Ponte Vedra 8 year-old Lance Tan and his mount, Cruise Control recently defended their Winter Series Circuit Championship in the Short Stirrup Hunter Division. The North Florida Hunter Jumper Association (NFHJA) annually holds the Jacksonville Winter Series, an "AA" rated United States Equestrian Federation sanctioned five-week series of horse shows attracting Olympic and world class international Grand Prix riders, as well as local and regional competitors of all levels.
Tan, along with his welsh-cross pony, Cruise Control were the defending 2009 Winter Series Circuit Champions in the Short Stirrup Hunter Division. The rider/pony combination was able to defend their title by winning Champion honors in three weeks of the five weeks of the series, and Reserve Champion honors in two weeks. Their cumulative score for placements in their division garnered them Circuit Champion honors. Tan and Cruise Control also won the "Classic" hunter round in three weeks of competition. Tan’s trainers for the Winter Series were Nashea Rowland Powell, and Megan Young of Coriander Farm in Jacksonville.
"We were extremely pleased that Lance and Coco (Cruise Control) were able to defend their Circuit Championship against riders from as far away as Ohio and Virginia," said Coriander Farm owner, Katie Young. "This is the last year Lance will be able to compete in this division, because the rules limit riders to two years in Short Stirrup. It is very special that they were able to do it again in their second and final year. "
Tan and Cruise Control were awarded numerous rosettes and prizes throughout the series for their efforts, culminating with the presentation of a wool dress sheet from the NFHJA for the champion mount.
(904)285-8831
