“Let Them Ride”, article by Maria Sitzman for the Times Sentinel

August 18, 2010 – Horses pranced and feet stomped in anticipation as riders prepared to embark on the 33rd annual Traders Point Hunt Grand Prix. With a series of jumps as tall as six feet, both riders and horses faced an intense challenge in afternoon heat on Sunday, Aug. 15.

The first round of the Grand Prix left four riders and five horses for the final Jump-Off round. Veteran competitor Margie Engle of West Palm Beach, Fla., won with Lord Spezi, owned by the Ashland family and Stadium Sport Horses.

The crowds were thrilled, with fans seeking Engle out after the competition to ask for her autograph or a photo with her. Each fence knocked down (a fault) brought a wave of disappointed gasps from the transfixed spectators, and the applause was loud each time a horse and rider completed the circuit.

“(Riding) is such a challenge, it never gets boring,” said Engle, smiling broadly in spite of the relentless heat. “It’s a very humbling sport. (Horses) are such giving animals and such fun to work with.”