Winners of the Charles Owen Technical Merit Award at The Event at Rebecca Farm

Updated: 2009-07-31

The Charles Owen Technical Merit Award was presented to a rider in each division of preliminary and training levels at this year's Event at Rebecca Farm. This year's award was judged by Level IV ICP instructor, Peter Gray, and Paul Delbrook. 

The award was founded by the USEA Professional Horseman’s Council. Riders may volunteer to be judged for this special award and the outcome will not affect their official score at the event in any way. The hope is that this award will provide incentives for riders who demonstrate exemplary cross-country technique, and will also educate riders and trainers as to what constitutes safe riding across country. The riders will receive scoresheets with written comments, which will provide valuable feedback for them and their trainers. Judges qualified to evaluate riders to receive the award are: Level IV ICP instructors, USEA licensed officials, and USET Senior Team riders.

(Above Right: Jordan Hanson, winner of the Technical Merit Award for Senior Open Training C, guides her horse Trelawny over the Rebecca Farm cross-country course. Geary Eppley Photo.)

(Above Left: Judges Peter Gray and Paul Delbrook carefully study the riders as they took the course on cross-country day. Jo Whitehouse Photo.)

The judging criteria is based on technical merit and safe riding on cross country. It includes the following elements:

1. Gallop - Appropriate speed for level/terrain/conditions - appropriate rider position
2. Preparation Zone - Demonstrates correct change in speed, balance, and rider position for obstacle. Correct line of approach and control.
3. Jumping Position of Rider - Balance, security of lower leg - appropriate use of upper body, fitness.
4. Jumping Phase of Horse - Athletic ability, technique, and fitness.
5. General Impression - Safety, confidence, competence, and partnership.

(Above Right: Event Organizer, Sarah Kelly, presents Jordan Hanson with her award at the Saturday night party. Geary Eppley Photo. Below right: Ashley Dalton-Crawford & Rockstar III won the Technical Merit award in the CIC1* division. Emily Daily photo.)

Congratulations to the winners of the Charles Owen Safety Awards at The Event at Rebecca Farm!

Junior Open Training A - Jordan Beckingham and Star Wars - Score of 92
Junior Open Training B - Katherine Mellis and Castle View - Score of 90
Senior Open Training A - Sarah Kelly and Bad Boy Billy - Score of 94.5
Senior Open Training B - Lynne Larse and Kokopelli - Score of 90.1
Senior Open Training C - Jordan Hanson and Trelawny - Score of 88.5
Senior Open Training D - Suzy Elliott and Tiger Tie - Score of 91.5
Open Preliminary A - Hawley Bennett-Awad and Amstel - Score of 91
Open Preliminary B - Amelia Priesthoff and The Perfect Crime - Score of 90
Junior Open Preliminary - Jane Zanzig and Beam Me Up Scottie - Score of 88.5
CIC* - Ashley Dalton-Crawford and Rockstar III - Score of 90

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