Your 2016 Onondarka Winners: FIONA SEWELL and KARL ERNST
- lola rose
- Nov 1, 2016
- 3 min read
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THE HISTORY OF ONONDARKA
Onondarka was an equestrian facility located in Los Angeles, California. In the 1940's and 1930's they mainly showcased western skills and focused little on English riding. In 1947, Harry Simington, organized a group of riders which are known as the onondarka drill team and still hold the high standards in horsemanship and care. Onondarka officially became a riding club in the 1960's and since then has sponsored the Onondarka medal, which offers riders from all over to compete and broadcast their skill.
ABOUT THE CLASS
the medal final and qualifying classes are open to riders under 12 years old ( according to USEF horse show age ), there must be at least three riders to fill the class. Riders must rack up at least twelve points to qualify for the final, where they will compete over a tough 3 foot course. The top five at least will be asked for additional testing. Some past winners include Elli Yeager, Natalie Templeton, and now Fiona Sewell who claimed the prize as champion at the 2016 onondarka finals located at Del mar fairgrounds.
FIONA SEWELL
The blog had the opportunity to interview Fiona on how it felt to have won the finals, and the road she took to achieve her goal.
1. How did you train and prepare for the Onondarka finals?
"Before medal final season even started, i trained for two months with no irons, flatting and jumping. We didn't go to any shows and my trainer just has me focus on getting stronger and more confident."
2. Was the road to Onondarka finals hard?
"I would say that you definitely have to be committed to succeed in this sport. During the year i was having a very rough time trying to figure out my new horse, and we didn't start winning until the end of the year. You have to be dedicated and work hard to make a name for yourself."
3. What tips do you give to equitation riders trying to qualify for the final next year?
"If your nerves get the best of you while showing, just make sure to show as much as possible and don't put it to the side. Once it gets closer to the final you'll start stressing out and that doesn't help."
4. How was the atmosphere at the show?
"I had so much fun at the show because of the people i surrounded by. I have a huge family of super supportive friends who are so much fun to be around and it was amazing."
5. How were the courses, and how did you score in your rounds?
"The course slowly got more difficult each round. The first course was fun and didn't test you and your horse as much as the second, third, and fourth round. The first round i scored an 81 and 82 for an average of 81.5 placing us in third for that round. In our second round we earned an 80 and 78 for an average of 79 and landed us in seventh, but then my average from both rounds was an 80.5 placing me in the top four going into the top fifteen round. The third round i scored an 84 and 82 for an average score of 83. I was going into the work off sitting second, and after the additional testing i ended up coming out on top as the overall first place."
6. What was your favorite part of the finals?
"My favorite part of medal finals would definitely be hanging with my friends. I consider a lot of them to be my best friends because we see each other so often at these shows."
7. How did you deal with the nerves?
"I kept telling myself 'i'm not here to impress anyone, and i don't have anything to prove. It's just another qualifying class.' Don't think if it as a medal final because it will get into your head."
8. Tell us about your horse.
"Karl is a goofball to say the least. He is the most forgiving horse and has never bucked or refused or thrown me. He is the sweetest gentle giant."
9. What was your reaction when you realized you'd won? How do you feel a few weeks later?
" I actually have the video of me riding in all my rounds an hearing i had won. It was the most surreal moment"
10. What are your goals or plans for the 2017 show season?
"My 2017 goal consist of qualifying for maclay regionals, doing well in the CPHA foundation and CPHA junior medal finals. Also, i'm hoping to be in the top ten at all of the 14 and under medal finals."
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