The Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend presented by BigEq.com came to a close today with three major equitation finals. The Capital Challenge Horse Show runs through Sunday, October 4, at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD.

     Chase Boggio of Canton, GA, rose to the top of 87 competitors to win the 2009 North American Equitation Championships. Sylvia DeToledo of New York, NY, won a work-off for victory in the Taylor Harris Insurance Services (THIS) National Children’s Medal Finals. In the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships, Charlene Graham of Rochester, NY, finished on top.

Boggio led through the entire class, scoring an 88.6 in the first round and an 89.45 in the second round. The scores were averages of scores from five judges: Linda Andrisani, Jim Clapperton, Liza Dennehy, Shane George, and Bobbie Reber.

Sara Green and Samson made a jump up the standings from eighth to third place with a strong second round score of 86. Laura King had two steady trips on Uno to score 85.6 and 86.8 for second place.

Boggio and Graphiq laid down two very consistent trips with a smooth pace throughout. “You wanted to be smooth, but stand out in front of the judges. I think there were a few fences that were problems for some people like the Swedish (oxer). So I just tried to stay careful and cool,” Boggio noted.

“My goal was to just stay calm,” he went on to say. “I noticed that Laura King had a really good round so I had to put in a nice round to stay up there. When I landed off that last jump, it was a good feeling.”

Although Boggio has had success at Capital Challenge before, this is his biggest win here. He placed third in the Championship in 2007. “I knew that I have a really good horse, and I have a really good rapport with him. There really wasn’t any expectation to win this, but I knew if I could stay relaxed and ride to the best of my ability I knew we could do well,” he stated.

Jessica Springsteen was honored in a presentation by Jonathan Rabon of EMO Agency for the "EMO Trip of the Show" - awarded to the rider with the high score equitation round.

In the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, it came down to the two top riders after two rounds of competition. They were separated by only two-tenths of a point, which mandated a work-off must be held. Sylvia DeToledo and Lion King had a near-perfect work-off for the win. In second place, also with a very strong work-off, were Sydney Callaway and Cassius.

DeToledo, who is 14 years old, rode Lion King, owned by Lindsey Mohr. This is Lion King’s third victory in the Finals. DeToledo made the jump up from third place after the first round with increasing scores of 83.4, 88.2, and 89.2. DeToledo trains with Geoff Teall and Chris Ewanouski of Montoga. She just started riding Lion King a month ago, and she qualified for her first-ever National Children’s Medal Finals by showing different horses throughout the year.

“I really want to thank Lindsey Mohr for letting me ride him,” DeToledo said. “I just thought it would be so exciting because he looked like such an amazing horse to ride, and he has already won these Finals so many times.”

Of the courses, she said, “I thought the first course was a really nice course. There was one line that really tested the rider’s ability, and the rest was pretty straightforward. The second course you were able to just pick up a gallop and go.”

In the work-off, DeToledo was ready to ride for the win. “I knew going in that (Sydney) was leading by a little bit, so I knew I had to go in and lay it down and ride it the best that I could,” she remarked. “Lindsey and Kristen Mohr have trained Lion King so well. He is just so ready to listen.”

The final class of the day was the North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships. Leading through two rounds was Charlene Graham on Only You. Graham trains with Amanda Steege, and this was her first time competing at Capital Challenge. Although Graham brought Only You to compete in the 3’3” Adult Amateur Hunters, this bonus win was very exciting for her.

Graham has only owned the 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare since March. It was Only You’s first time showing indoors as well. Graham was thrilled to be able to complete a victory gallop at Capital Challenge.

“I think it’s a really great weekend. It’s a nice icebreaker and to get into the ring and learn the feel of the ring,” she explained. “They make it a really big deal and make you feel so good.”

Graham said the courses were “a lot of fun. They kept you thinking and looking for the next fence. It gave you a little room to show off a little bit.” “I could quit now and go home and be happy!” she joked.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues tomorrow with the opening classes for the professional hunter divisions, whose championships will be awarded on Tuesday.



Final Results: North American Junior Equitation Championships
1. Chase Boggio, Graphiq: 88.6+89.4= 178
2. Laura King, Uno: 85.6+86.8= 172.40
3. Sara Green, Samson, 81.65+86= 167.65
4. Samantha Smith, In Pursuit: 82.40+84.60= 167
5. Cayla Richards, Asparagus: 86.5+80.4= 166.90
6. Chelsey Zulia, Convent 8: 79.10+81.80= 160.90
7. Holly Dickinson, Beckham: 79.25+81.10= 160.35
8. Grace Carucci, Podest: 77.30+82.80= 160.10
9. Samantha Harrison, Triple Lutz: 77.85+80.40= 158.25
10. Taylor Ann Adams, Bledsoe: 82+74= 156

Final Results: THIS National Children’s Medal Finals
1. Sylvia DeToledo, Lion King: 83.4+88.2+89.2= 260.8
2. Sydney Callaway, Cassius: 85.6+86.2+85.6= 257.4
3. Colby Wood, Redwood: 81.95+83.4= 165.35
4. Adeline Audette, Barnabee: 86.7+76.8= 163.5
5. Carter Ware, Ursita: 75+80.2= 155.2
6. Morgan McNeel, Caracas: 81.1+69= 150.1
7. Mary Kate Hayes, Wilkinton: 74.45+69.2= 143.65
8. Janelle Cyprich, Laguna: 75+64.8= 139.8
9. Laura Hinsdale, Ormont: 79.55+57.8= 137.35
10. Arielle Cotroneo, Balder Dash: 79+54= 133

Final Results: North American Adult Amateur Equitation Championships
1. Charlene Graham, Only You: 84.8+ 83.2= 168
2. Melissa Feller, Commander Tom: 80+77.35= 157.35
3. Emma Mann-Meginniss, Temptation: 80+76.4= 156.4
4. Rachel Boggus, Cassay: 73.7+79.6= 153.3
5. Jeanine Cash, John: 76.2+76.65= 152.85
6. Kristi Siam, Krosus: 69.4+82= 151.4
7. Laurie Barna, Laguna: 73.1+74.2= 147.3
8. Sarah Cohen, Tom Terrific: 67.4+75.8= 143.21
9. Jen Conly, Heavenly: 75.8+67.4= 143.2
10. Lee Avera, Landstorm: 78.2+62= 140.2