Windy Hill Equestrians’ Natalie Gerst was among the qualified riders who participated in the USHJA’s Gold Star Clinic – West through the USHJA Emerging Jumper Rider Program and the Zone Jumper Team Championships. AON HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, California, hosted the event, January 17-20, 2019.
Over the course of four days riders learned from top industry professionals with hands on learning in the barn and in the classroom as well as in the saddle.
“Sunday featured an exciting Gold Star Team competition with eight teams at heights of 1.10m, 1.20m and 1.30m vying for the top honors. Guest Chefs d’Equipe included Olympic rider Will Simpson, Kirsten Coe, Diane Carney and DiAnn Langer, USEF Youth Chef d’Equipe/USHJA Show Jumping Technical Advisor…Langer’s Team 7 with Grace Belmont, Jasmine Talley and Natalie Gerst took the early lead after round one with only 4 faults. Coe’s Team 8, with Lauren Flather, Gerst and Rachel Long, gave Langer’s team a run for their money with all riders jumping clean in the jump off, but Langer’s team held the lead for the win.”