Year End Awards

1 – Kris Gray (66)
2 – Kathi Wiggins (62)
3 – Donna Hajek (50)
4 – Kathy Jones (32)
5 – John Stroh (30)
6 – Angela Anderson (21)

1 – Lori Kern (50)
2 – Jordan Colliins (38)
3 – Holly Wormsley (27)
4 – Amanda Brown (25)
5 – Cathy Goscha (23)
6 – Candy McCrary (22)

1 – Sierra Patisaul (48)
2 – Halia Lehr (44)
3 – Kensley Edelstein (38)
4 – Anna Beth Lawrence (28)
5 – Callie Southerland (27)

1 – Marsha Howard 124
2 – Cindy Keen 106
3 – Cassidy Moore 66
4 – Patty Lucas 60
5 – Linda Moss 57
6 – Anita Senecal 48

1 – Leigh Riley (82)
2 – Patricia Petelle (54)
3 – Elsa Van Eysbergen (44)
4 – Martha Findley (43)
5 – Paula Riley (31)
6 – Mary Dukes (24)
6 – Linda Moss (24)

1 – Alora Sanford (36)
2 – Sadie Smith (27)

1 – Tommy Mitchell (62)
2 – Andrew Murray (20)
3 – Danielle Hunter (18)

1 – Lisa Nauditt (78)
2 – Esther Diaguila (70)
3 – Patty Lucas (58)

1 – Serengeti and Lori Kern (114)
2 – Bree and Jordan Collins (74)
3 – Texas and Holly Wormsley (58)
4 – Maverick and Mary Jo Lent (52)
5 – Once Upon a Time and Amanda Brown (48)
6 – Sterling and Cathy Goscha (43)

1 – DLC Roxie’s Pepponita and Marsha Howard (202)
2 – Stanley’s Waylon and Wayne Tolbert (198)
3 – Jiminy Cricket and Jenifer Mulligan (154)
4 – Graceful Empire and Victoria Whitehead (120)
5 – Okie’s Roanwood and Bobby Fields (112)   
6 – Laces Two Eyed Jack and Carolyn Chapman (108)

1 – By the Grace of God and Alora Sanford (100)
2 – Echo 6 and Sadie Smith (53)

1 – Memphis Squirrel and Lisa Nauditt (174)  
2 – Danamyte and Esther Diaguila (140)
3 – Papa’s Alabama Express and Patty Lucas (114)

Kris Gray
(Traveling Trophy donated by Patricia Petelle)This award is given to a Novice rider with the highest points accumulated in the 2019 ride season for horsemanship. The traveling trophy is a vintage silver-plated champagne chiller with floral design on top rim, handles and base.

Marsha Howard
(Traveling Trophy donated by Kim Cowart)

This award is given to Competitive Pleasure rider with the highest points accumulated in the 2019 ride season for horsemanship. The traveling trophy is a bronze cowboy resting on his horse admiring the scenery in the distance.

The Charlie Crider High Point Competitive Pleasure Horsemanship is awarded to a horseman whose skill is exceptional in riding and managing horses. Charlie Crider was the consummate horseman and thus the perfect person to have his name on this prestigious award. Charlie accomplished much with his horses throughout his life. From western events, cow work and foxhound field trials, he spread his reputation and skill over many equine venues. This served to enhance his horsemanship and could only have contributed to his success in NATRC. However, what contributed the most to Charlie’s success as a horseman was the fact that he constantly “did stuff” with his horses. Teaching us that in order to succeed, first and foremost you must ride your horse.

Charlie had his share of success in our NATRC horse world and was well known for his skill as a horseman. He won – a lot. He ended his NATRC career with 14,100 competitive miles (8^th all-time in NATRC to date), countless high point and high average awards both regionally and nationally, along with an article in Western Horseman magazine highlighting his accomplishments. Horsemanship has often been called the “art” of riding on horseback. Charlie was a perfect example of that art and Region 5’s winner of the Charlie Crider CP High Point Horsemanship Award is surely continuing that tradition.

Lisa Nauditt
(Traveling Trophy donated by Bill and Vickie Moore)

The Polly Bridges Memorial Award, also called The High Point Open Horsemanship Award, is presented each year to a rider in the Open Division who has the highest horsemanship score in that division. The traveling trophy is a bronze bust of a girl cuddling her horse. This coveted award has been presented every year since 1987, and the list of winners contains the names of some of the best North American Trail Ride Conference riders found in Region 5.

Polly Bridges, from Kingston, GA, was a member of NATRC since the mid-70’s, and well known locally as a good horseman as well as an active competitor in NATRC. In 1982, she received her Horsemanship Judge’s Card, becoming a popular judge in every region, seldom missing a ride either as a competitor or judge until her untimely illness and death at the age of 33.

