WCAR Spruce Meadows Teams, and West Coast riders, wrapped up their trip to Canada with placings galore, and a special win in the 1.40 Meter Final Four that was both exciting and nail biting. From being eliminated in the first round of that distinctive class, to taking the top place in the end, Richard Neal, followed by 2nd place winner Karl Cook, had the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Richard’s horse took a misstep at jump #5 and came to a slide stop, then stopped at another fence, eliminating Richard from that round. Scoring in that situation is 20 points added to the highest faults. Lucky for Richard that the other riders made it around with either clear or 1 fault, ending up with 21 points for Richard. Riding all three of the other horses with clear rounds, Richard stood on the top of the Medal Podium, Gold Medal, when the USA National Anthem was played.

The 1.40 Team competition Gold Medal was won by Chelsea Wilkinson, Taylor Coe, Danielle Korsh and Morgan Caplane. Following the class scores, Team Golden State Starrz ended the class with only four total faults to stand on the top of the podium for the Gold. With Team Captain Craig Starr leading the way to the win platforms, the girls returned for the presentations. Representing the West Coast against 10 other Teams, WCAR is proud of the outstanding accomplishment of this Team.

Paris Theodosakis had an exceptional trip north also. Winning the opening 1.20 meter Speed Class on Thursday, she added another win in the Saturday Grand Prix to her placings.

Another star for WCAR was Theo Boris riding in the 1.30 meter classes. Starting off with a 4th in the Thursday Speed, he was again super on Saturday to be 2nd in the Grand prix for that level, making for a spot in the Final Four. With just a problem or two in that class, he ended up 4th.

Jessica Petro, granddaughter of Harry and Molly Chapman, had a bit of trouble the beginning of the week, but re-grouped and hit a massive stride in the 1.10 meter Grand Prix on Saturday to win that class with WCAR’s own Taylor Siebel right behind her in 2nd place. Julie Hancock kept herself right in the ribbons the entire week to earn a spot in the Final Four on Sunday in the 1.30 meter division. Having a bit of difficulty with the bigger, stronger horses from Mexico and Venezuela, she ended up 4th.

Naomi Sedgwick took a very fast pace to be 2nd in the 1.30 Speed class on Thursday. With other placings thru the week, Naomi has hit her stride in the 1.30’s, what’s next??

Annie Laurie Cook was 3rd in the start off Speed class on Thursday and stayed in the ribbons all week. Staying true to her riding she was exceptional in the first round of the Grand Prix, but got a little lost to the very last fence in round two and ended with seven faults, still an exceptional week at Spruce.

Karl Cook and Alec Lawler were in the top of just every 1.40 class the entire week, with Karl being 2nd consistently in all classes except the team competition where they were 4th. Lots of other placings that I will list below or you can go to the Spruce Meadows site and browse, www.sprucemeadows.com.

The send off dinner on Wednesday night was an open dinner, inviting anyone from the West Coast to come and spend some time. The riders went to Tony Romas with an estimated reservation for 30-35 people. The excitement of almost 100 people showing up made that evening a tremendous way to start the week. WCAR was especially happy to see the Northern California (Nor-Cal) Teams, their parents and trainers come for the evening in a show of unity for the entire coast.

Team Jackets were distributed and off they went for the competition.

A special thanks to all the following sponsors and supports that made the riders and Teams look their best. PLEASE stop by these vendors and see what they have to offer you, there is WCAR equipment available at most of them, enjoy the new look.

J-2... For their never ending support and encouragement of WCAR
Argentina Horse Trade... Again the supplier of beautiful coolers for all riders
Threadneedle Embroidery... So many logos on so much equipment
Eous... Supplied Navy Blue Saddle Pads
Ippos... "Rat Packer" bags for all riders
Ayora Saddlery... Hunt Coats, jackets and Polos for all riders
Margaret’s Pony Expresso Café... Send off Party, root beer floats
Trace Embroidery, Canada... Red Team Jackets and embroidery at the last minute
WCAR... duffle bags

Friends of the Teams Sponsors:
John French, Waldenbrook Stables
Taylor Harris
Plaid Ranch, Lisa Adams
Spartan Stables, The Theodosakis Family
The Camelot Foundation, Julie Hancock
Rebecca Lewis (Lewis Circle of Horses)
The Dotson Family
Haley Roberson
The Cook Family
Cynthia Hampton
Jessica Petro
Taylor Siebel


West Coast Results
Placings for the week, WCAR Team members in bold: