Top Finishers in the Six North American League Divisions Gear Up to Compete at the Finals

Annville, PA—September 16, 2002—Another year of competition to determine the qualifiers for the North American League (NAL) Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA, October 10-19, has come to a close.

At the conclusion of the qualifying period, the top horse-and-rider combinations from each of the six divisions-- Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper, and Open Jumper--are eligible to compete at the Finals.

Morgan Conroy of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and her mount Joli Harmoni lead the field in the Children’s Hunter division going into the Finals. Harmoni easily won the top place in the standings, with almost 1,000 points more than second place finisher Percy MacMillan of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, who rode Blue Rose in the series. Lindsay Ianello of Lake Forest, IL, and her mount, Classical, accumulated the most points during the qualifying season to earn them the top position in the Adult Hunter Division.

Alexa Weinert of Barrington Hills, IL, and her mount Luck Be A Lady swept the Children’s Jumper standings by over 1,000 points safely securing herself the lead in the standings and an invitation to the Finals. In the Adult Jumper Division, Patty Van Housen of Mequon, WI, and Ima Good 1-2 topped the field. In the Pony Jumper Division, Medissa Rudershausen of Kennett Square, PA, rode her mount, Goldburg, to the top of the standings. McLain Ward of Brewster, NY, accumulated close to 3,000 more points than second place finisher Todd Minikus of Loxahatchee, FL, in the Open Jumper Division.

The qualifying period for the 2002 NAL Finals began September 1, 2001 and continued through August 31, 2002. NAL classes may be offered by all USA Equestrian and CEF member shows who apply to the North American League through Ryegate Show Services. In order to be eligible to accumulate points and ride at the Finals, riders must also be members of the North American League.

For membership applications, class specifications, and a full list of competitors eligible to compete in the NAL Finals at Harrisburg, please visit www.ryegate.com. For further information, please contact Ryegate Show Services at (717) 867-5643, fax to (717) 867-2174, or email NAL@Ryegate.com.

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