Stephanie Leddy Takes Home 2022 USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge National Title
Lexington, Ky.—Dec. 19, 2022—The USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge was held virtually for the third consecutive year and saw returning competitor Stephanie Leddy, of Findlay, Ohio, take top honors after coming in fifth overall in 2021.
"I was smiling so big when I got the news! I couldn't scream because the baby was sleeping, but I sure wanted to," said Leddy upon hearing the news of her win. "I have always done all of my own horse care, whether at home or at horse shows, so this felt like such a wonderful validation of the knowledge that I've gained over the years and my ability to apply it practically."
The Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals was held over November 29-December 10 and saw Shannon Bower, of Weyers Cave, Virginia, take home reserve. Returning competitor Lauren Obermeyer, of Oregonia, Ohio, placed third overall after coming in fourth last year. Allison Pelzel, of Fort Lupton, Colorado, came in fourth overall.
After Leddy's performance in 2022 left her off the virtual podium, her goal this year was to make it into the top four and advance to the practicum stage. Having the pressure from last year, she was nervous about the interview phase, which could make or break her getting into the final phase.
"I am a graduate of the University of Findlay's equestrian program and had the opportunity to work for some really wonderful professionals while I was in school, so I feel lucky to already have a solid base of hands-on knowledge from my education and work experiences. My third child was born in September, so I used a flashcard app on my phone to make a bunch of flashcards and I would study my flashcards while I was nursing him to prepare for this year's exam," said Leddy.
With the purpose of becoming a more knowledgeable horseman, Leddy believes all Adult Amateurs should participate in the Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge. For her, everything in the quizzes is able to be used practically.
"There is nothing as rewarding as building that bond with your horse and knowing their demeanor, their mannerisms and their quirks—that really comes when you are the one tasked with taking responsibility for their overall health. This is a great challenge for you to learn and broaden your base of knowledge to have the confidence that you can take top-notch care of your horse," exclaimed Leddy.
"Spending as much time in the barn as you can is a great way to start—watching your farrier, watching your vet, watching your barn manager to see what they're doing and how it affects the horse and their care," she continued.
Leddy, Bower and Obermeyer will each receive a Foundation grant for their overall placings in amounts of $2,000, $1,500 and $500 respectively. Additional awards will be presented through fourth place overall and to the top testing phase scores from our sponsors Charles Owen, Smartpak, CWD and Boy O Boy Bridleworks.
"I think every Adult Amateur should participate [in Adult HQC.] You learn so much, and it gives you a structured framework to see where there might be gaps in your knowledge or things you might want to learn more about," said Leddy.
The USHJA thanks Official Sponsors CWD, Nutrena, Parlanti, Exhibitor's and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Pharmacy; Educational Partners Spy Coast Farm, LandSafe and SmartPak; and Award Sponsors Charles Owen and Boy O Boy Bridleworks.
The USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge is supported in part by grants from US Equestrian and the USHJA. For more information about the USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge, visit ushja.org/AdultHQC
USHJA Adult Horsemanship Quiz Challenge Nationals Results
Overall
1st: Stephanie Leddy
2nd: Shannon Bower
3rd: Lauren Obermeyer
4th: Allison Pelzel
Written
1st: Allison Pelzel
2nd: Katie Van Horne
3rd: Kos Gilbert
4th: Lindsey Gibbons
Interview
1st: Stephanie Leddy
2nd: Shannon Bower
3rd: Lauren Obermeyer
4th: Karen Eisenhauer
Practicum
1st: Shannon Bower
2nd: Stephanie Leddy
3rd: Lauren Obermeyer
4th: Allison Pelzel
Photo: Courtesy of Stephanie Leddy
