Submitted Photo Alana Holt and SS Lady Madonna are pictured with their Grand Champion ribbons and garland at the Arabian Horse Association Region 16 Championships in Syracuse N.Y.

SYRACUSE — Alana Holt recently traveled to the Arabian Horse Association Regional 16 Championship show.

The championship show was held over four days in the coliseum at the New York State Fairgrounds.

Holt and her horse SS Lady Madonna — “Maddie” — competed in the 18-and-under division against other equestrians from the seven states that make up region 16 along with other competitors from across the United States. Regional championships are held each year to select the top riders and horses in a wide variety of equestrian disciplines and qualify participants for the US National Championship show.

Holt and Maddie began by competing in the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior to Ride Select Championship. Their effort was strong enough to earn them top honors as they got off to a great start.

Bolstered by their success the pair next competed in the Hunt Seat Equitation Junior to Ride 18-and-under division. This class judges the rider’s form, technique and riding ability. In addition, the horse and rider are required to perform from memory a pattern in the arena which includes several maneuvers and different gaits. Holt turned in an excellent ride and their effort was rewarded as they received first place honors and were selected as Grand Champions.

The final class of competition for the two was the Arabian Hunter Pleasure Junior to Ride Championship. The long hours of practice over the past several months paid off with another excellent ride. At the end of the class the judge selected the pair as Reserve Grand Champions.

Holt is now looking forward to the rest of the competition season and hopes to build off of her success at recent shows. She continues to train out of Jaxson’s Sky Equestrian Center under the guidance of Rachel Retaleato and owner Olivia Van Schoonhoven.