Newtown Rider Danielle Pierce Wins At Buckle Series

Newtown 15-year-old rider Danielle Pierce was awarded first place in Division II and second place in Division I in Western Gymkhana at the 2008 Buckle Series while riding Sam.

Gymkhana includes barrel racing, pole bending, scurry, keyhole, and other timed races. Gymkhana of any type requires a horse that has agility, speed and shows obedience to the rider, who may be hanging off to one side reaching for something (for example a ball hanging from a string) during the competition. In barrel racing, horse and rider enter the arena at high speed and negotiate a pattern of three barrels, turning tightly around each barrel without going too wide wasting precious seconds, or cutting in too close possibly knocking a barrel over and losing points. Pole bending includes a pattern of serpentines around six poles with a straightaway start and return. Western Games is a speed sport and the fastest across the finish line wins.

Pierce is an accomplished rider and has previously earned many ribbons, trophies and cash prizes in Western Pleasure. She is the daughter of Dan and Karen Pierce and rides at Sabills Morgan Horse Farm in Southbury.