The horses really proved there is something to be excited about with consistent top finishes all year.
But without the owners I wouldn't have the opportunity to ride these horses, so take a seat folks because this is a long blog but I firmly believe that everyone should be individually recognized for their support.
Ms Jacqueline Mars, who owns Landmark's Legendary Affaire, L's Legendary Romance, L's Monte Carlo, L's Monaco, and L's Ginger Rogers. It's only right that she is being awarded the PRO As You Like It Owner's award for all the horses she has owned and continues to own and the huge contributions she has made to this sport in the US.
Court and Kylie Ramsay, who own Czechmate. The Ramsay's really stepped up to take a chance on me as a young rider a couple years ago and now own this really exciting 5 year old. We got Czechy at the beginning of this year and he just gets more exciting all the time.
Charles Akre, who owns Take Two. Mr Akre became my first owner and has been hugely supportive through all the ups and downs of my early career.
Shannon O'Roark, who owns Lucky Devil. Although Shannon would much rather be riding Taz herself, she was generous enough to let me ride him after she injured her ACL this summer.
Marie le Menestrel, who owns Meadowbrook's Scarlett and previously Meadowbrook's Pollyanna. Marie has a fantastic breeding program and I'm so pleased to be competing these talented horses.
Maria Brazil, who owns Pas de Panique and Lavigna. Although Maria isn't an owner, per se, I appreciate the fact that when she is too busy to compete her lovely horses herself she let's me ride them.
At the end of the day the owners can't be thanked enough. This is an expensive sport we do and it's hugely generous what they do by owning these horses.
I want to thank my sponsors for their support of me and my horses.
Heritage Gloves has been my longest sponsor and even if they didn't I would still only wear their gloves. They are stylish, functional, and durable. They can't be beat.
Omega Alpha has kept my horses at their healthiest and happiest. They have a supplement combination for any type of horse or situation and I can feel confident in the consistency and effectiveness of every product.
Ecolicious Equestrian has done wonders for my horses looks! My farrier has commented on the improvement of my horses foot health thanks to their hoof treatment, their coats are shiny, their tails are thick and smooth, and I can be confident that my horses aren't breathing in horrible toxins when I spritz them with fly spray.
Eventing Market is the best website to advertise on or find what you are looking for whether it is a horse, tack, or your business, hands down.
Peggy Ingles and Pegasus Designs for my beautiful websites.
And my newest sponsor Kentucky Horsewear, their d3o technology has set a completely new standard for boots and leg protection and I'm so happy to be using them on my horses.
I also want to thank Karen and David, without them taking a chance on a goofy kid from the Midwest and putting all of these opportunities in front of me I wouldn't be where I am now.
And I can't finish this without shout outs to Jax Janes, Max Corcoran, and Rachel Goff for putting up with me every day :) Randy Pawlak and Dr Christiana Ober for being the best farrier and vet in the universe, and my parents for always knowing when we need some bang bang shrimp.
I'm excited for 2012 and all the talented horses I will be competing. Things will be getting busy right after Christmas with O'Connor Winter Camp and then the first event Jan 7. Follow Lauren Kieffer Eventing on Facebook, @laurenkieffer on Twitter, or the website www.laurenkieffer.com for updates!