Estella Estus (right) is pictured accepting an award.

Ninth grader Estella Estus from South Dayton, NY recently competed at the 2019 Youth Equestrian Development Association’s National Championship competition held at Eden Park Equestrian Complex in Sunbury, OH. The team member of M and M Equestrians was the top point earner for her state and was invited to the YEDA National Championship Invitational, at which she earned first place and earned a spot to the Individual National Championship where she placed as the Reserve National Champion in Senior Sapphire Ranch Riding. Addionally, Estella qualified in the Senior Sapphire Pattern Rail Horsemanship class and placed fifth overall.

Riders at this competition were competing for not only Molly’s custom belt buckles, but also for scholarship money. These events are particularly challenging considering riders do not ride their own horse, they simply draw a random name of a horse from a large pool. More than 60 horses were generously made available by donors from all over the Midwest.

The Youth Equestrian Development Association provides opportunities for equestrians to earn scholarships as well as learning opportunities and horsemanship skill building. These opportunities are made for students grades 4-12.