TEEN RANKS AMONG TOP RIDERS IN NATION

A Cape Girardeau teenager recently ranked among the top horse riders in the nation, capping off a winning show season.

Amber Pool, 13, competed at the American Royal, held Nov. 18-23 in Kansas City.

She was named to the top 10 at the competition. This is the first year Pool has competed at this show.

Pool competed in preliminary rounds. The contest required her to complete rail works and a United Professional Horsemen's Association work out, which are specific routines for riders.

Pool made the first cut and then came back for the final competition, in which she was selected as one of the top 10 competitors.

During the summer, Pool also placed third in her age division at the World Championship Horse show in Louisville, Ky.

Pool has won or placed reserve at the Pro Am Show in Atlanta, Ga., River City Show in Evansville, Ind., the Lexington Junior League Show in Lexington, Ky., the Mercer County Horse Show in Harrodsburg, Ky., the Music City Show in Shelbyville, Tenn., and the St. Louis National in St. Louis.

She also qualified to compete in the American Royal at the Lexington Junior League Show Ky.

Pool competes in equitation, which means she is judged on her performance, and not the horse's performance.

Pool rides under the direction of Raymond and Lillian Shively of Rockport, Ind. at DeLovely Farms. She trains nearly every weekend in Indiana.

"My instructor plays a big part in my interest," Pool said. "She is really supportive. And my horse is a really nice horse."

She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Pool of Cape Girardeau.