Congratulations to Newport High School junior Natalie Simons who is the Arabian Horse Association’s National Champion In-Hand with her mare Sparkling Cyder!
The Arabian Horse Association’s Youth Nationals was held in Oklahoma City in July. In addition to national title, Simons was selected as part of the U.S. Top Ten for the 14-18 age group in four categories: Sport Horse Under Saddle JTR, Dressage First Level JTR, Dressage Training Level JTR and JOTR. She was also named a semi-finalist in Hunter Pleasure JTR Select
Simons finished her award-winning third season at AHA Regionals in June. She won Top Five Sport Horse Under Saddle Junior to Ride (Region V) as well as Top Five Dressage First Level ATR for Region IV while competing at Donida Equestrian Center in Auburn, WA.
Simons has spent many hours training with Deborah Nelson of Morning Star Farm in Renton, WA. She was also a NHS Varsity Cheerleader during the 2017-18 school year, and earned a USEF Equestrian Athlete Varsity Letter for her 100+ hours of equestrian activity.