Gabrielle Sokolow and Just Cavalli Capture the Win in the CPHA Foundation 3’3” Medal at Nilforushan Equisport Events’ TVNHS III

Temecula, Calif. — June 3, 2022 — Equitation riders took center stage Friday in the Grand Hunter Ring of the Nilforushan Equisport Events’ Temecula Valley National III. The highlight of the equitation classes was the CPHA Foundation 3’3” Medal, which is unique in the fact that both juniors and amateurs can compete. The California Professional Horsemen’s Association Foundation Medal is to be judged on the standards of the USEF Hunter Seat Equitation, and compete for valuable points towards finals, just like other equitation classes. The CPHA Finals are set to be held August from the 17th- 21st, 2022 in San Juan Capistrano. Besting the field in this class was Gabrielle Sokolow from Westlake Village, California aboard Just Cavalli.

Gabrielle Sokolow and Just Cavalli

The Tommy Brawley designed course included a vertical-oxer double combination at fence 5a and 5b. Instead of the traditional format where all riders returned at the end to take the course for a test, the riders completed an in-course test which included a trot over fence number seven followed by a canter on a bending line to fence eight and a halt before exiting.

Gabrielle Sokolow and Just Cavalli

Sokolow and her mount contested the course close to the end of the class which proved to be beneficial in their end results. Aboard her own mount, the combination impressed the judges by being very efficient in their turns and demonstrating classic equitation style. Their end of the course test was just as impressive as the pair had a near perfect trot jump and a well performed halt in a straight line immediately following fence eight.

Makaila Weber and Cote D’Azur

Finishing in second place was Makaila Weber. Weber, hailing from right around the corner in Fallbrook, California was aboard her mount, Cote D’Azur. Their consistent rhythm throughout the course and style proved to be well liked by the judge. Rounding out the top three was Emma Post with Harley Brown Equestrian INC’s, Camillo.

Emma Post and Camillo

Taking place right before CPHA Foundation 3’3” Medal was the USEF/NCEA Junior 3’3” Medal. The course, also designed by Tommy Brawley, consisted of 9-obstacles including the same vertical-oxer two-stride at fence 5a and 5b. Instead of having an in-course test, the judge had the top four riders come back after the conclusion of the class for a flat phase. On the flat, the judge had the riders demonstrate the sitting trot, extended trot, collected canter, and a shoulder in going both directions.

Makena Bloebaum and Lexington Von Darco

Following the flat portion, the combination that took home the blue ribbon was Makena Bloebaum and her own Lexington Von Darco, hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona. The pair really impressed the judge with their well practiced flat work and earned them the top honors. Right behind in second place was Taylor Black riding her own horse, Nashville and rounding out the top three spots was Sebastian Erhan and Quieri.

Makena Bloebaum and Lexington Von Darco

Hunter competition is scheduled to continue in full force on Saturday June 4, 2022 at 8:00am highlighting the continuing junior and amateur divisions as well as the child and adult hunter divisions.

FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE

Makena Bloebaum — Winner of USEF/NCEA Junior 3’3” Medal

On her partnership with Lexington Vin Darco:’

“He just turned 13 — I got him 2 ½ years ago now. We started as a jumper team actually and then all the sudden we tried the equitation and that same year we went to medal finals together.”

On her plans for the course:

“We honestly just wanted to put in a really nice, solid round — get him comfortable and happy in this ring. He performed really well and went out there confident. Being the last week we are both really tired but he pulled through amazingly.”

On showing at the Temecula Valley National Series:

“I like the environment — it’s really happy and fun and there’s a lot of great friends and competition and just an overall great place to come and show.”