Riders and horses from Riqueza Riding Academy had an exciting 2 weeks in Tucson, Arizona at the Tuscon Fall Horse Show, a show jumping event. The riders came home with a suitcase full of ribbons, including Championship titles.
Danielle Pennacchetti is the owner and head trainer of Riqueza Riding Academy; which is located just east Of Chestermere. Riqueza is a Hunter/Jumper barn that offers lessons for all riders, from beginners to advanced, as well as training for young horses just starting or refining the older horse.
Pennacchetti recently took 2 of her young students and some pretty special horses down south for the incredible opportunity to compete in what she describes as a laid back, relaxed show where riders have the chance to compete frequent times per day. “Competing in this event allows the riders go get into the ring numerous times, which helps exponentially with locking in their skills,” says Pennacchetti.
17 year old Kelsey Simpson and 13 year old Carley Loucks have been training with Pennacchetti for several years. Simpson, a grade 12 student at Chestermere High was sponsored to compete in Tucson by Straight Line Gym Re-Finishing. This was her first time back in the competition ring in over two years since her horse, Leo, suffered an injury; preventing Simpson from showing with him in the past season.
“This was such a big opportunity to compete again and I really wanted to make it count,” remarks Simpson, of all the hard work and training that she and Pennacchetti invested over the past several months with a new horse that Simpson recently began leasing, named Lady’s Little Star.
Simpson explains that she and Lady’s Little Star began the two week trip by competing in the .95m division. After winning Champion in that division during week one, they decided to move up to the 1m division for week two where they were also able to find success.
“I had never competed in the 1m division before so I was not sure what to expect but it was so much fun and really worth it,” says Simpson. She and Lady’s Little Star were able to show off their skills in the ring and ultimately won Champion in that division as well. “Lady is such a rock solid mare – she really performed well in the ring and I am so thankful I had that opportunity, thanks to my sponsor.”
Simpson’s goal is to acquire a permanent sponsor which would allow her to solidify her goals and work towards going Pro one day.
Carley Loucks, a grade 7 student at Chestermere Middle School also had a successful trip. She and her horse PacMan won Champion in the .85m division and then moved up to compete in a combination of .85m, .90m and .95m during week two.
“I saw both girls and their horses learn a lot over the two weeks and they really improved their skills,” says Pennachetti, “I am very proud of all their hard work.”
Pennachetti added that she was proud to also take down a young five year old warm blood named Calista that belongs to Morgan Primrose. Pennachetti herself was able to ride Calista in the Arizona competition and was really pleased with how well the young horse did at her first show. “She learned a ton and showed fantastic,” beamed Pennachetti.
For more information about Riqueza Riding Academy, visit their website at www.riquezaridingacademy.ca
