Daphne Shiebler Shines in PCHA Junior/Amateur Horsemanship 2’9” Finals at Blenheim EquiSports

Daphne Shiebler was presented as the winner of the PCHA Junior/Amateur Horsemanship 2’9″ Finals, South. Photo by McCool Photography

San Juan Capistrano, CA – August 7, 2022 – Daphne Shiebler topped a field of 21 entries over three phases of competition to win the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association (PCHA) Junior/Amateur Horsemanship 2’9” Finals, South on August 6-7 at the Blenheim August Festival in San Juan Capistrano, CA. 

Following two rounds of competition in the Olympic Sand Ring at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, the top six riders returned for additional testing in front of judges Sandy Aston and Hap Hansen. Shiebler and her mount, Carl, were the final pair to return for the work-off as they held the top spot, and their test only further cemented their lead. 

As requested, Shiebler and Carl entered the ring at a walk, cantered down the quarter line demonstrating three simple changes of lead, cantered three fences, and demonstrated a sitting trot before exiting the ring at a walk. 

Daphne Shiebler and Carl. Photo by McCool Photography

“I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better!” said Shiebler, 15. “[Winning the PCHA Finals] is a dream come true, especially because this is our first finals together.”

Shiebler only began riding Carl, a 13-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Heidi Tanklage, three weeks ago, and the Blenheim August Festival marked the duo’s second competition together. 

“I just love him so much,” said Shiebler. “I couldn’t have asked for a better horse to ride. He’s kind of a strong horse. It took me a little bit to get used to, but once you figure him out, he couldn’t be more lovely to ride.”

For the win, Shiebler was presented with the Marcia “Mousie” Williams Memorial Trophy, sponsored by Raizy Goffman, a $50 Topline Design Ribbon Wreath gift certificate, and a Topline Design Ribbon Wreath picture frame, donated by Blenheim EquiSports.

Daphne Shiebler and Carl. Photo by McCool Photography

Finishing in second place were Ashley Emery and Vuitton, and Katherine Funk and Valentino rounded out the top three.

Founded in 1946, the Pacific Coast Horse Shows Association promotes the interests of owners and exhibitors, cooperates with exhibitors, officials and management of competition; publicizes and advertises PCHA sanctioned shows; and encourages and assists owners, exhibitors and breeders of horses to maintain, develop and improve the quality of horses of the hunter, jumper, Western and reining divisions.

Blenheim EquiSports is #ThePlaceToJump all season long. To learn more, visit ThePlaceToJump.com.