The Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Center held its annual Awards Banquet in celebration of the hundreds of riders who competed in various events during 2009. The event was held at the old Montanaro property in Los Olivos, which has an antique ambience that charms all. A beautiful stone wood-burning fireplace is a recent addition that adds both warmth and a welcoming fragrance.

Paula Merrell was the chairwoman of the celebration, and those helping with the extensive set-up included her husband, Gerry Merrell; Spencer Merrell; Kate Rasmussen; Paul Maag; Roger Fortier; and Janie Flammer. Equestrian Center President David Hunsicker welcomed the guests, and Howard Erenberg did further microphone duties. Music was provided by Christina Barnes. Bridlewood wines were served by bartender Roger Fortier, and the delicious dinner was prepared by New West Catering. More than 130 people attended.

A large number of awards were presented, but because of space restrictions I will give you the names of the just the top three winners in each class. These are the rider-members that accumulated the most number of points by the end of the year. The various events and the valuable prizes were made possible by the generous class sponsors.

In the exciting Hunter Jumper Shows, whose chairman was Tracy Ward, the winners are: Lisa Carman, who won the Grand Meadows Medal Class. Baby green Hunters — 1. Breanna McGovern. 2. Lindsey Boutwell. 3. Holly Selstad. In the Children and Adult Amateur Low Hunters class — 1. Breanna McGovern. 2. Erin Linehan. 3. Holly Selstad. Green Riders — Rileigh Wullbrandt. 2. Kristina Jackson. 3. Brooke Gignac. Level 1 Jumpers Jr/ Amateur — 1. Polly Walker. 2. Holly Delany. Level 1 Jumpers Open — 1. Polly Walker. 2. Heather Delany. Hunter Rider — Kristina Jackson. 2. Brooke Gignac. 3. Rileigh Wullbrandt. The Trainer of the Year was Kim Harries. A new addition to the Hunter-Jumper shows this year was the Walk-Trot division, thanks to Kristina Novak.

The popular western shows reported that in the Open classes, Kelly Gowing had captured the greatest number of points. 2. Chris Henrich. 3. David Padilla. Limited division — 1. Bob Mott. 2. Scott Garner. 3. Marla Sprowl. In the Novice division — 1. Celia Westbury. 2. Steve Golis. 3. Ellen Levine. The hard working chairman was Mark Gowing.

Melissa Moore and Jennifer Berman put on the Western Horse and Mule Show. Their high point winners: Walk —Trot Youth 12 and under — Champion Jessica Hill. Reserve Champion Emily Berman. All around Youth 13 and under — Champion Heather Moniot. Reserve Champion —Melissa Moniot.. All Around Amateur 19 and over — Champion Sue Merchant. Reserve Champion Tammy Moniot. In the Ranch Horse class — Champion was Dennis Schoonderwoerd. Reserve Champion — Sue Merchant. Over All Trail Class — Champion was Sue Merchant and Reserve Champion Tammy Moniot In the mules classes Nicole Batastini captured Championships in Halter, Trail and Pleasure.

The ever popular Gymkhana has contestants from 18 months to more than 60 years old. This is a series of horse games that requires good riding ability and/or speed. It is almost as much fun for the spectators as for the contestants. Since there are so many youthful contestants, it is a happy time for the whole family to cheer together. The chairman of these events is Lena Williams.

Those accumulating the most points throughout the year are as follows: Leadline (for very young riders who need an adult to lead the horse). 1. Bobbie Monighetti. 2. Morgan Cossa. 3. Emily Ward. Age 6 and under — 1. Aubrey Luis. 2. Mariah Soto. 3. Josie Pereira. Ages 7 through 9 — 1. Braidyn Cossa. 2. Kaitlyn Flemming. 3. Riley Rimrodt. Ages 10 thru 12 — 1. Lexi Segura. 2. Audrey Ponce. 3. Samantha Cooper. Ages 13 to 17 — 1. McKenna Rose. 2. Melissa Fortier. 3. Kendall Mickey. Ages 18 to 29 — 1. Haley Aquino. 2. Katie Ward. Ages 30 and over — 1. Melissa Roberts. 2. Jeff Ward. 3. Kristi Monighetti.