Record Breaking Run, Dudley Leads Cruisers to Big Weekend in Elma

The Eatonville Cruisers equestrian team continued its strong start to the season this past weekend at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds, building on the momentum from its first meet with another impressive showing that produced numerous top finishes and a district record performance.

After a strong showing at their opening meet a few weeks earlier, Eatonville riders returned to the arena with confidence and delivered across a wide range of events. Cruisers competitors placed in the top three in multiple disciplines, including speed events, roping, dressage and driving.

Several Eatonville riders captured first place finishes during the meet. Natalie Foster earned first place in driving, while Ava Weaver claimed the top spot in dressage. Ava Payne added a win in individual flags, and Macey Dudley took first place in figure eight.

Team events were also a bright spot for Eatonville. The Canadian flags team of Kaydence Hill, Olivia Benham, Ava Payne and Hadley Noble delivered a strong performance to take first place.

Olivia Benham captured first in pole bending, while Kali Olson earned a win in steer daubing. Dudley also won breakaway roping with a district record breaking run with a blistering time of 2.596, one of the standout moments of the weekend for the Cruisers.

Eatonville’s Macey Dudley rides her horse Shorty during the breakaway roping competition, racing to a first place finish with a district record breaking time of 2.596 seconds. Dudley’s blistering run highlighted a dominant performance for the Cruisers at the meet. Photo: Mustang Blaze Media

Hadley Noble added another victory for Eatonville with a first place finish in keyhole, and Kaydence Hill claimed first in barrels.

The Cruisers also turned in a number of second place performances. Eatonville’s drill team placed second overall, while the working pairs team of Mariah Torgeson-Widger and Ava Payne finished as runners up.

Hill also took second in figure eight. Another Eatonville Canadian flags team made up of Dakota Murra, Kaydence Maloney, Mariah Torgeson-Widger and Morgan Eichost finished second.

Dudley added a second place finish in pole bending, while the birangle team of Kaydence Hill and Olivia Benham also placed second. Payne earned second in keyhole, and Ava Weaver finished second in hunt seat.

Eatonville riders continued to add to the medal count with several third place finishes. Ava Weaver placed third in saddle seat, and Heidi Weaver finished third in dressage.

The working pairs team of Torgeson-Widger and Payne added another podium result with a third place finish. Olivia Benham placed third in figure eight, and Emma Adams finished third in pole bending.

Hadley Noble and Zoey Shoopman combined to place third in cow sorting. Adams also earned a third place finish in steer daubing. Heidi Weaver added two more third place finishes in trail and hunt seat, while Kaydence Maloney placed third in keyhole. Payne also finished third in barrels.

With consistent performances across both individual and team events, the Cruisers once again demonstrated their depth and versatility early in the season.

The Eatonville Cruisers will return to action March 16 through March 18 for their next meet, which will also take place at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds in Elma.