Harding achieves top ranking

By BEN BAUGH

Staff writer

Shawna Harding and Come On III had an exceptional year in 2007 and are following up their success with outstanding results in 2008.

The rider has overcome adversity in the form of her back not being quite 100 percent, but she's continued to astound the dressage world with a number of dominant performances in south Florida.

Harding and Come On III are currently ranked first in the United States Equestrian Federation National Intermediaire I Championship ranking.

"My back is doing really good," said Harding. "I have talented horses, and we're a good team, but there's a lot of competition down here. The hard work is paying off."

This Saturday, Harding and Come On III will be competing in the Wellington Spring Challenge, at the Prix St. Georges level, the second leg of the Wellington Classic Winter Series. Harding is eligible to win the $5,000 cash prize after winning the Prix St. Georges Class at the Wellington Dressage Classic I in Wellington, Fla. The talented rider is still looking for sponsors.

Come On III, a 17. 2 hands Danish Warmblood gelding, has matured markedly in the past year, said Harding.

"He's definitely stronger and is more secure," said Harding. "He's become better with traveling. He's looking at the horse shows as more of a fun project, and not a stress factor. It's a good test of character."

Among the impressive horses in Harding's barn include Kathleen Broughan's recently purchased Danish Warmblood breeding stallion, Richman, Tonya Rowe's 2001 Hanoverian gelding Rigo, Beth Daniels' 12-year-old gelding Mozart and Harding's own 5-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding, Contreau.

"We've received a lot of good press and positive feedback," said Harding. "We've been very consistent. We've demonstrated we're top contenders and something to be reckoned with. It's exciting to be recognized. We've been back and forth to Europe, and we have a new string of horses. In addition to Come on III and Rigo, we have Richman and Contreau."

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