WCAR PRESENTS FUN FACTS FROM OUR GRAND PRIX RIDERS

California Native Francie Steinwedell Carvin said "You can never win enough Grand Prix!” The highlight of her career was winning the Del Mar National Grand Prix on her horse Laddidor. Francie and her new Grand Prix mount Naranco, are currently in the running for the WCAR European Trials.

California Professional Rider Leslie Steele, runs a successful show barn in Calabasas. She was Valedictorian of her 1984 graduating class of Granada Hills High School in North Ridge, CA. Now she aspires to show in Europe, compete in a World Cup Final, and represent the US in international show jumping competition.

Helen McNaught nicknamed McNaughty has over 20 grand prix wins in the U.S. and abroad, riding for her native country England. One of her favorite grand prix mounts is 'Moonlight'. “He can be difficult to ride, he loves to go sideways and getting straight is always a bonus, but he has the biggest heart and always gives 100%.”

Rebecca Johanson Hofmann, a recent college graduate, was born 1984 in Salt Lake city, UT and started riding at age 11. She always wanted to ride in Grand Prix competition, and now is living out her childhood dream. She was the alternate rider for the West Coast World Cup team this year and is looking for her first grand prix win. "There is nothing in the world like riding."

Susan Artes, in the running for the WCAR European Trials, hopes this Saturday will be her first Grand Prix win with Presto B. Presto is very social and has his own fan club! “One of my goals is to represent the West Coast internationally on a WCAR European Tour.”

Keri Kampsen, nickname KK, born in Tampa FL. started riding at the age of two. 'Sugar and Spice' a miniature horse was her first. Her most difficult challenge was convincing her parents that she could make a living riding horses. And here she is!

Patrick Seaton, nickname Patricio, born in Morpeth, England. He is a professional rider who now makes his home in Petaluma, CA. He tells us his horse 'Guinness' LOVES Brussel Sprouts!

V de Pomme and Jenni Martin found each other in July of 2005 in Belgium. This team was 4th last week in Del Mar in V’s first GP start! Jenni fondly calls her Miss Piggy (Muppet), because she knows she’s the star of the show.

New Zealander Duncan McFarlane now makes his home in Green Valley, CA. A professional rider and trainer, he was a member of the 2004 NZ Olympic Team. One of Duncan’s favorite jobs back in NZ was catching goats and deer out of helicopters. “It was dangerous. I was in two helicopter crashes, but I loved it.”

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