 This award is a fitting tribute to a lady whose life was NATRC, and it is a high honor to receive it.

Rhea Sunshine
Ridden by: Halia Lehr
(Traveling Trophy donated by Gary Clayton)

This award is given to a Novice horse with the highest points accumulated in the 2019 ride season for conditioning in that division. The traveling trophy is a gorgeous bronze bust of a horse.

Stanley’s Waylon
Ridden by: Wayne Tolbert
(Traveling Trophy donated by Keri Riddick, Marty Findley, Leigh Riley, and Marlene Buttrey)
This award is given to a Competitive Pleasure horse with the highest points accumulated in the 2019 ride season for conditioning in that division. The traveling trophy is a beautiful life – like bronze statue of a saddled horse.

Memphis Squirrel
Ridden by: Lisa Nauditt
(Traveling Trophy donated by Paula Riley)
This award is given to a Competitive Pleasure horse with the highest points accumulated in the 2019 ride season for conditioning in that division. The traveling trophy is a Sterling Silver Vintage Watson Large Flared Vase

Wing Tempo was certainly the little red horse that could. A Saddlebred of average stature he became larger than life as he trotted his way to NATRC legend status. Tempo was a dynasty unto himself, representing Region 5 all over the country and winning the President’s Cup an unrivaled 7 times. During his career with the Sobol family Tempo amassed 20,710 miles of NATRC competition which ranks 2^nd all time in our sports history. This remarkable feat was a testament to his uncanny ability to take care of himself and his rider and stay sound for the next competition. Wing Tempo was truly a remarkable little horse and will always have a lofty place in the lore of Region 5 and NATRC. It is fitting his name grace Region 5’s award for Grand Champion Open Horse.

Rhea Sunshine and Halia Lehr
(Traveling Trophy donated by Ayako Prince)
This award is given to a Novice Junior Horse and Rider with the highest combined points for the 2019 season in that division. The traveling trophy is a Bronze resin titled ‘Apple Dumplings’ by Paul Cameron Smith.

I’m a Rocket Man and Kris Gray
(Traveling Trophy donated by Johnnie Lee Strader, Judith Shrum, Janell Mount, Carolyn Chapman, Gary & Linda Clayton, Patty Lucas, Paula Riley, Carol Ault, and Regina Broughton)
This award is given to a Novice Horse and Rider with the highest combined points for the 2019 season in that division. The traveling trophy is a Bronze of cowboy sitting on a rock reading a book while his horse looks on.

Living Proof CH, aka: Proof, came to south Alabama from Chase Harvill Arabians in Texas after he selected Lisa Scott to be his owner.  He competed in NATRC for Lisa and Evan Scott for a short time and gained wide recognition, and when Vickie Moore decided to quit following sail boats and go back to riding horses, she bought him from Lisa.  What a funny horse!  Proof had very definite ideas about the treatment he received—treats were much preferred over feed—and what he would do to get them!  He could do anything, but like all good Arabs it sometimes required a negotiation and convincing to get him to do what a Judge requested instead of doing the logical—Why should I step over that log when there is a perfectly open area to go around it?  Practice was not his pleasure.  When asked to “do” an obstacle Proof would do it—once.  A second ask was a waste of his time and met with strong objection.  Proof was a horse of supreme self-confidence.  Each time he arrived at the timer to start an NATRC competition, his head and tail went up, and he strutted.  For Proof knew that everyone hanging out in the area was there simply for the pleasure of seeing him start!  Proof took the raw material of Vickie and made her a remarkable NATRC competitor.  Sadly, as Proof approached the prime of his life, he suffered an aneurism and passed away on a picket line while out for a week-end camping/training trip.  Unknown to Vickie, the Region 5 Board at its first meeting after Proof’s death established a trophy to recognize the high point novice horse/rider combination each year.  The breadth and depth of Proof’s “fan club” is confirmed by that choice to acknowledge what an amazing a horse he was.  This year’s recipients deserve no less of a fan club.

DLC Roxie’s Peponita and Marsha Howard
(Traveling Trophy donated by Courtney Woodall and Cindy Keen)
This award is given to a Competitive Pleasure Horse and Rider with the highest combined points for the 2019 season in that division. The traveling trophy is a large silver and pewter horse cup with fine details including double handles and horse head engraved on side.

No award in 2019
(Traveling Trophy donated by Tammy Lineback)
This trophy is a Working Horse Sculpture by Attila Art Studio. It was cast in crushed stone Hydracal and stained a deep chestnut hue.

Memphis Squirrel and Lisa Nauditt
(Traveling Trophy donated by Wayne Tolbert)
This award is given to an Open Horse and Rider with the highest combined points for the 2019 season in that division. The traveling trophy is a bronze statue titled ‘The Last Drop, a bronze statue by Schreyvogel. It is a handmade bronze of a horse drinking from its rider’s hat.

