Celebrating Mountain Living Publisher’s Recent Win At Prestigious Equestrian Competition

Mountain Living’s Group Publisher, Elizabeth Hamilton. | Photo Andrew Ryback Photography

At the recent Marshall & Sterling Insurance/USHJA National Championship, Mountain Living’s very own Group Publisher, Elizabeth Hamilton, took first place at the annual equestrian event. The competition was held in Las Vegas, Nevada – from November 13-19 – featuring national titles for Hunter, Jumper and Equitation competitors at various levels. Below, Hamilton shares her journey toward winning the $500 USHJA Affiliate Adult Hunter 2’6 Champion division.

Photo Andrew Ryback Photography

Mountain Living (ML): How/when did you start riding?

Elizabeth Hamilton (EH): I started riding when I was 5 years old.

ML: Have you ever competed before?

EH: Yes, I have been competing off and on since I was a teen.

ML: How did you prepare?

EH: I have an amazing trainer – Joanne Waring – who helps me on a weekly basis. This is a newer horse for me so we were thrilled with his progress and ability to cope with a new place and long travel.

ML: What’s your favorite part about competing?

EH: To see how you stand among others doing the same thing. It has to be fun at this level as we aren’t going to the Olympics.

ML: Tell us a bit about your horse.

EH: Champagne Charlie is a 13 year-old Westphalian German Warmblood who was imported several years ago. He’s 13 and super sensitive.

ML: What does winning this prize mean to you?

EH: Oh, it’s fun to say you won something at my age :-).

Photo Andrew Ryback Photography