Madeline Wonsick, Lauren Plante and Danielle Harris Triumph to Win 2020 Southeast Medal Finals Equitation Team Challenge

Tampa, Fla. – Aug. 29, 2020 – The 2020 Southeast Medal Finals continued Saturday, August 29 for the penultimate day of hunter, jumper and equitation competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center in Tampa, Florida. While the day featured the inaugural rounds of the highly anticipated finals, the sold-out show also showcased a variety of exciting classes outside of the finals, including the Equitation Team Challenge, presented by Josh Hanoud TeamTropic Shores Realty, and the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic, presented by Equine Healthcare International.

Danielle Harris, Madeline Wonsick and Lauren Plante

Five teams of junior and amateur riders took to the Stampede Covered Ring for the highlight event of the evening, the Equitation Team Challenge, presented by the Josh Hanoud Team – Tropic Shores Realty. Tasked with forming and executing a plan around an equitation course without any help from a trainer, individual entries could choose to jump at either the 2’6″ or 3′ height in hopes of garnering top scores and helping their team take home the win. The composite score from each of the team’s three or four members would total a final score, dropping the lowest score for teams with four riders. 

Danielle Harris and New Look

As members of Team 5, Madeline Wonsick and Anabella produced the highest score for their team with an 82 for their picture-perfect trip. Teammates Lauren Plante and Lancelot rode to a score of 79, while Danielle Harris and New Look received a score of 76. As the only team with three members and no drop score, Team 5 would ultimately claim the top prize with a composite score of 237, giving them a 2 point lead.

Madeline Wonsick and Anabella

Team 3 would finish in second place for their total score of 235, with efforts from Chelsea Blackie, Isabella Powell, Macie Sousa and Schuyler Dayner. Third place was awarded to Team 4, which included Mandy Desante, Emerson Myer, Madison Ramsey and Rylee Tessmer for their total score of 229.

Lauren Plante and Lancealot

Earlier in the day, the $500 Pony Handy Hunter Classic, presented by Equine Healthcare International, took place in the Stampede Covered Ring. With riders and their ponies competing over either 2′ of 2’6″ courses, each made a valiant effort towards a consistent track that exemplified handiness and correct form over fences. Susannah Morrell and Lumiere were the ultimate winners of the class, finishing on a score of 84 from the judge. Taking second place was Lilyana Sprafford and Clovermeade Windsurfer, who scored a 78 at the completion of their round. Sophia Sisco and Good Boy rounded out the top three for their score of 76.

Susannah Morrell and Lumiere

Competition at the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals will resume Sunday, August 30 with the highlight class of the day, the $15,000 Dr. Eli Farri Memorial Grand Prix, taking place at 8:00 a.m. in the Grand Prix Ring. Sunday will also feature the culmination of the Southeast Medal Finals as the second and final rounds take place for a variety of championship classes.

Danielle Harris, Madeline Wonsick and Lauren Plante

For more information about the 2020 Southeast Medal Finals, click here.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Madeline Wonsick – Equitation Team Challenge Champion

On Anabella:
“Anabella is a 17-year-old Adult Amateur Hunter that I have had for eight years. She is the best and is always game for anything. We love crossing over into the equitation and Anabella is always right there with me when we do.”

On her team’s strategy:
“My plan was really to land my leads so that we could take the inside turns and have fun! We tried to be tidy throughout the course and just keep an even pace to every jump.”

On showing at Southeast Medal Finals:
“Southeast Medal Finals is wonderful! They put on a great show and we have been lucky enough to get some great ribbons here! We love it.” 

Lauren Plante – Equitation Team Challenge Champion

On Lancealot:
“Lance is very sweet and he is super handy. We show in the Low Children’s Hunters and Equitation.”

On her team’s strategy:
“My plan was to go straight to the first jump and not chip anything! Lance has been great so far this weekend so our goal was to just have fun and ride a direct track.”

On showing at Southeast Medal Finals:
“This is my second year showing here and I love it! Everything runs really smoothly and the rings are great.” 

Danielle Harris – Equitation Team Challenge Champion

On New Look:
“Pokey is really sweet. He is a small guy and he is pretty green. We show in the Green Hunters and the Adult Equitation. He has only had about a year showing but he is doing really well!”

On her team’s strategy:
“We kind of just went with the flow! This class was just for fun and I really wanted to fix a few mistakes from earlier where I was getting a little close to some of the jumps. I really just wanted to get around the course and have fun, so that’s what we did!”

On showing at South East Medal Finals:
“It is great here! This is my second year showing here and it is run beautifully. The ribbons are amazing and everyone is really friendly. It is just an enjoyable show to be at!”

No Comments Yet

Comments are closed