William Woods University (WWU) showcased the results of a winning combination of hard work and quality instruction with a tremendous showing at the Pinto World Championships in Tulsa earlier this month.
In over two weeks (June 14-26) of competition at one of the most prestigious shows in the industry, the university reinforced its highly respected ranking with eight World Championships and three Reserve World Champion titles, 10 Top Five and nine Top Ten finishes, and one all-around high point amateur title honors. Comprised of a variety of divisions and classes, this show offers competitors the opportunity to compete within the various classifications and types of horses registered with the Pinto Horse Association of America.
WWU student Britnee Meats, riding WV Kyss of Fame with coaching by WWU professors Jennie Petterson and Liz Haben, led the way, capturing World Championships in Amateur Disciplined Rail Western, Disciplined Rail English, English Showmanship, Western Showmanship, English Equitation and Horsemanship. She also captured two Reserve World Championships, three Top Five finishes and the High Point award in the Amateur Pleasure/Saddle Type.
Jennie Petterson, Director of Equestrian Studies, also riding WV Kyss of Fame, was crowned World Champion in Open Disciplined Rail Western, while also earning a Top Five finish in the Open English Pleasure/Saddle Type. Petterson also won three additional Top Five finishes and one Top Ten finish while riding another horse, Jazzy San Pep.
Also competing for William Woods were Assistant Professor Liz Haben and students Sam Gleason, Olivia Veragen and Liz Pemberton. Gleason won the World Championships in the Amateur English Equitation Walk-Trot Solid Horse as well as one Top Five and one Top Ten finish; Haben earned one Top Five and two Top 10 finishes; Veragen won three Top Ten finishes and Pemberton had one Top Five and one Top Ten finish in their respective events.
Four of the horses used in the competition – WV Kyss of Fame, Jazzy San Pep, Heza Hershey Bar and Naturally Fancy – are owned by William Woods.
“I’ve competed and coached at this show more than 15 times, and while we have done well in the past, this year surpassed all expectations,” said Petterson. “William Woods’ success at the Pinto World Championships this year really demonstrates the quality of the horses in our program and the comprehensive preparation that the students and horses receive from our amazing faculty.”
For more on the William Woods Equestrian program, please visit https://www.williamwoods.edu/academics/undergraduate/programs_and_degrees/equestrian/bachelors_equestrian_science.html
