What an amazing night it was last night! The first-ever Ariat Jumping with the Stars! celebrity jumping event came to a successful conclusion. The crowd at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum on the State Fair Grounds was completely silent as Bill Keller rode the first round in the class. When he finished, the crowd erupted with applause and whistles!
Second was Rusty Gatenby. Once again, the crowd was silent as he navigated his way around the arena. Of course, Rusty was NOT silent. He was talking to the crowd all the way around, and a wave of laughter followed him around the arena. Huge applause for him when he finished!
Rachel Blount
Matt Blair was third to go. The former Minnesota Viking was very serious and focused as he made his way around the course. When he finished, the crowd once again cheered and he broke out into a big smile!
The jumps were then raised for the final two riders. Rachel Blount was next up, and she rode a course of two foot verticals. Over the second fence, her horse left long and she was bounced out of the tack. Her landing was soft, and she dusted herself off as she stood up. Her horse was patiently waiting for her. She hopped back on to applause and whistles, and successfully complete the course. The crowd let her know how much they could empathize with her, as they raised the roof with their claps and cheers of support.
The final rider was Cathy Wurzer. The crowd silently watched Cathy negotiate the course, and loudly approved of her round when she finished and came back into the line up.
Trainers, Gail Nederostek, Heather Parish and Sue Kyllonen flank former Minnesota Viking, Matt Blair aboard Rolly, owned by Laura Jean Critchett.
The three judges cast their votes and commented on each rider. And after the crowd cast their votes by texting, the winner was announced. Cathy Wurzer took home the trophy! All participants received medals, including the trainers.
Rebecca from Arc de Triomphe, HJ Hoppmann from Ariat, Trainer, Kim Barone, Assistant Trainer, Kate Leis, Cathy Wurzer and Casanova owned by Anne Healy.
