🌿 The Spring Event at Archer 2025 – Area IX Highlights & Results 🌿

The 2025 Spring Event at Archer, held May 30–June 1 in Cheyenne, WY, launched the summer season in true Area IX style—with blue skies, bold rides, and a strong sense of community. Riders brought their best across every division, from Advanced Combined Test to Tadpole.

Area IX is proud to celebrate our region’s achievements. Congratulations to everyone who competed!


🏅 Top Results

Competition was fierce across all levels, and we congratulate the following standout performers:

Advanced Combined Test

1st: Madeline Backus & Baratheon – 32.5

Preliminary

1st: Dani Sussman & Watervalley Royal Guy – 30.1

2nd: Rebecca Caulfield & Fernhill Opulence – 45.8

3rd: Ron Stephens & High Hopes Viking – 80.5

Modified

1st: Ella Munsat & Lassban Sansa – 50.7

Training

1st: Shaena Putnam & Zantango – 32.5

2nd: Madeline Backus & Apollo – 32.8

3rd: Ellie Foust & Lord Nelson – 37.8

Open Novice

1st: Carly Atkinson & Lanprinz TBH – 29.2

2nd: Rochelle Costanza & Eye Candy – 37.2

3rd: Michael Graham & Midnight Waltz – 43.1

Novice Amateur A

1st: Louise Walker & Get There John – 37.5

2nd: Terri Cooper & Guttenberg – 36.9

3rd: Rowan Sisk & Fernhill Muse – 72.6

Novice Amateur B

1st: Emmy Williams & Fortunate Rebel – 34.6

2nd: Aimee Kortis & Incredible Image – 35.9

3rd: Julie Pawlak & Viva la Vida – 37.1

Novice Junior/Young Riders

1st: Lauren Fedorczyk & Galicia – 32.2

2nd: Olivia Brayman & Oakdale – 36.1

3rd: Annabelle Heit & FGF Big Bling Theory – 37.8

Open Beginner Novice

1st: Madeline Backus & FGF Ole Mole – 26.5

2nd: Amy Bowers & High Noon – 34.6

3rd: Cayla Stone & Antiope (Opie) – 40.0

Beginner Novice Amateur A

1st: Lacy Cotton-Hodgson & The Phantom Menace – 26.4

2nd: Andres Rosas & Rapid Romero KV – 33.1

3rd: Cece McElwee & Famous Pen Pal – 35.3

Beginner Novice Amateur B

1st: Alakwa Pardue-Duran & Cloonrane Dancer – 33.2

2nd: Caitlin Albritton & Mending Fences – 35.5

3rd: Jennifer Bauer & Prince Eric – 35.6

Beginner Novice Junior/Young Riders

1st: Abigail Williams & Reflektion’s Rio – 30.9

2nd: Navin Ranweiler & Forever Saul – 31.2

3rd: Bricelyn Koldenhoven & Blue Moon – 37.1

Starter A

1st: Madeline Backus & Zion Valiente von G – 26.3

2nd: C’Dale Jore & A Mannhattan’s Lady Liberty – 38.3

3rd: Eryn Blakely & Hog’s Hollow – 39.3

Starter B

1st: Rachel Howard & Baloo – 31.3

2nd: Elizabeth Gillmor & Meet George Jetson – 34.5

3rd: Sara Dobish & Phil in the Blank – 39.7

Starter Amateur

1st: Jessica Dallow & Zoffany – 35.3

2nd: Kim Gibler & The Sunshine Band – 39.0

3rd: Jolein Harro & A Little Celtic Night Music – 41.7

Starter Junior/Young Riders

1st: Dagny Brault & High Flyin’ Diamond – 34.3

2nd: Raven Rockwell & To B In Silver – 36.0

3rd: Rhya Bowles & Silver Lining – 36.3

Tadpole Senior

1st: Madeline Backus & Glenrowan – 27.5

2nd: Elizabeth Ann Dugan & Mac N Cheese – 33.4

3rd: Rachel Roberts & Dark Horse Eirebay (Irish) – 34.7

Tadpole Junior

1st: Tessa Tucker & Fernhill Bijzonder – 25.6

2nd: Camero Dickerson & AnaDare – 31.6

3rd: Elsa Feucht & Theia – 31.9

📋 Full results available on Event Entries.


🎁 Prizes

Thanks to the event’s generous sponsors, competitors at The Spring Event at Archer took home incredible prizes across all divisions:

  • 🥇 1st Place: White All Purpose Saddle Pads from Happy Horse Tack
  • 🥈 2nd Place: Quality gear from Right Path Equestrian
  • 🥉 3rd Place: Helmet Spray and Gift Card from Elemental Grooming
  • 🌟 4th Place: Delicious Mash Mixes from Forage Porridge

And that’s not all—competitors also received exclusive items like:

  • Customized QHP leather halters with bling
  • Padded bridle bags, saddle covers, and stable storage gear
  • Stylish safety helmet bags

🎉 Competitor Party & Grant Recipients

Saturday evening’s Competitor Party brought riders, families, and friends together for a festive celebration of the weekend’s rides. During the party, the first-ever The Event at Archer Grants were awarded, given to support the growth and excellence of Area IX riders.

🏆 $2,000 Grant awarded to Carleigh Fedorka

Carleigh Fedorka | Skipperdoodlefritz photography

🏆 $1,000 Grant awarded to Madeline Backus

Madeline Backus | Skipperdoodlefritz photography

Congratulations to Carleigh and Madeline—and thank you for representing the spirit of Area IX!


✨ Highlights

  • Lowest Score of the Show: Tessa Tucker & Fernhill Bijzonder – 25.6 in Tadpole Junior
  • Multiple Wins: Madeline Backus secured top placings across five divisions, showcasing remarkable consistency and horsemanship
  • 🧦 Rider Goodies: All competitors received a pair of Archer-branded socks, which quickly became a fashion statement around the grounds. Comfortable and spirited—just like our riders!

📍 Up Next: Golden Spike Horse Trials

We’re just getting started! Join us for the next Area IX event:

🐎 Golden Spike Horse Trials

📍 Ogden, Utah

📅 June 14–15, 2025

Let’s keep the momentum going! See you in the start box.

🗓️ For a full list of upcoming events, visit: areaixeventing.com/calendar