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Sedona Verde Valley School First in Endurance

 

Pictured from left are: Andrea Cristiani, Sophia Wasteneys, Alexa Szombathy, Emma Warren, and Shenandoah Cornish.

 

Sedona AZ (February 15, 2012) – Verde Valley School equestrians won the 35 mile Springdale Romp Pioneer Endurance Race in Safford, Arizona on Saturday, February 4, 2012. “It was a tight competition and adrenaline was pumping from start to finish,” said the Sedona VVS Equestrian Director Caroline Diehl.

Five VVS students and two riding instructors from the Sedona Village of Oak Creek school competed in the race after months of training. For years, VVS has been competing in the AERC Endurance Circuit and has consistently finished in the top ten.

VVS riders are usually the only teen-aged riders and compete against adults from all over the Southwest who take this sport very seriously. “Competition is fierce during the races, but there is a nice  camaraderie amongst racers before and after,” said Diehl. “I stress to my students that it is impressive just to complete these races, so winning this one exceeded expectations.”

“It was an amazing feeling to cross that finish line together in first place,” said VVS senior Emma Warren. While six VVS riders crossed the finish line simultaneously in first place, the horse’s heart rate must drop below 60 beats per minute before the rider’s finishing time is recorded.

“Endurance racing is not only about riding fast, it’s about riding smart and with your horse’s health at the forefront,” explained Diehl. All six of the VVS horses pulsed down within minutes.

Andrea Cristiani (on Renegade) took first with a time of 3 hours, 44 minutes. Sophia Wasteneys (on Sassy) took second, Caroline Diehl (on Zahaar) took third, Alexa Szombathy (on Shezaada) took fourth, Emma Warren (on Echo) took fifth,  and Shenandoah Cornish (on Toby) took eighth. Jen Warren (on Guacho) came in a little later at eleventh place out of twenty riders.

VVS senior, Caridee Choi, deserves recognition for training Sassy (the second place horse) in the months leading up to the competition. “Unfortunately, Caridee was unable to ride, but her efforts and hard work are what made Sassy fit enough to take second place,” explained Diehl.

Dako Lesman was also invaluable during training rides, filling in and riding whatever horse needed work. “Although endurance racing is an individual sport, VVS chooses to ride as a team and it takes everyone working together to make it happen,” continued the VVS equestrian director. “It was a thrilling race. Our horses and riders put forth an incredible effort – it was truly impressive.”

This Verde Valley School article written and submitted by Sedona Eye contributing writer, Hilde Keldermans.

 

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1 Comment

  1. Civics Lessons says:

    A large group of international students from the Verde Valley School (VOC) helped pick up litter during the Gary Chamberlain Leap Frog Two event! Their civic responsibility was greatly admired and appreciated and the students help was immeasurable to the success of the Leap Frog event.

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