Cassandra Hall of Mexico, New York, and Flash Of Lace turned in a decent time of 58.874 in the first jumping with no faults. They came back for the jump-off and smoked the competition with a time of 39.797 and no faults. It was the first world championship for the two 17-year-olds. The Journal caught up with Cassandra, still astride Flash Of Lace, at the photo backdrop to ask about her winning run.
Q. Tell me about your first run.
Well, I was a little nervous my first ride because I haven’t really done a big course in a while. She was really good, though. She was right there for me, and she saved me a lot of times.
Q. What about the jump-off?
I just went all for it. I wasn’t sure how it was going to end up, but I was just praying for the best. She was amazing. She was right there for me. Anything I asked for, she was right there.
Q. Were there any jumps that were intimidating?
No. Not at all.
Q. Tell me about Flash Of Lace.
I like that she’s a palomino for one, her color, and that when I ask her to move forward she just runs, and she doesn’t care about the fences or anything like that. She’s not a big horse, but she has a big heart.
Q. How does it feel to win your first world championship?
It’s amazing. Words can’t explain it.
Cassandra Hall and Flash Of Lace clear one of the jumps in the jump-off for the 2008 AQHYA World Championship Show.
Q. How many Youth Worlds have you shown at?
This is my third Youth World with her, and all together I’ve been to seven. We will definitely come back next year.
Q. Would you like to thank anyone?
My mom, she’s my trainer, and my uncle, he’s my trainer, and some of the girls at my farm that rode her for me when I wasn’t there.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Flash Of Lace Pedigree: 1991 palomino mare by Flashy Mr Cowboy x Jaines Gold Digger by Hancock Pete Exhibitor: Cassandra Hall, Mexico, New York Owner: Debra Furlong-Byrne, Mexico, New Yor, Trainer: Debra Furlong-Byrne and Tyson Furlong, Mexico, New York
Total class entries: 39 Sponsored by Rick and Lori Bucholz
