Spainhour Took Leap Of Faith to the Top in the $10,000 NAL Children’s Jumper Final

Harrisburg, PA—October 15, 2002—Sarah Beth Spainhour 16, of Camden, SC and Leap of Faith negotiated the only double clear rounds to win the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Children’s Jumper Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show.

The pair improved on their second place finish last year to claim the Championship title this time around. Spainhour gives all the credit to her 14-year-old gelding.

“He’s the best horse,” said Spainhour. “ He always jumps clean, it’s usually just a matter of how well I do.”

As the last to go in the first round of 31 and in the jump-off, Spainhour considered herself lucky.

“I was glad we were the last to go in the jump-off,” said Spainhour. “My trainer, Judy Young, told me the first three riders had faults, so I just had to concentrate on going clean and not have worry about going fast.”

The first order of business for the 16-year-old working student was to call her grandmother who purchased Leap of Faith for Sarah Beth over a year ago.

“I can’t wait to tell her,” said Spainhour. “She’s going to be so excited.”

The North American League (NAL) runs season long series in six hunter jumper divisions – Children’s Hunter, Children’s Jumper, Adult Hunter, Adult Jumper, Pony Jumper and Open Jumper Speed. Each series culminates with a championship final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA in October. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in any qualifying classes, but only current members earn points toward year-end finals. For more information and a list of qualifying competitions for 2003, please see the Ryegate Show Services website at www.Ryegate.com.

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