From Gymkhana Beginner to Gymkhana Champion

We did it!

This year we competed in the full Fullerton Recreational Riders Gymkhana season. In the beginning of the season we showed in the Open Division, taking high point at the first show of the season.  After the first show, based on your times from each event, horse/rider pairs are placed in a temporary division. Last year our temporary division ranking was 5. This year we were placed up one division into CSHA Division 4. After three shows have been run, the CSHA (California State Horseman's Association) gymkhana rating secretary will rate a horse/rider combination into a speed division. We were placed into Division 4 formally after the third show of the FRR season.

We ran in Division 4, against many seasoned gymkhana riders and horses. Early in the season, we were winning consistently, and gaining a lot of points toward the year end high point. Near the end of the season, some very talented and fast pairs from Division 5 ended up moving into our division. At the last two shows of the season, it looked like the former Division 5 pair, a quick quarter horse named Poison and Sophia Delgado, might pass Gigi and I up on points. It was neck and neck between us in the end, but Gigi and I just barely held our lead:

Final 2015 FRR Points Standings for Division 4 Gymkhana

My fast little thoroughbred was able to win the Championship buckle our first full season!

2015 Division 4 FRR Gymkhana Champions: Gigi & Jessica

Jessica accepting the award at the FRR Holiday Banquet

Gigi was also featured on the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Off Track Thoroughbred blog for her talent in Gymkhana:

Broodmare, 21, is Calif. gymkhana champ
At 20, a t’bred full of surprises tackles gymkhana


Gymkhana was a fun switch from the world of hunters/jumpers/equitation. Gigi seems to enjoy doing something a little different now and again. I have been taking jumping lessons again with Gigi, and we may try a little of both next year: jumpers and gymkhana. Show goals for next year: compete in the The Thoroughbred Classic horse shows!