Gina Miles, well known in the local equestrian community, rode her horse McKinlaigh to an individual silver medal in Eventing in Hong Kong on Aug. 12 as part of the 2008 Olympic Games. She shared the podium with gold medal winner Hinrich Romeike of Germany, and individual bronze medallist Kristina Cook of Great Britain.
This was the first Olympics for Ms. Miles and 14-year old Irish Sport Horse McKinlaigh, who is co-owned by Ms. Miles, Thomas Schulz and Laura Coats. Ms. Miles and McKinlaigh were sort-listed as alternates for the 2004 Athens games, but did not make it into competition.
Originally from Davis, Ms. Miles began riding when she was 7 years old. Now 34, Ms. Miles is the youngest competitor on the U.S. Olympic Eventing team.
Though she lives in Creston with husband Morgan and children Austin and Taylor, she is a regular presence in the local equestrian community, teaching and showing at the Horse Park in Woodside.
She is also locally connected through her aunt and uncle, Ted Zayner and Dawn Neisser, who have lived in Woodside for 22 years.
For more information about Gina Miles and to read her online Olympics journal, go to www.mileseventing.com.
