Brin and Gracie Fairband win the Premier Equestrian Award at the International Friesian Show Horse Association World and Grand National Championships (Photo courtesy of Avalon Photography)
Springfield, OH (November 11, 2016) – Excellent riding skills earned the young Fairband sisters Championship titles at the 2016 International Friesian Show Horse Association (IFSHA) World and Grand National Championships, but it took even more for the girls to win the title of Premier Equestrian. The Premier Equestrian Award is presented at horse shows across the United States to equestrians who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on the equestrian community by showing good sportsmanship attitudes and kindness toward their horses and fellow competitors. The award is named after its presenter, Premier Equestrian, which is a prominent company known for its world-class footing, horse jumps, and quality dressage arenas.
Brin Fairband won not only the Premier Equestrian Award but also two World Grand Championships and two World Reserve Champion titles at the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships. “Often people do not see the bonding, care, and effort that goes into these Friesians outside the show ring,” Fairband said. “These things are what made our wins in the Championships all the more special.” Brin’s sister, Gracie Fairband, shared in the Premier Equestrian Award and also won three World Grand Champion titles. She credited her success at the show to the reliability of her champion mount, Hugo.
These two exemplary young ladies truly understand the importance of always putting their horses first and supporting fellow competitors, which they showcased at the Springfield, Ohio competition. As Brin accepted the Premier Equestrian award, she explained, “Offering help and friendship to other competitors and devoting attention to the horse I competed with do not seem like amazing feats to me; it doesn’t even seem significant. I think that all of us should live naturally without any thought or motive behind it. Every kind action, no matter how small, is significant, large, and beautiful to the one receiving it.” Gracie agreed, stating, “Being polite and acting modestly are two actions I hope to encourage every competitor to display because it doesn’t cost anything to do so, yet it gives so much in return.”
Premier Equestrian was proud to present the two young sisters with an official tri-colored Premier Equestrian Award ribbon, an engraved plaque, a three-step mounting block, and the title of “Premier Equestrian.”
At the IFSHA World and Grand National Championships, Brin and Gracie rode under the guidance of Nathan and Erin Miley, owners of Miley Friesians in Greenville, Ohio. Both sisters lent a hand to fellow competitors of all ages by offering their help and sharing snacks behind the scenes. “We may be competing against one another in the ring, but we are humans and friends first,” Gracie said. Premier Equestrian congratulated their sincere sportsmanship, horsemanship, and efforts to create a positive show atmosphere – all crucial elements for an enjoyable horse show experience.
“We are both very grateful for not only receiving this special award, but for the whole amazing experience we had at the Friesian World Show,” Brin said. “Thank you to IFSHA and Premier Equestrian for recognizing us and for inspiring us to continue to always give and do our best.”
The girls’ mother, Sandi Fairband, also thanked Premier Equestrian, IFSHA, and Miley Friesians for the wealth of opportunities that her two young daughters enjoyed throughout the competition. “People I didn’t even know told me how polite, kind, and funny my daughters are. It always does a mama’s heart good to hear these kinds of sentiments. The Miley family is the real deal in terms of kindness and wanting to promote this amazing breed and show format. They truly believe in what they live, and they were huge role models to my girls during the entire week of the IFSHA Championships in how they treated and interacted with all other competitors.”
Premier Equestrian takes great pride in recognizing stellar sportsmanship, and in offering affordable choices for first-rate American-made products that enhance horses’ and riders’ performances. For more information about Premier Equestrian and its full line of products including footing, dressage arenas, and horse jumps, please visit the company’s official Facebook or Instagram @PremierEquestrian, or go online at www.PremierEquestrian.com.
