Monticello — Several local horseback riders were recognized for their accomplishments during the horse show competition season by Wright Hollow Horse Park owners Mary and Carter Gregory, during a gathering at Double J Stables, a local Saddlebred facility.

The Gregorys were proud to provide a new outdoor show ring facility during their second season of horse shows that drew local riders and some from surrounding areas. Their shows have become popular monthly events for a variety of horse enthusiasts who represent different breeds. Participants range from back yard pony owners to experienced trail riders to show horse competitors.

The show season begins in May and concludes in October at the Wright Hollow Horse Park, located approximately two miles from KY 90 on the Wright Hollow Road. The shows begin in the late afternoon on the third Saturday of each of those months. Rain dates are normally set for the following weekend.

The ring also offers an outer perimeter track for speed race classes. A 10 horse starting gate is included in the facilities, as well as a concession stand with deck seating, small grandstand, and bathrooms.

Local horseman Mark Jones took the top award for the 2009 season as the top point winner. He rode in a variety of classes on board his spotted five-year-old racking horse named Little John, which he trained.

Jones has trained horses for the past 25 years on a part time basis. He especially enjoys trail riding during his spare time. He has worked with quarter, racking, and walking horses, as well as an Appaloosa at his barn named Rockin J Pleasure Horses in the Spann Hill community.

Local horsewoman Kim Roberts received the second place high point award.

She was on board Grand Redman, her Peruvian horse from her and her husband, David's Rolling Hills Farm. Kim is an experienced Peruvian rider and horse enthusiast. She is a member of the Wayne County Saddle Chicks Club.

In the youth division, eight-year-old Haleigh Criswell, the daughter of Nikki and Donnie Criswell, was the high point winner in her first year of showing. Haleigh, a second grader at Bell Elementary, competed in the pony pleasure, 4-H, spotted, and western pleasure classes at Wright Hollow. She rode Paulette; a spotted saddle horse owned by Buddy and Paula Owens of Albany, Ky. Haleigh takes lessons from Kari Sullivan at High Hopes Stable.

The second place high point winner in the youth category was six-year-old Cheyenne Gregory, the daughter of Amy and Damon Gregory.

Cheyenne, a first grader at Walker Elementary School, rode her spotted pony Peanut. She rode in the open halter and lead line classes at Wright Hollow.

Cheyenne practices in the winter in the hallway of her family's barn at Gregory Farms in the Coopersville community.

The Carters appreciated all the riders, who brought their horses to the local family oriented shows, as well as those individuals that judged the competitions and the local equine professionals and barns who were supportive.