Breeders’ Cup Winning Trainer John Sadler aboard Audible. Image: Courtesy of Kristin Lee Photography
*Post Originally Appeared on Carma4horses.org*
The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization for the welfare of retired racehorses, again hosted its annual Thoroughbred Holiday Classic Horse Show on the first weekend of December at Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank.
With over 100 Off-The-Track-Thoroughbreds competing in Jumpers, Hunters, Dressage, Western, Gymkhana, and Showmanship, the show was a huge success. Saturday night, the Trainer & Jockey Calcutta, a competition over a Jumper course for racetrack trainers, jockeys and TV personalities, drew a crowd of over 200 spectators.
The crowd cheered all the riders, including jockeys, some in their very first effort over fences. Others, including perennial leading trainer and winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, John Sadler, were experienced show jumping riders and took to the course with flawless style.
After 20 riders competed in 5 teams, the championship Team Trophy went to the Female Jockeys, captained by Kayla Stra on her white gelding, On Holy Ground. Her teammates, Kate Payeras (who won the Trophy for champion Individual Rider), Roxanne Losey, and Jessica D’Amato, shared the honors.
Santa Anita Park provided BBQ for all, and the enthusiastic crowd enjoyed dinner, drinks and a very entertaining show.