Ottawa, Ontario— Wendy Southam of Stoufville, ON earned the United States Eventing Association Advanced Master Amateur Rider of the Year Award, after a successful season competing in the United States.
Open to amateurs over the age of 40 who are current USEA members, riders accumulate points for placings earned in the Advanced division at events throughout the 2006 season. Paired with her 14-year-old Zangersheide mare Ruba Z, Southam finished the season at the top of the leaderboard with 23 points.
“This season was my first ever attempt at the Advanced eventing level. Ruba Z and I had three very successful seasons at the Preliminary level, followed by two very successful seasons at the Intermediate level, with many first place finishes,” explained Southam. “I knew that if I was ever going to try the Advanced level, Ruba Z was definitely the horse to try it on.”
The duo started the season out very strong in March, winning the Advanced division at the Pine Top Spring Horse Trials in Thomson, Georgia. More recently, in September, they finished eighth out of a very competitive field of 38 entries at the Plantation Horse Trials in Unionville, Pennsylvania.
“We had many great moments over the year, and learned a lot too,” commented Southam. “I only ride one horse a day, and don’t make my living at this sport, so its nice to be recognized in a sport where at the Advanced level it is mostly professionals who you are competing against, and who place at most of the shows.”
Southam will receive her award at the USEA Awards Banquet and Annual Convention, to be held December 7 – 10, 2006 in St. Louis, Missouri.
“Being recognized as Advanced Master Amateur Rider of the Year by the USEA is very exciting and a great honour,” stated Southam.
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