Windstorm Sienna competed mostly in the Open Division. In over 140 CTRs she logged 9,000 miles.  This mileage ranks 8th all-time in NATRC history.  She won two President Cups, three Jim Menefee Open Heavyweight Horse and Rider High point awards, eleven Open National Championships and many Region 5 awards in her 16-year career.  She placed 1^st or 2^nd over 60% of the time and competed in 16 states, plus Canada once. She trailered and camped exceptionally well, took care of herself, was totally reliable and (most of the time) really fun to ride.  She was admitted into the NATRC Hall of Fame in 2015.

Courtney Woodall
(Traveling Trophy donated by Kim Cowart)
The Jack and Mary Britt Outstanding Service Award is given to a RFTRA Volunteer who has shown ongoing involvement in the improvement of RFTRA and NATRC. The recipient is a person who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to serving the competitive trail riding sport and its participants, going above and beyond assigned duties. While exhibiting a positive professional attitude and high personal character, the recipient’s generous efforts have made a significant impact on the well – being of the sport and on the individuals participating in it. This award is not necessarily given out every year.

Amy Long

Just a few words regarding Mary K Britt, in whose spirit we present this mentorship award.
Mary’s vast experience in the horse world focused upon NATRC for most of her competitive life.

She began in the equine world as a toddler, napping on the back of her father’s workhorse team.  She then graduated to riding, and worked in her teens showing Tennessee Walkers for area stables.

After falling in love with the Arabian breed, she competed in Endurance and then  NATRC, with a lifetime cumulative mileage in the Diamond Medallion Category, 15,050  miles, ranking fifth in the recorded history of NATRC.

Mary played a large role in bringing NATRC to our region,  She  served as  a ride manager, established a number of rides in Region 5 as well as being the first horsemanship judge in our region.  She was also a National Board member for several terms.

Of all of these achievements,  perhaps her most valuable contribution to NATRC was as a mentor to many of us, who began riding competitive trail at a wide range of levels. 

Her experiences and sage advice, ranging from, “Stay in the middle and look where you are going.”,  to the fine details of successful obstacle completion, directed many of us safely down the trail, and inspired us in competition, in the barn and in all aspects of equine care.

Her style was straight shooting and not flowery, and came from the heart, by way of her gravelly voice.

Halia Lehr and Sierra Patisaul
(Traveling Trophy donated by Gloria Black in remembrance of her daughter, Shannon Black)
This award is an annual award given to a deserving Region Five Junior Member (but not necessarily a current junior rider) who has exhibited exemplary sportsmanship and integrity throughout the year, therefore setting the example of how all persons should behave, regardless of age or gender. For the 2019 ride year that task was very difficult. So, for the first time ever we are awarding it to two very deserving juniors.

This award recognizes individuals who have attended all rides in the current year, either as a competitor or a volunteer. To qualify, as a competitor, you must have, at a minimum, timed out at the start of the ride. To qualify as a volunteer, you must attend at least one day of the competition, assisting in one of the many volunteer categories listed in the RMS. Attendance at the Mini – Convention can substitute for one ride in pursuit of 100% Club recognition.
Honorees for 2019 include:

Kris Gray 
Patty Lucas
Wayne Tolbert

The following individuals are being recognized for their contribution to our sport and our region. We greatly appreciate their efforts.

Courtney Woodall
Courtney is one of our younger, long-­‐term supporters and contributors. She’s been coming to NATRC rides for 30 years! She started out by riding safety at age eight, and started competing when she turned ten.  After taking a few years off from NATRC to attend college she started consistently competing again in 2006.
Courtney was elected to Region 5 Board of Directors and brought a fresh and modern perspective to the table. She became the Regional Ride schedule coordinator, ride secretary, created mentoring program and ride book as well as the “Newbie Packet” sent to first-timers. Her vision and initiative to get Region 5 present on social media began by creating the Region 5 discussion group in Facebook that has served well to boost marketing and create easier communication among competitors. Through the years, Courtney has served as Master of Ceremonies for Region 5’s Mini-Convention and for the NATRC National Convention. 
Courtney and her husband, Jack have 3 young daughters and no current competition horses. She volunteers as ride secretary and often serves as the region’s honorary catch rider. She can be found at the ride check in desk, always a friendly face and eager to offer a helping hand. Courtney is appreciative for the volunteers and is an example of a model NATRC competitor and ambassador.

