Sedalia, Colorado, USA - February 21, 2016 - Danamyte, a.k.a. Dana, a bay Arabian mare owned and ridden by Esther Diaguila of Havana, Florida was named the winner of the North American Trail Ride Conference’s (NATRC) highest award, the 2015 President’s Cup, at the National Convention held February 19-20, 2016 in Reno, NV.
The Cup is awarded to the high point horse in the nation. Proudly, Esther says, “Dana is an awesome little mare (only 14.2 h) but with a heart as big as all outdoors. She will go where I ask and do what I ask.”
After purchasing Dana, it was touch and go as to whether or not Esther was even going to keep the filly. Dana was so laid back! As Esther explains, “We're talking full Arabian here. All the other Arabians I’ve owned were full of fire. Dana accepted all her ground training, saddling and mounted training so calmly, without a fuss. Perfect for competitive trail riding. I love it. She does have her moments and opinions. She is a mare, after all.”
In their quest for the Cup, they earned the numerous high point awards: Arabian, the Jim Menefee Memorial overall combined horse and horsemanship, lightweight horse, lightweight horsemanship, and lightweight team in their region. They took home a National Championship and the mare’s 1,000 mile award.
“I couldn't have accomplished all this without the help of my husband, Paul, and my many friends in NATRC. Paul and three others conspired to convince me that Dana and I could do it. We had a lot of fun, some horrendous rides, and even a few scary moments, but I wouldn't trade it for anything.”
A few of their memorable moments could be short stories in their own right. There was the Biltmore ride where she and Patty Lucas were 45 minutes behind the maximum completion time and galloped 16 miles to catch up. And, there was the time Esther watched in her rear view mirror as a fender and hubcap, torn off the trailer by a blowout, flew through the air at a police car behind them. Some moments were downright funny like finding dead minnows in a shower stall at a camp ground. The greatest moment was handing in her number at the last ride knowing Dana had earned the President’s Cup.
NATRC competitive trail rides are challenging, educational, and fun. They are open to all breeds and folks from all disciplines. The judges value the horses’ performance and the riders’ horsemanship. Riders are invited to see what they and their horses can achieve. www.natrc.org.
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