Following a healthy debate underscoring the need to perpetuate the third gait known as the "rocking chair" canter, the TWHBEA introduced the Youth Medallion Class in 2001. This class encourages youth riders to learn and become proficient at the canter. It is a great way for our industry to regain the canter, and to reward our youth for achieving excellence at this level.
Erica Hartlein, 16, riding The Finishing Touch for Gingerbread Farm of Shelbyville, TN claimed the first Medallion of the 2002 show season at the National Walking Horse Trainer's Show held March 20-23 in Shelbyville, TN. Also earning point in this prestigious class were Helen Farrar, Jeren Guthrie, Sara Womack, and Miles Irby.
Requirements for the Youth Medallion Class are:
Open to all youth riders, age 17 and under.
Ownership of the horse is not required.
Class is for padded Performance Show Horses performing all three gaits - flat walk, running walk, and canter.
The rider, not the horse, accumulates points awarded for placing and participating in the class.
The Medallion Championship is held annually at the National Futurity.
A $1,000 college scholarship will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points for the current year.
Twenty (20) Youth Medallion Classes will be held during the 2002 show season, culminating in the Championship at the National Futurity in August.