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The country’s top saddle seat Equitation riders have arrived at Hale Arena for the 2017 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, which takes place on November 11. As part of the United Professional Horseman’s Association/American Royal National Championship Horse Show, 21 horse-and-rider combinations will go head-to-head in pursuit of the title.

Open to junior members who have won a first- or second-place ribbon in a qualifying medal class, the USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final competition begins with preliminary “ride-offs” on Saturday, Nov. 11, consisting of rail work in groups and then an individual pattern test. The finals will be held later that same afternoon. Finalists will be called back for additional rail work and to perform a second individual pattern.

The winner will have their name engraved on the coveted and historic Adrian Van Sinderen Trophy, joining champions dating back to 1937. Last year’s reserve champion in the 2016 USEF Saddle Seat Medal Final, Molly Codeanne (Wethersfield, Conn.), returns in her final year of eligibility as a junior competitor seeking the title.

Tune in to the USEF Network for live coverage of Saturday’s USEF Saddle Seat Medal preliminary round at 10 a.m. ET and finals beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m. ET.

-- via US Equestrian