Sara Sellmer of Kamloops, B.C. pulled off a remarkable feat close to home at the Mustang Powder Horse Trials, held May 16-19 in Chase, B.C.

In the CCI 1* division, Sellmer proved unbeatable, riding two mounts to the top of the standings to take first and second place.

Sellmer’s win came aboard her 10-year-old Canadian Warmblood mare, Sloan McQuick (Florian x Formatt). After scoring 57.3 penalty points in the dressage phase, the duo ended the first day in fourth place. However, they rose to the top of the leaderboard after being the only pair of the day to pull off a faultless cross-country round over course designer and event organizer, Nick Holmes-Smith’s 4,200 metre course, which featured two water complexes. Zero jumping and just four time penalties in the final show jumping phase allowed them to hold onto their lead with a final score of 61.3 penalties.

Her second place finish was earned with TF Kreisler, her 11-year-old Irish Warmblood gelding, sired by Menuhin. A dressage score of 51.0 penalties started them off in third place. They moved up to second place after putting in a cross-country performance that saw no jumping, but 17.6 time penalties. Four jumping and two time faults in show jumping kept them in second place overall on a total score of 74.6.

“I could not have asked for more from my two horses,” said Sellmer. “I found the cross-country to be challenging, but fair, with its varied terrain. It’s always a pleasure to attend this top class event.”

Rounding out the top three placings was Jessica Kerschbaumer of Blackfalds, Alta. and her 14-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Hard Sun (Ciano Cat x Sunny Halo). Their performance was highlighted by a cross-country round that incurred no jumping penalties. Just two rails came down for eight show jumping faults, bringing their final score to 81.5 penalties.

Holmes-Smith’s daughter, Tosca, emerged the winner of the CIC 1* division. Partnered with her mother, Ali Holmes-Smith’s 20-year-old Welsh cross gelding, Paddington, she was the only rider to complete all three phases, and finished on a total score of 103.0 penalties.

For more information and full results, click here.