Youth Awards

The Community Horse Youth Award is given to the junior exhibitor who has shown the best horsemanship and sportsmanship at an equestrian competition. This is the youth who is working hard with a great attitude. This junior is taking good care of their horse, cheering on their friends, and helping others.

yAlexis McGabe won the Youth Award riding Arabian mare Amira at the Spirit Trail Ride in Southampton, Massachusetts, on May 6. “The judges thought Alexis remained calm even though her horse was anxious,” says ride organizer Kate Raymond. “She was patient with soft, quiet hands and gave Amira reassuring pats.” Congratulations, Alexis!

y At her first away show, Addilyn Grabo,7, of Coventry, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Connecticut Dressage and Combined Training Association’s Show at the Westbrook Hunt Club riding Watch My Twix, a Chincoteague Pony. Congratulations, Addilyn!

y Payton McPherson, 11, of East Granby, Connecticut, won the Youth Award at the Frazier Farm Combined Test riding Pepperoni. Congratulations, Payton!

yShade Bedard won the Youth Award at the Horse Power Farm Cross Country Derby in Canterbury, Connecticut, for her outstanding sportsmanship. Congratulations, Shade!

y Alana Noe riding Heyday Revolution won the Youth Award at the Connecticut Morgan Open Horse Show. Alana rides with Alex Matta at A&M Equine Services in Middleboro, Massachusetts. Congratulations, Alana!

Additionally, but not pictured: yAugusta Gaudet, 9, of Manchester, Massachusetts, won the Youth award aboard Delilah at the Back Bay Farm Horse Show in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Congratulations, Augusta!