Clintonville, NY-- At only 10 years of age, Christian Artuso has come to expect big things from himself. And for good reason. Already over the past two summers Artuso, who also rides at home, has won a handful of blue ribbons and, just last week, a reserve championship. So one might forgive him for being a bit down after Sunday’s Ausable Valley Horse Show. “It was kinda good. I like going to shows but sometimes the horses can be hard.” And the riders can be hard on themselves. After all, Artuso, as one of the youngest riders in the field, still collected three top-5 placings, including a blue ribbon.

   That first place showing was one of eight earned by Pok-O-MacCready campers on a beautiful day for equestrian competition. Isabel Zahn led the medal parade by capturing two firsts to go along with a champion ribbon. “In past shows, I was a bit ‘iffy’ and had some mishaps,” said Zahn. “This show I was excited and really wanted to do well. Also, I knew my horse well. Everything seemed to go right!”

   Also collecting class championships were Jennifer James, Lexie Coleman and Julia Schweitzer. Furthermore, Jessica Sieger was the top rider in a class for which no champion ribbon was awarded. All told, 30 Pok-O-MacCready campers competed in the show, earning a total of 55 ribbons. “The best part for me was riding a new horse, Buster, who I hadn’t ridden before in shows,” remarked Alex Gigantiello, who collected 2nd, 3rd and 5th place ribbons.

   For all, the experience was a great one: Leaving camp, competing against other talented riders, eating some burgers, enjoying the sunshine and cheering on their friends. “”I like going to shows,” said Artuso. “Watching the other people is fun. It doesn’t bother me that most of the riders are girls. And the riding staff is really nice.”

   The head of that staff, Catherine Harrison, commented about the show. “The riders at Willow Hill live, eat and sleep riding all day, so for our riders to do so well is impressive.”

SEE FULL RESULTS FROM THE AUSABLE VALLEY HORSE SHOW HERE

A FULL EVENT PHOTO GALLERY WILL BE POSTED ON LINE TOMORROW

MY FIRST WEEK OF THE THREE-WEEK SESSION

   The following passage was written and read at camp’s Sunday evening service by Moustafa, a camper in Intermediate section.

   When I saw the four-weekers leave I was very sad. I thought that not a lot of fun people would be here. I thought that the three-weekers would be quiet and shy. And first, they were very quiet, but then the second day they were all outgoing.

   I was still sad for two days during rest hour and lights out. Then the others became more friendly and they started to learn English. And before I knew it, it was the Blue-Grey game. My main goal in the Blue-Grey game was to get my counselor, Jim Whitledge, but he got me instead. Then the last game my main purpose was to get the flags.

   Then, later that night, it was the moonshiner and I had to wear a dress. Then, I had to do a skit with my drama class. I slept like a baby that night.

   Me and my friend picked our classes together and they are: Riflery, drama and swimming. So camp so far is really great and I can’t wait to see what will happen in the next week.

SEE A BRAND NEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE

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