Candace Madigan took home the Champion's silver bowl the first time she entered the North American Field Hunter Championship at Glenwood Park, Middleburg on Oct. 3. Riding Hart Farm's Aladdin, she qualified on her first hunt with Blue Ridge on a rainy, slippery day.

"On our individual round, he galloped strong down to the first fence and came back well when I asked him. He was listening and wanted to hear what I wanted. We had complete communication between the two of us." Candace earns her horses keep at her night job as a waitress at The Coach Stop, in Middleburg, where she's worked for six years. "Owners Mark and Mike Tate are very understanding and helpful," she said. "They know the job is essential to pay the bills, but they always let me work my schedule around shows and emergencies."

Candace trains with Olympic Gold Medal winner Joe Fargis.