SAPC Student at Washington International Horse Show

Contributed by Kim Graves

Last weekend while the IHSA Hunt Seat team was making their way up to the chilly weather of Blacksburg, Virginia, another St. Andrews Equestrian was feeling the 30 degree weather and constant rain in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. SAPC Sophomore Kimberly Graves of Monroe, NC and her mount “Hand It Over”, lovingly known as “Bubba” accepted their letter of invitation to compete in the 2009 USEF Zone 3 Finals, held at the Washington International Horse show Local weekend. Approximately the top 20 horses in each division of the Zone, based on total USEF points, were invited. Kimberly and her horse were ranked 12th in the USEF Adult Amateur Hunter 18-35 standings. But that’s not going to last long. After a late night warm –up class, a 4:00 wakeup call, and a last place spot in the order of go it was finally the moment Kimberly had been waiting for. As soon as she stepped out of the ring to finish her second over fences class, Kimberly and Hand It Over were trotting right back into the ring for the top call in the jog. With a blue ribbon in the first class and a reserve call for the second, it all came down to the under saddle class to determine the Champion for the younger Adults. But Hand It Over stepped out of the line up where he lived up to his name and was once again handed over the blue rosette. With an accumulated total of 20 points Kimberly Graves and Hand It Over were once again invited back in to the ring to claim the Champion title. Not only were they crowned champion but they were now given the title of the 2009 Adult Amateur 18-35 USEF Zone 3 Finals Champion. “I could not have done it without the help of my wonderful professors who were willing to take time out to allow me to complete my tests and assignments early so that I could compete in this prestigious event. And to the Equestrian staff and Center for allowing me to stay in the saddle and keep my composure enough to where I can still be able to compete in such prominent events” commented Kimberly. A Tri color ribbon was not the only thing Kimberly brought back to St. Andrews, but a Champion Cooler to show her newly acquired accomplishment.