Peggy Riley and Jetalito Sunny Step are golden at Western Dressage World Show

For APHA member Peggy Verdonck Riley of Wetumpka, Alabama, the path to victory is paved with gold and chrome—paired with her 2004 palomino overo mare Jetalito Sunny Step, Peggy recently earned a world championship in Western dressage. Western Dressage Association of America World Championship Show took place November 1-2 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Peggy and “Jay” were part of more than 430 teams competing for world championship titles in 36 classes at the premier Western dressage competition. 

Paints were out in force at the competition, and a number of them took home top prizes [see end of this story and the January 2015 Paint Horse Journal’s “Paint Portfolio”]. Peggy and Jay competed in four classes, taking home a world championship in Level 1, Test 3 Open and a reserve world championship in Level 2, Test 1 Open, along with the Open Level 1 High-Point buckle.

Peggy shared her story with the Paint Horse Journal—read on and get inspired! And remember, Paints can earn recognition in Western and traditional dressage through APHA’s Paint Alternative Competition program, and some traditional dressage events are eligible for APHA points and other awards, too! Learn more about Western dressage in the July 2013 Paint Horse Journal, available at phj.apha.com.

To read the full article on APHA.com, click here.

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