Clarkston equestrian Jenny Gambrel, 17, won the state championship at the 4-H state finals at Michigan State University Aug. 11 with her horse Mayan. Gambrel was the only person from Oakland County invited to show at the event.
This summer was Jenny’s first showing for 4-H at Springfield Oaks County Park. She has been competing since she was 7 years old, when she began showing in walk/trot competitions.
Gambrel’s parents Steve and Charlotte got Jenny horse-riding lessons for her sixth birthday. That’s where her passion began to take shape.
‘It just took off from there,? Charlotte said.
ClarkstonHigh School Equestrian Team won the state championship in 2005 and Gambrel is confident the team can do the same this year.
‘We have a really solid team put together,? she said. ‘We’re going to win the state championship. It would be nice because last year we lost by four points.?
So far, Clarkston High School equestrian team is in first place in its district, winning the District 2 championships Sept. 22.
‘We are now advancing to the regional meet this weekend at Shiawassee County Fairgrounds where the top two teams will advance to the State Finals,? Steve said.
Charlotte is hoping to work as a horse trainer in the future.