May 2025 • Central Colorado Eventing at Spring Gulch Equestrian Area
The Spring Gulch Horse Trials once again delivered a phenomenal weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration in beautiful Colorado. From first-timers to seasoned pairs, riders brought their best to the rolling terrain of Spring Gulch—and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.
🏅 Top Results
Competition was fierce across all levels, and we congratulate the following standout performers:
Modified
- 1st: Ron Stephens & High Hopes Viking – 33.3
Training
- 1st: Darlene McInnes & Jimmy Wofford – 38.7
- 2nd: Carleigh Fedorka & Strike Two – 39.4
- 3rd: Ella Munsat & Lassban Sansa – 39.9
Open Novice
- 1st: Louise Walker & Get There John – 33.9
- 2nd: Alison Corn & Emperor Norton – 34.2
- 3rd: Dana Jones & Three Counties – 35.0
Novice Rider
- 1st: Lindsay Condon & O’Meara – 38.5
- 2nd: Jolie Sharp & Renegade – 39.3
- 3rd: Elsa Feucht & Ziva – 41.6
Open Beginner Novice A
- 1st: Lacy Cotton & The Phantom Menace – 26.7
- 2nd: Julie Pawlak & Viva la Vida – 27.9
- 3rd: Amy Bowers & High Noon – 32.1
Open Beginner Novice B
- 1st: Chandler Kolb & FortyLinesofDeputy – 27.1
- 2nd: Kelli Cyphers & Gemini Nique Love – 37.1
- 3rd: Jameson Cahill & Tempest in a Teapot – 40.2
Beginner Novice Rider
- 1st: Lauren Fedorczyk & Galicia – 30.0
- 2nd: Eva Rust & Froggy Smalls – 37.3
- 3rd: Olivia Brayman & Oakdale – 40.8
Starter A
- 1st: Madeline Backus & Zion Valiente von G – 23.0
- 2nd: Zuzu Henning & Ricochet – 27.7
- 3rd: Rachel Brandes & The Little Prince – 31.7
Starter B
- 1st: Barb Gasper & Beaucoup – 29.3
- 1st: Libby Wells & Griffin – 29.3
- 3rd: Cayla Stone & Antiope (Opie) – 29.7
Full results available on Event Entries.
🥇 Lowest Score of the Show
A special shoutout to Madeline Backus riding Zion Valiente von G for earning the lowest score of the entire show—a phenomenal 23.0 in the Starter A division. Finishing on her dressage score, Madeline demonstrated precision, polish, and partnership in every phase. Bravo!
🌟 Event Highlights
👏 Incredible Volunteers
A massive thank you goes out to the incredible team of volunteers who made the entire weekend seamless. From jump judges to warm-up crew and everyone in between—your hard work did not go unnoticed. Events like this wouldn’t be possible without your time, energy, and positivity!
Courtesy of Carol Jones, Area IX Volunteer Coordinator
A very special congratulations to Donna Schriefer Johnson, who was honored with the well-deserved Leslie Terry Award for 2024 in recognition of her outstanding service and dedication to our eventing community. Thank you, Donna, for everything you do!
And of course, a huge thank you to event organizer Mary Hjelmstad for her leadership, vision, and tireless work behind the scenes to make Spring Gulch such a well-run, memorable event. We’re so grateful for your dedication to Area IX!
🛠️ Rider Goodies
All competitors received free gifts at check-in: a Spring Gulch-branded mesh bag and a handy multi-use tool. Both were a hit with riders and a thoughtful touch from the organizers.
🎉 The Celebration Station
One of the most beloved additions this year was the Celebration Station at the end of cross country. Riders were greeted with cheers, colorful leis, icy drinks, and fresh watermelon—creating a joyful, community-centered finish line experience. It perfectly captured the spirit of the event: inclusive, festive, and deeply supportive.
Spring Gulch continues to be one of Area IX’s favorite events for good reason. Beautiful weather, excellent footing, well-run logistics, generous prizes, and an unbeatable community spirit made this a weekend to remember.
📅 What’s Next?
Mark your calendars! The next Area IX event is The Spring Event at Archer, happening May 30 – June 1 in Cheyenne, WY.
🗓️ For a full list of upcoming events, visit: areaixeventing.com/calendar