipline Affiliates at jmellenkamp@usef.org or (859) 225-6955.