SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Riders who excelled in the jumper ring earned extra recognition during the last two weeks of the outdoor Blenheim EquiSports show season through the new Veredus Leading Jumper Rider awards program. After all the points were tallied, riders from the Open, Junior, Amateur, Adult and Children’s divisions were presented with a Leading Rider Sash and a Veredus Horse Boots gift certificate. One rider even made history in the process – Tina Yates with her amazing double win, finishing clean and clear on two horses with the same jump-off time in the $30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix.

After an amazing two weeks of top notch competition, emerging professional Tina Yates garnered the Leading Professional Open Jumper Rider title after a thrilling and historic win in the $30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix at the Blenheim Fall Tournament, where Yates duplicated her score and time on both Bowmore VDL and Cicomein VDL, and by winning in the $30,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix, presented by ACE Equestrian at the International Jumping Festival one week later.

Now that you drive confidently and have educated yourself with lessons, books and articles, what can you DO with all of that knowledge?

There is a great program available to evaluate all that gained knowledge. It’s very similar to Pony Club. You work upward through the levels of requirements by being evaluated and rewarded for your knowledge. You receive a certificate for each level that you achieve, and a lapel pin for bragging rights. The Carriage Association of America’s (CAA) Driver Proficiency Program (DPP) is an excellent opportunity for recreational and professional drivers alike to put a framework to their carriage driving skills and knowledge. Knowledge and recognition can reduce your liability through safe practices.