TRAIL

TRAIL CHAMPION RETIRES IN STYLE.

BY MEGHAN MACKEY, SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR

“I asked (the gate man) if I could be excused because I was sick or something,” Sidney said. “He said no, go for it, and I did, and it was wonderful.”

Sidney and Sir Quincy Redford, a 1990 sorrel gelding by Quincy Redford and out of Skip Halo by Skip’s B Day, completed a course good enough to earn them a gold trophy and a world championship buckle.

“It’s a dream come true,” the Atascadero, California rider said. “Never, ever did I think this would happen.”

Sidney Gaver and Sir Quincy Redford will retire at the top of their game after winning a world championship in Saturday evening's trail finals.

Sidney said she can’t really remember her ride.

“I just went in. It was a great course, like all of Tim’s courses, only a really hard one.

“I was just glad it was over and I was glad I didn’t hit the bridge,” she said. “Then, when I heard my score, I thought, oh my gosh. I hadn’t really listened to the other scores, just because I just don’t do that, and then (trainer) Lori (Crow) said, you just won.”

Sidney said this is she and Quincy’s final year of competition. They will both retire after one more show in California. She said Quincy, whom she’s owned for 11 years and shown in horsemanship, trail and western pleasure, will live at her home forever.

“My husband is retiring, and we’re going to travel and see our grandkids,” she said. “I have one grandson that’s in Medford, Oregon, and one that’s in Parker, Colorado.”

Sidney was grateful to her friends and family who supported her throughout the year and at the Bayer Select World Championship Show.

“It’s certainly a team effort,” she said, “and I have a great team.”