Lanie Walkenbach wins 49th edition of venerable medal event

Special to the Horsetrader

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — The grass of The Oaks International Grand Prix Field was the stage Sept. 13 for 21 top amateurs to vie for the Foxfield Medal Final, held for just the second time in 49 years outside the Foxfield Riding School in Westlake Village.

In a close competition to the end, Lanie Walkenbach, a student at Texas Christian University, edged past Emily Williams and Haylee Hall for the victory. A mere three percentage points had separated the trio at the final compilation of two rounds of riding.

“I am currently on TCU Equestrian team, so I just come to show when I get the opportunity,” said Walkenbach.

Walkenbach and Let’s Go set the pace in Round 1 with a beautiful trip over the 3’3” course, scoring an average of 89.5.

Taking each rider’s overall average after two rounds, Williams, Walkenbach, and Hall were lined up with averages of 89.5, 87.75, and 87, respectively, and were brought back for an additional third round of tests. The work-off included a trot fence, counter canter fence, a walk transition in between a bending line, hand-galloping an oxer, and demonstrating simple changes of lead. Ellis and Wells sat together for this third round, and no scores were announced. A beautiful and accurate effort by Walkenbach rewarded her as this year’s winner.

Walkenbach praised her mount, Let’s Go, known as “Pedro” around the barn, after the win.

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