BIG winners

Riding students at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center competed in a horse show over the weekend at Galway Downs in Temecula and came away with a boatload of awards.

Six Canyon Lake girls each competed in several classes over the two days of showing, some jumping and some in “flat” classes. Judges scored them on their riding style and position, control of their horses, as well as how they followed directions.

The girls, all under the age of 13, took home three Overall Show Championships and two Overall Reserve Championships in their age and ability levels. They also won 19 first places, 15 second places, seven third places and one fourth place.

Charlotte Moore and Addison Portillo both competed on their lesson pony GG.

For several of the girls, this was their very first time competing at a horse show.

“I love watching all these young ladies work week in and week out, then receive the reward like they did this weekend,” resident horse trainer and riding instructor Michelle Stubbs said. “All of them are already excitedly looking forward to their next show.”

Kyla Easterly and Taylor Schoessow shared Bugsy Boy (Bugsy), Addison Portillo and Charlotte Moore shared Too Many Gs (GG), Lily Freesmeier rode Donatello (Donny) and Jenna Humphrey rode April.

This was the first show for both Lily and her young horse.

“The first day I was really nervous and my horse was interested in everything,” Lily said. “But the next day he was on his game, and I felt way more comfortable.”

Kyla Easterly competed at the two-day show on her favorite Canyon Lake Equestrian Center lesson horse Bugsy.

“I felt nervous at first, then I relaxed, “ Jenna said. “The second day I felt even better. A lot of practice really helped, and my pony was really good.”

“I already have a ribbon wall set up in my bedroom,” Charlotte said. “I can’t wait to add more to it.”

“The show was great,” Addison said. “I had so much fun with the other girls. I learned a whole bunch of stuff, like how to do my hair.”

Quite a few Canyon Lakers showed up to support the students and experience a day of horse showing.

“It’s just one more special aspect of our little community,” Michelle said. “There were so many who came out to support these girls…and it wasn’t just their immediate families.”

Jenna Humphrey clears a jump on April during competition at Galway Downs in Temecula over the weekend.

Michelle was grateful for the help she and the girls received at the show.

“A special thank you to Donna Kupke and Amber Alderson for all their hard work and devoting their entire weekend to these young riders and their horses,” she said. “Thank you also to Amanda Portillo and Gina Hipsack for trailering the horses to and from the showgrounds.”

Canyon Lakers interested in riding lessons can text Michelle at 949-412-2927. Lessons are available for all levels, beginner to advanced, ages five years and up. Lesson horses and riding tack are provided. Full and half training of privately-owned horses is also available.

“For anyone who just loves horses and wants to keep up on the latest Canyon Lake “Barn” happenings, please request to join the Canyon Lake Equestrian Club Facebook page,” Michelle said.

Taylor Schoessow shows her show skills while riding Bugsy at the Galway Downs show.

Photos provided by Canyon Lake Equestrian Club