Riders from Kings Corner Training Stables showed their staying power, by winning Year End Awards for the Meadows of Moorpark. Karen Schott, Bailey Brantley, and Taurie Banks, came home with five of the top honors.

Sunday, Oct 14th, was the last Combined Test Derby to finish off the season. The Year End Awards were presented to those riders who have the most points for competing in each division through out the year.
At each competition, riders are required to compete in Dressage and A Jumping phase.

Dressage is a form of training and is judged by riding a pattern of movements, performed at specific markers in the arena, and are scored on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 being perfect. These scores are added together along with scores for the overall impression of the ride, and converted into penalty points. The rider with the lowest score in Dressage is the leader.

The jumping phase at a Derby combines the challenge of Cross Country fences, that are solid and may include a bank, ditch or even water, and Stadium fences, which are the bright colored fences that can fall if the horse knocks them. The object of the jumping phase is to complete the course with no jumping penalties and within the time allowed.

The Dressage score is then added to any penalties from the jumping phase, and the winner is determined by the lowest overall score.

Adult Amateur, Karen Schott, of Ventura, riding her BLM Mustang, “Tucker” won the Intro Beginner Novice Division. This is her first year competing in the combined training competition. Tucker is owned and trained by Karen. She started him in Western Pleasure and has continued to expand his talents by adding Dressage and jumping. She was a strong leader in the Intro Beginner Novice division, winning several competitions with her strong Dressage performance.

Bailey Brantley, 14, of Fillmore, riding the American Paint Horse, “Absolutely No Color”, walked away with the Beginner Novice Title. Bailey began the year at the Beginner Novice Level and quickly moved up to Novice Level. She and the chestnut mare, owned by Sue Fleczok of Simi Valley, have become quite a pair, and were even the highest placed Pony Club rider at the Novice Level at Shepherd Ranch Horse Trials this summer in Santa Ynez.

Taurie Banks aboard her American Paint Horse Stallion, “Tribal King” won the two highest level divisions at the Meadows of Moorpark, by winning the Training Level Champion and the Preliminary Level Champion. She also won the Overall Season Champion for the Combined Test Derby.

Each rider received an embroidered saddle pad, a trophy frame, a gift certificate from the Meadows of Moorpark, and a bouquet of flowers.

Taurie Banks, owner and trainer at Kings Corner Training Stables, is very pleased with the performance of her students, Karen and Bailey. “They have worked so hard and come so far”, Taurie said smiling. “They have both shown their strength and diversity by competing successfully in both the Dressage and Jumping phases. They make me look good and make me very proud!”

Taurie is also very pleased with her performances this year. “I really pushed myself and my horse to become stronger and more consistent. We have had a fabulous year so far.” Taurie said, letting us know she has two more big competitions this year to finish off her show season with Tribal King. “I have had a great year with all my horses and students! It has been a really fun year for all of us!”

Taurie trains, and teaches, at her facility in Fillmore. She is the only United States Eventing Association Certified Instructor in Ventura County, and is also the administrator of the new Kings Corner Pony Club riding Center. For more information you can visit her website at www.kingscornerstables.com.