Winter weather was nowhere in sight at the LAEC Winter Show last weekend, and the heavy rains of earlier this year were forgotten as riders enjoyed 80-degree temperatures.

Trainer Snowden Clarke and his crew were one such group who enjoyed the sunny skies at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. They also enjoyed some success, with Clarke riding Taxman (Chloe Cassens, owner) to a reserve championship in the 2’9″ Hunters and the championship in 3’0″ Hunters.  Chloe had some good rides on her horse as well, earning ribbons in several of the Low Children’s Hunters and Children’s Hunters classes. She is just moving up to the 3’ classes and won one of her classes at Thermal last week.

Chloe’s sister Josephine piloted her pony, Cardiff Private Affair, to reserve champion in the Small/ Medium Green Pony Hunters and champion in the Medium Pony Hunters. Her efforts qualified her for the USEF National Pony Finals and the West Coast Pony Finals.

“I’m very proud of the kids,” Clarke stated. “They’re all stepping up to new classes with higher fences.”

Clarke also rode Over The Moon (Victoria Komisar, owner) to the 2nd Year Green Reserve Championship.  “We had a good week,” Clarke said. “I love the LEG shows.”

Clarke added that when he moved to Southern California from Virginia, the quality of the LEG shows played a large part in his decision to choose the area. “The judges, the footing—it’s more than you can ask for,” he explained. “Everything is first class. I think the LEG shows are Southern California’s best kept secret.”

Angel Pitton has similar feelings about the LEG shows, often making the five-hour drive from Las Vegas to LAEC to attend. “They’re exhibitor friendly, you get to school in the different rings, and the office has a good add/scratch policy,” Pitton said. “Plus, there are convenient hotels and places to eat. The whole thing is just easy.”

Another trainer who had success at the LAEC Winter Show was Amy Hess, who rode Starlight Waltz (Jan Steeper, owner) to a championship in the Baby Green. Steeper also rode her to several ribbons in the Long Stirrup section, including a win in the under saddle class.  “She was pretty excited,” said Hess of Steeper. “This was only her second rated show.”  Student Amanda Gomez was reserve champion in the Opportunity section with Sadie Hawkins after winning the equitation class and coming in second in pleasure and cross rails. “I like the Opportunity section,” Hess offered. “It gives kids just starting out the chance to experience a rated show.”

Lisa Stroway also saw some tri-colors in her barn by the end of the show. Emma Lapin rode her All or Nothing to dual reserve championships in the Low Children’s and Children’s Hunters 13 & Under, earning three firsts among her many ribbons.  Stroway rode her own B Honorable to several ribbons in the Baby Green Hunters and Grace Barvin’s Cinders to ribbons in the Low Hunters, while student Alyssa Taylor earned a number of ribbons with her horse Coffee Break in several Children’s Hunters classes.

In the jumper ring, riders from Martin McAllister Training earned multiple championships.  Nicolas Rossi piloted Monsieur (Alexandra Stewart, owner) to the Low Children’s/Adult Jumper championship, while Madeleine Holmes took home the reserve championship with Carlo Carlando (Marnco, owner).

“They both rode great,” said Steve McAllister of his two students. “Nicolas grew up in Uruguay,” explained McAllister.  “His wife is in a doctorate program at Cal Tech and Nicolas wanted to learn about the American style of riding.  He works very hard and is a pleasure to teach.  Madeleine is also a good student and she is heading to college (Gaucher) this fall and already has a spot on their varsity equestrian team.”  In the Junior/ Amateur Owner jumpers, Marnye Langer and Glados earned the reserve championship.

Gold Coast 2 is next up for the LEG shows at LAEC on April 9-11. Verdugo Hills 3 at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center is scheduled for April 2-3, while the Woodside Spring shows will be April 29 – May 2 and May 6-8.  The Colorado Spring shows get underway May 13-16 and run for three weeks at the Colorado Horse Park.  For more information, including prize lists, schedules, and show results visit the LEG website at  http://www.leghorseshows.com/laec/index.php.