Annville, PA – January 15, 2014 – As the calendar turned from 2013 to 2014, competition in the North American League Series started to intensify. The start of the winter circuits was giving North American League competitors more chances to earn valuable points towards the year end standing.

The North American League (NAL) offers a great opportunity for competitors across the country to compete in five divisions including Children’s Hunters; Children’s Jumper, Presented by EquiFit; Adult Hunters, Presented by Practical Horseman; Adult Jumpers, Presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumpers.  Riders and horses compete all year in order to qualify forNational Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the West Coast Finals at the Las Vegas National Horse Show.

The winter circuits present great opportunities for riders to earn points. The NAL runs the qualifying period September 1 through August 31. Riders need not be members of the NAL to compete in the qualifying classes, however total points will only count for current members. Annual memberships are $40 per rider. Joining the NAL is the best way to assure that you get the points you need to reach the Finals. It is important to remember to renew memberships and pay yearly dues in order for points to be counted!

Riders are doing all they can to earn valuable points in the Series’ overall standings. As of December 31, 2013, Mindy Wurzburg of Memphis, TN and Overseas are currently leading the Adult Hunter Division, Presented by Practical Horseman. Wurzburg had 1216 points, with a substantial lead in the competition. Cheryl Rubenstein of Bellaire, TX and Riesling stood in second place with 991 points. Laura Karet of Pittsburgh, PA and Winter Place were in third place with 640 points.

The Children’s Hunter Division continues to remain a competitive division, as it is one of the largest groups of competitors. Alyssa Scholefield of Atlanta, GA and Moon River were leading the division with 1382 points. Bernadette Chungunco of Fairfax, VA and Candyland were in second place with 1110 points. Carilynn Peyton of Great Falls,VA and Carson were third with 932 points.

Leading the Adult Jumper Division, Presented by SmartPak was Patricia Hennessy of Kintnersville, PA and Little Tom with 1990 points. In second place was Katherine Pontone of Red Bank, NJ and Belladonna with 1800 points. In third place was Casey Millis of Carton, GA and Secret Agent with 1590 points.

The Children’s Jumper Division, Presented by EquiFit, was led by Grace Knox of N. Barrington, IL and Rapidash with 925 points. Kimberle Paige Burton of Huntersville, NC and Kolette were close behind in second place with 890 points. Natalie Thornell of Loveland, OH and Voice were in third place with 802 points.

In the Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Division, Jordyn Friedman of Alpharetta, GA and Chiquita were in first place with 1248 points. Madison Goetzmann of Skaneateles, NY and Veronieque were second with 1125 points. Alexandra Crown of New York, NY and Zilverling were third with 1045 points.

The competition on the West Coast isn’t slowing down either. Entering 2014, Cheryl Rubenstein of Bellaire, TX and Reisling were currently leading the West Coast Adult Hunter Division, Presented by Practical Horseman. Rubenstein had 991 points with a lead over the competition. In second place was Stephanie Goodson of Beverly Hills, CA and Leonetti with 450 points. In third place was Ellen Addison of New Orleans, LA and Touch Heaven with 273 points.

The West Coast Children’s Hunter division was being led by Gina Kumar of Bellevue, WA and Gavi di Gavi with 720 points. Caitlin Russell of Tulsa, OK and CR Casina stood second with 693 points. Isabel Coleman of New Orleans, LA and Legacy were in third place with 460 points.

In the West Coast Adult Jumper Division, Presented by SmartPak, Emily Straw-Colella of Overland Park, KS and Filibuster were leading with 975 points. Olivia Chowdry of Golden, CO and Gaja 20 were second with 350 points. Kristina Matthews of Denver, CO and Breakfast at Tiffanys were in third place with 225 points.

Hollie Allen of Las Vegas, NV and Sharp Dressed Man were leading the West Coast Children’s Jumper Division, Presented by EquiFit, with 325 points. Shelby Doria of Overland Park, KS and Chief were in second place with 320 points. Carolina West of Park City, UT and Pepino were third with 210 points.

Laura Hite of Coto de Caza, CA and Tivoli Z had 250 points, to lead in the West Coast Low Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Division. Emma Sargent of Cedar Grove, WI and Amazing were in second place with 200 points. Kali Barnes of Boulder, CO and Kardigan Noir stood third with 142 points.

For more information regarding the North American League series please call (717) 867-5643, email to NAL@Ryegate.com or visit www.ryegate.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NALFinals.