Carol Ault
According to the Cambridge English dictionary, a volunteer is “a person who does something, especially for other people or for an organization, willingly and without being forced or paid to do it.” Carol’s hard work over the years but especially this last year is an amazing representation of that definition. Her official volunteer jobs have ranged from Judge’s Secretary to Ride Manager. But she didn’t stop there! She would come to a ride and say “How can I help?” jumping in where ever she was needed. If it needed to be done, she would step up. In our sport, it takes people like Carol willing to put in the endless hours prior to, during and after a ride for everything to go smoothly so all of us can enjoy our horses. It requires an average of one volunteer per rider to put on a successful ride and we can always count on Carol to pitch in. Without all the wonderful volunteers like her, we could not maintain our sport. Thank you, Carol, for your selfless attitude this ride season. Region 5 appreciates and applauds your volunteerism.

The Dream Team – Keith and Beverly Taylor and Sherri Vaughn
We all have dreams. Some of us dream of the perfect horse, others dream of the perfect ride, some dream of getting a “Loverly.” Ride Managers dream of having Competitors and Volunteers. In all honesty, we cannot host the events without our Volunteers. They are key to the event occurring and everyone having a great time. Thankfully, Region 5 has the “Dream Team.” The Dream Team is made up of three amazing people. People who support Region 5 by doing endless trail work, riding Safety, acting as a Judge Secretary, helping set up and clean up, park trailers, fix things, the list goes on and on. It is truly endless what the Dream Team does for Region 5. They are always there when needed and never hesitate to tackle the task at hand. The Dream Team never competes. They provide all of this support out of the kindness of their hearts and love of their horse family.
Beverly and Keith Taylor and Sherri Vaughn, we could not do what we do without you. We appreciate everything you do and are very grateful to have you as part of our family. You are our dream come true.

Every year the Region 5 board has the opportunity to nominate a member that we would like to recognize on a National level. These nominees are submitted to National for the National Board to vote on of which 3 are then selected. This year Region 5 nominated Kris Gray.

Kris Gray

It has been said that volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. This notion of a volunteer is exemplified by Region 5’s own Kris Gray.  She has generously given her time to our NATRC organization on so many levels.
Despite a full time career and service on a community board she always makes the time to do what is needed for R5 when a request is made. She does so because of her clearly evident passion for horses and friends in Region 5. Kris has the ability to fix almost anything whether it is a fence post or flat tire. She has mad skills in problem solving too. Whether it is trail marking, Rules interpretation, or other positions, she is the kind of person I can count on as a ride manager and friend.
The famous motivational teacher Dale Carnegie said: “I know people in the ranks who are going to stay in the ranks, simply because they haven’t the ability to get things done.”  Kris has certainly risen above the ranks. She is a person who can get things done!

2nd Place – Windstorm Clay Ridden by Tommy Mitchell (84)

5th Place Memphis Squirrel Ridden by Lisa Nauditt (96)

2nd Place Windstorm Clay Ridden by Tommy Mitchell 98.1%

3rd Place Tommy Mitchell (62)

4th Place Lisa Nauditt (78)

Memphis Squirrel (Rocky Mountain) Lisa Nauditt
Windstorm Clay (Morgan) Tommy Mitchell
Danamyte (Arabian) Esther Diagulia

1st Place – Stanley’s Waylon Ridden by Wayne Tolbert (105)
2nd Place – DLC Roxie’s Peponita Ridden By Marsha Howard (92)
6th Place – Jiminy Cricket Ridden by Jennifer Mulligan (74)

2nd Place – Mariah’s Secret Ridden by Leigh Riley (82)

2nd Place -By the Grace of God Ridden by Alora Sanford (64)

First Runner Up – Stanley’s Waylon ridden by Wayne Tolbert 98.58%
Second Runner Up – DLC Roxie’s Peponita ridden by Marsha Howard 95.88%

DLC Roxie’s Peponita Ridden by Marsha Howard (Paint)
Stanley’s Waylon Ridden by Wayne Tolbert (Rocky Mountain)
Mariah’s Secret Ridden by Leigh Riley (Grade)

By the Grace of God ridden by Alora Sanford (Grade)

1st Place Marsha Howard (115)
2nd Place Wayne Tolbert (93)
4th Place Jennifer Mulligan (80)

2nd Place Leigh Riley (82)

2nd Place Alora Sanford (36)

1000 miles
Lisa Nauditt (1,250 miles)
Jennifer Mulligan
Mary Dukes
Elsa VanEysbergen

2000 miles
Leigh Riley
Andrew Murray
Marsha Howard (2,250 miles)

3000 miles
Esther Diaguila

4000 miles
Tommy Mitchell

5000 miles
Sara Baldwin

10,000 miles – GOLD MEDALLION!!!!
Wayne Tolbert (10,250 miles)

1000 Miles
Ruby 8 ridden by Ben Talbert

2000 Miles
Windstorm Clay ridden by Tommy Mitchell
Mariah’s Secret ridden by Leigh Riley
DLC Roxies Peponita ridden by Marsha Howard
TN Valley Hotrod ridden by Andrew Murray
By the Grace of God ridden by Victoria Whitehead and Alora Sanford