By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
CASSOPOLIS – Kristin Jessup, the 2005 grand champion horse showman, has competed in English riding for four years.
In Tuesday's broiling heat, she won the Paul Einhorn memorial trophy for English equitation.
Kristin, 18, graduated from Marcellus High School with the Class of 2006.
She will attend Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac to become a middle school math teacher.
"Equitation is based on me as a rider and how I perform with the horse," Kristin explained about the difference between Tuesday's recognition and her previous award.
"Trail is more different obstacles and what different types of things you can do with the horse," said Kristin, a Silver Spurs 4-H member whose mount, Tango, is a breeding stock paint with the registered name of C.C. Sonnys Top Man.
Kristin barely had time to mop her brow with the horse ring just hitting its stride.
Tuesday was also the pleasure class. Today, she participates in three Western riding classes and versatility tonight based on four different classes.
Thursday brings English riding and reining and competition for a senior scholarship.
"Friday all day I have gymkhana, which is for him. He loves to run," she said.
Even on the final day of the fair Saturday Kristin will be in her saddle to take part in the rodeo.
Tango's not done, either.
"He's used as a pee wee horse for a younger kid who doesn't have one," she said.
For more on the Cass County Fair, please turn to page 9.