September 11, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 Equestrians succeed at State Fair, Horse Show Equestrian Eryn Lindner of Wyckoff, a senior at Indian Hills High School, recently competed at the New Jersey State Fair, where she won first place in three classes and overall Champion in the Low-Chil- dren’s (under 18) Jumper Division riding Bendigo. Lindner has been riding for three years and competing for only two-and-a- half years. Her trainer is Hope Delle Bovi. Some of Lindner’s team members also won or placed at the Sussex County Fair Horse Show: Noelle Bianiculli of Ramsey, a sophomore at Sacred Heart University won first, third, and champ in the Itty Bitty Division; Emily Drake, a senior at Mahwah High School, won first, third, fourth, and fifth in Pre-Children’s (under 18) Hunter and Equitation; Melissa Katz, a junior at Rutgers University, placed seventh, eighth, and tenth in Low-Adult Equitation; and Hope Delle Bovi won first, second, fifth, and champ in the Itty Bitty Division riding Indian Hills High School sophomore Laura Keller’s horse Diablo. “I feel so lucky to be able to ride and compete,” Lindner said. “Everyone at Saddle Ridge (Riding Center) is so support- ive and always willing to help one another. I’m proud of my teammates and looking forward to more great shows in the future.” An equestrian athlete must be self-moti- vated as this is not a high school sanctioned sport. Through the United States Eques- trian Federation, competitive riders can Eryn Lindner on Bendigo, right, with owner/trainer Hope Delle Bovi at the New Jersey State Fair, Sussex County Horse Show. receive recognition by meeting the train- ing and showing requirements of the USEF Varsity Athlete program. Lindner has just completed her third year in this program. Even though a rider competes on an indi- vidual basis, the Saddle Ridge Show Team consists of riders and their trainers work- ing together. The team trains every day and many of the riders also work managing the office, scheduling lessons and trail rides, and as summer camp counselors who teach campers about riding and horse care.