SAUGERTIES, NY (September 19, 2013) – The 23rd annual Marshall & Sterling Insurance League National Finals boasted several new offerings this year, including the Marshall & Sterling Insurance Junior/Amateur Horsemanship Final.

Twenty-one competitors rode for top honors in the Strongid® C 2X Grand Prix Stadium, and it was 13-year-old Adelaide Toensing of Charlotte, Vermont who jumped to a commanding lead and the eventual victory.

“He is an incredible horse - he listens, tries to please and is good at what he dies,” said Toensing of Carakter. “Those were some of the highest jumps we have jumped, so I was really excited. I was so surprised we won; when we were called back first I couldn't believe it.”

Toensing rode Carakter, a 16-year-old gelding owned by Alexandra Carlton. The pair entered the ring 15th in the order and were quick to post the highest score of the day – an 80. Their score was the only one to break into the 80s and stood for the remaining six trips. In the flat, Toensing didn’t falter under the pressure and performed will enough to on to the win.

Carlton was pleased with how her horse performed. “Carakter loves Addie so much and it's developed into one of the best partnerships I've ever seen,” she said. “Addie spends so much time with him and works so hard that it's no surprise that she's been successful. She is such a great kid and a truly talented rider. I'm glad that I have been able to share such a great horse with her.”

Toensing trains with Mindy Hinsdale of Steeple Ridge Farm in Vermont. "We have worked so hard for this," said Toensing. "I couldn't have done it without the help of my trainers."

Cali Ebersole of West Granby, Connecticut rode Jodi Ebersole’s Voltaire to second. Tracy LaManna of Ramsey, New Jersey was third aboard On Point Farm, LLC’s Match Point. Fourth was awarded to Sara Schultz of Katonah, New York in the irons of Carla Sacco’s Billy the Kid. Paige Gaylord of Westfield, Vermont rounded out the top five aboard Claire Ewald’s Hakuna Matata.

About The Marshall & Sterling League
The Marshall & Sterling League was designed to enhance the level of competition for children and adult riders, with an opportunity to qualify for a prestigious National Finals competition. Now celebrating their 22nd year, the Marshall & Sterling League features 14 divisions of competition. Riders who are members of the League had the opportunity to earn points throughout the year by competing in Marshall & Sterling classes in order to qualify for the Marshall & Sterling League Finals, held at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, New York.

The Marshall & Sterling League is proudly sponsored by Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Inc., founded in 1864, is among the largest privately owned insurance agencies in the United States. For more than a quarter century, Marshall & Sterling has protected precious equine assets with unparalleled service and support, whether the family hunter, a champion racehorse or a commercial farm. An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling is recognized throughout the nation as a leader in providing exceptional service and support. The company maintains a national presence and is licensed in all 50 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.