Two relatively unknown upstarts used consistent performances and amazing demonstrations of human and horse partnership to place first and second in the first American Horsewoman’s Challenge held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla.

Jerusha Steinert, horse trainer, teacher, fine artist and mother of a two-year-old, from St. Paul, Minnesota, garnered consistent scores in the preliminary rounds to place fourth going into the “clean slate” Freestyle Finals. Her Freestyle presentation, drawn from fantasy fiction, expressed her artistic side while demonstrating her incredible relationship with her horse Mesabi Warrior. The audience and judges were captivated by the artistry of her bareback performance that combined elements of medieval jousting, Garrocha, bridleless riding and Liberty. Check out their performance below.

HWC Champion 2014

Hannah Catalino of Cardwell, Montana, the competition’s youngest competitor at 19, proved to be the audience favorite. She and her equine partner Ace came into the Finals in eighth position. It was her simple, but amazing, routine of horse/human partnership and willingness that enthralled the crowd. The highlight was Hannah and Ace jumping an upright, overturned garbage can dead-on center, multiple times.

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