TOPSHAM — The Ellis River Riders of Andover held a versatility trail challenge at the first Maine Equine Supershowdeo.

This event is a timed event. The horse and rider must pass through an obstacle course and are given a score of 0 to 5 for each obstacle based on horsemanship and the willingness of the horse to perform the task. There was a 30-second time limit to complete each of a series of 17 obstacles. The top five fastest overall runs received bonus points which were added to their score so that time and precision both count toward the overall score.

The top six adult riders received cash prizes and the first-place rider also received a belt buckle and a trophy. The top youth rider received a gift certificate donated by Aubuchon Hardware in Rumford and both youth riders received gift bags donated by Sable Oak Equestrian Center. Many door prizes were also given by means of a free raffle. Sherrye Johnson Trafton, an internationally acclaimed judge and winner of the Equine Affaire’s versatile horse competition, judged the event. The final results of the event were as follows.

Adults: 1st place, Tony DeLaTorre riding FF Jacobs Tune; 2nd, Jamie Leo riding Stormy Knight; 3rd, Pam Edwards riding riding Splash This Chip; 4th, Sam Lindley riding Mouse; 5th, Chris Lombard riding Rocky; and 6th, Deb Cayer riding Morning Son.

Youth: 1st place, Paige Garcia riding Red Fury; and 2nd, Shaynah Seames riding Rio Wolf Creek,

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