Newtown High School sophomore Clara D’Amico spent winter break competing at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Fla. It is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and draws competitive equestrians from all over the United States and internationally.

Under trainer Cheryl Lemoine of Cavalier Farm in Southbury with lease “Lucky Little Man,” aka Shamrock from TerryAllen Farms in Terryville, D’Amico competed for eight days in flat, hunter, and equitation classes jumping 2-foot-6. She placed well in large classes among children and professional competitors, bringing home ribbons ranging from second through eighth place.

Next month, D’Amico will compete in Interscholastic Equestrian Association Zones at The Big E Fairgrounds, hoping to clinch first place to advance to Nationals in Intermediate High School Flat.