Font ResizeBRATTLEBORO -- During a year in which I’ll Have Another and jockey Mario Gutierrez have dominated on the track, another horse and rider have been nearly unbeatable at the New England fairs.
Cassie Bratton, 15, of Wilmington, and her pinto, Lucky, were reserve champions on June 30 in Granby, Mass., and grand champions on July 14 and July 15 at the Cheshire County Fairgrounds in Swanzey, N.H. And the dynamic duo will compete at the Wilmington Fair on Sunday, Aug. 19.
"I’m excited to see how many people show up for it and to see what Lucky can do. I just hope he goes in and does his best," said Bratton, who will be a sophomore at Twin Valley High School this fall.
Bratton and Lucky compete in different categories, which consist of walking/trotting around the ring while following commands, routine assignments, games, and obstacle courses. Their results at their first three shows are as follows:
June 30 in Granby, Mass.: Day End Points -- Reserve Championship. Western Youth Halter -- 5th place. Youth Pleasure -- 3rd. Youth Disc. Rail -- 1st. Youth Trail -- 1st. Pole Bending -- 1st. Barrel Racing -- 1st.
July 14 in Swanzey, N.H.: Day End Points -- Grand Champion. Showmanship -- 1st. Youth Pleasure -- 1st. Youth Disc. Rail -- 1st. Youth Trail -- 1st. Pole Bending -- 1st. Barrel Racing -- 1st.
July 15 in Swanzey, N.H.: Day End Points -- Grand Champion. Showmanship -- 1st. Equitation -- 1st. Youth Pleasure
"Although we haven’t had a lot of competitives to go against, the people we have gone against have given us a run for our money," noted Bratton. "This is the first year that we both started showing and I think we’re doing great."
