For the second time in her young life, Sarah Liford was the recipient of the Oakland County Circuit High-Point Saddle.
The Oxford High School sophomore received the honor Nov. 19 at the 26th Annual Oakland County Equestrian Awards held in Davisburg.
‘I was pretty excited,? said Liford, 15. ‘I didn’t think it was going to happen. The competition was very tough. My (age group) had the most riders in it. It had around 20.?
To earn this honor, which she had previously won in 2013, Liford competed at six shows between May and August with her 14-year-old Quarter Horse. The horse’s show name is My Night to Rock and her barn name is Nikki.
Liford was the overall high-point rider for all age groups, competing in western, English, showmanship and trail classes. She earned 161 out of a possible 216 points during the season.
She’s the only equestrian to twice earn the high-point saddle.
A rider since age 7, Liford enjoys how the activity takes her mind off things that are bothering her.
‘It’s just you and your horse,? she said. ‘I like the feeling.?
Liford is a member of the OHS equestrian team, which won its 15th consecutive district title back in September, then went on to win regionals and place third in the state.
In 2013, Liford was crowned the Jr. Horse Court Queen by Oakland County 4-H. She’s a member of both the Davisburg Triple Bs 4-H Club and the Paint Creek Valley 4-H Club.
She enjoys competing and is inspired by the accomplishments of her mother, Tammie, who was crowned Miss Appaloosa America in 1996-97 and named Duchess of the Oakland County 4-H Sr. Horse Court in 1988.
‘I’m following in her footsteps,? Liford said. ‘I want to experience what she experienced.?
She’s considering pursuing a career in the horse world as either a trainer or a show judge.