Liberty County riders were among the competition in the 43rdannual Southeastern Charity Horse Show held Sept. 17-20 at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers.
Bluff Creek Stables of Colonels Island-Midway and Dixie Stables of Allenhurst represented Liberty County at this year’s event. Thirty-plus barns competed in 127 classes.
The event kicks off the fall-show season for the American Saddlebred Horse Association of Georgia.
“While the number of barns participating at this year’s show is down, the caliber of horses and riders is as good as I have ever seen it,” Bluff Creek Stables owner Mary Anne Jones said.
Dixie Stables’ Emily Egner was the big winner for Liberty County. Riding Miles Red White and Blue, Enger won first place in the 9-10-year walk/trot academy showmanship class, second place in the 9-10 walk/trot equitation class and sixth place in the 9-10 walk/trot championship.
“I worked very hard to prepare for Southeastern,” Enger said. “When I heard my name called for first place, I was really excited.”
Due to some cancellation in the 13-and-younger academy classes, Lily Darsey, riding Silk’s Midnight Lily, moved up a division and competed in the 17-and-younger classes. Darsey held her own in large field of seasoned riders, coming in fourth in the walk, trot, canter equitation and showmanship classes as well as fifth in the championship class.
Dixie Stables trainer Caitlin Jarriel was happy with the outcome of her team’s results.
“I was very proud of Emily and Lily (Darsey) at Southeastern. It was apparent in the show ring that their hard work is paying off,” she said.
Bluff Creek Stables’ seven riders finished well in all classes. Sydney Prindiville took third in the academy walk, trot canter showmanship and equitation classes. Sara Kate Garett finished third in the country pleasure novice rider class. Lori Harden finished fourth in the show pleasure novice rider.
“While Lori finished fourth in this class, it was maybe her best ride ever,” says Deanna Edgy, Bluff Creek Stables trainer, of Harden’s ride on Twist of Fate.
The Liberty County barns are scheduled to participate in the 2014 Georgia State Fair today (Monday) and Tuesday. On Oct. 25, Bluff Creek will host its annual fall horse show on Colonels Island.