Bessemer City equestrian brings home awards at state competition

Kara Fohner, Gaston Gazette
·1 min read

Students at a Gaston County nonprofit that offers therapeutic horseback riding brought home ribbons in a state championship horse show in Raleigh, according to a news release.

Four riders from Victory Farm, which serves students with disabilities, competed in the NC State Championship Horse Show UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup on Sept. 16.

The UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup has levels for riders of differing abilities. Some riders were on lead with a small amount of help, while one was off-lead, riding independently with only a spotter.

Savannah Heavner, 14, of Bessemer City, was crowned the NC State Champion UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup winner.

Savannah Heavner, riding Roanie, pictured with her father, Ricky Heavner, competed in two horseback riding competitions and brought home honors.
Savannah Heavner, riding Roanie, pictured with her father, Ricky Heavner, competed in two horseback riding competitions and brought home honors.

Three other riders, Julia Walsh, Shumsher Vijh and Shivraj Vijh also received ribbons.

Following the UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup, Victory Farm Special Olympic equestrian teams traveled up to Tryon International Equestrian Center for the Special Olympic Equestrian State Games.

Savannah Heavner was the only athlete to compete in both the UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup and the Special Olympics Equestrian State Games. She received a sixth place ribbon in the highly competitive Level B Trail Class.

Samantha Hutchison earned a Silver Medal in the walking trail class.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Bessemer City equestrian brings home awards at state competition