Category Archives: Kentucky Horse Shows

Jordan Allen and Carino B Take Ariat Adult National Medal Win at Kentucky Spring Classic

Jordan Allen and Carino B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 20, 2022 – Equitation competitors kicked off a beautiful morning at the Kentucky Spring Classic II in the Claiborne arena Friday with the Ariat Adult National Medal. Adult amateur riders took to the arena to show their style on their partnered mounts in the hopes of claiming the top honors. In the end, it was Jordan Allen piloting Carino B, owned by Ashland Farm, who took the blue ribbon and the highest score.

Spring Storms Can’t Stop Cathleen Driscoll and Arome at $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*

International show jumping competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic II returned to the picturesque Rolex Arena on a stormy Thursday evening. A field of 56 horse-and-rider pairs planned to enter the stadium to beat the weather and take home the win in the $37,000 Kentucky Spring Classic 1.45m CSI3*. After 29 rounds, Kentucky weather had other plans, ultimately leading officials to pause the class and resume at 8am Friday morning. Although the new two-day format wasn’t typical, it didn’t stop Cathleen Driscoll (USA) and Arome from leading the victory gallop at the conclusion of the class.

Chris Payne and Kelley Farmer Take the Victory Gallop Side by Side for Grand Hunter Championship Title

After successful rides in the StoneLea Hunter Ring at Kentucky Spring Classic, two sophisticated riders emerged victorious as they both claimed the Grand Hunter Champion title. Christopher Payne and Axel, owned by Blue Mountain LLC, and Kelley Farmer on Casting Call, owned by David Glefke, took the hunter ring by storm and tied for the Grand Hunter title on Thursday afternoon following their stellar performances.

Charlie Jacobs and La Fille Rouge Reign Supreme in High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper

The famed Rolex Stadium welcomed junior and amateur show jumping competitors Friday afternoon to contest the High Junior/Amateur 1.40m Jumper. Continuing with the second week of the Kentucky Spring Classic series, a total of 27 talented horse-and-athlete combinations vied for a top spot on the leaderboard in a one-round competition against the clock. In the end, it was Charlie Jacobs aboard CMJ Sporthorse, LLC’s La Fille Rouge who emerged victorious.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Robert Mendoza and Queen B Win 6-Year-Old Jumper at Kentucky Spring Classic

Robert Mendoza and Queen B. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 18, 2022 – Show jumping competition kicked off the Kentucky Spring Classic II Wednesday, May 18, at the Kentucky Horse Park. The young show jumping mounts stepped foot into the Walnut Ring Wednesday morning, hoping to claim the victory ribbon in the 6-Year-Old Jumper class. It was Robert Mendoza aboard Coruscant Stables LLC’s, US Bred by Bannockburn Farm, Belgian Warmblood mare Queen B who were the pair to emerge victorious.

Tess Fortune and MVP Lead TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter Division

Hunter competition got underway Wednesday, May 18, to kick off the first day of the Kentucky Spring Classic II. Setting the stage in the Murphy Ring, riders and their thoroughbred mounts took to the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter division to showcase versatility off the racetrack. Starting the first day of competition strong, Tess Fortune leads the way aboard her own MVP, hopeful to close out the division Thursday with the championship.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Sweetnam and Alejandro Claim $140k Hagyard Grand Prix CSI3* at Kentucky Spring Horse Show

Shane Sweetnam and Alejandro. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – May 14, 2022 – Jumper competition at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show reached its pinnacle on Saturday night with $140,000 Hagyard Grand Prix CSI3* in the Rolex Stadium. 38 horse-and-athlete combinations gathered to vie for the victory and the lion’s share of the prize money, and ultimately it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam aboard Alejandro who was triumphant in the competitive field at the conclusion of the jump-off.

Austen Carries Stephanie Danhakl to Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship

Amateur-Owner hunter competition took to the StoneLea Ring on Saturday morning as riders presented their best performance to vie for the title of Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” 18-35 divisions and Amateur-Owner 3’3” and 3’6” 36+ divisions, Stephanie Danhakl and Austen emerged victorious to be named Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Sharn Wordley Claims Overall Victory in Hagyard Rider Challenge Series

Lexington, KY – October 21, 2021 – After holding onto a strong lead throughout the Hagyard Rider Challenge series, New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley ultimately took home the Leading Rider Award after earning a total of 540 points. The Hagyard Rider Challenge was a four-part series of premier show-jumping events held at the Kentucky Horse Park, concluding on September 26th with the $50,000 Betsy Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Medical Institute at the Kentucky National Horse Show.

After winning the $137,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* presented by Hagyard at the Kentucky Spring Classic and placing ninth in the $135,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3*, Wordley led the pack with 290 points going into the final competition at the Kentucky National Horse Show. Wordley once again proved to be a force to reckon with at the Kentucky National Horse Show, speeding to victory in the $50,000 Betsy Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Medical Institute, helping him secure the overall win for the Hagyard Rider Challenge series.

Cormac Hanley took home second in the series, earning 330 points after claiming victory in the $50,000 Hagyard Grand Prix Saturday, August 7th, at the Kentucky Summer Classic. After starting the series out strong, Daniel Coyle was not far behind Hanley, claiming the blue ribbon in the $137,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3* Saturday, May 15th at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show.

“Once again, we are proud sponsors of this series. It was great to see people back at the Kentucky National Horse Show and to feel the energy surrounding the event,” said Dr. Kevin Pfiester. “The entire series was exciting, and Sharn certainly didn’t disappoint in the finals. We congratulate him and all of the amazing participants.”

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Tiffany Hammack and Crack Elle Chavannaise Triumph in $40k Bluegrass Grand Prix

Tiffany Hammack and Crack Elle Chavannaise.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 22, 2021 – The $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, presented by Audi of Lexington, was the marquee event in the Rolex Stadium on Sunday afternoon, capping off an exciting week of hunter and jumper competition at the Kentucky Horse Park. The class had a list of 36 equestrian athletes ready to take on a challenging track designed by Canadian course designer Peter Grant. After a competitive class, Tiffany Hammack and Crack Elle Chavannaise took home the winner’s spoils. Theo Glenn and Damokles captured the runner’s up spot, while Lexington native Daisy Farish and Gerko rounded out the top three.

Custom Made Carries Mary Caroline Nolan to Grand Junior Hunter Champion

Junior Hunter riders took to the StoneLea Ring on the final day of competition at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show to vie for the coveted Grand Junior Hunter Champion title. Awarded to the horse and rider combination with the most points accumulated in the Large Junior 3’6” 16-17, Large Junior 3’6” 15&U, Small Junior 3’6”, Junior 3’3” 15&U, and the Junior 3’3” Hunter 16-17 divisions, Mary Caroline Nolan and Custom Made were the pair to emerge victoriously and be crowned the Grand Junior Hunter Champion title amongst a competitive group of athletes.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Eleanor Rudnicki Sets the Pace for USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2*

Eleanor Rudnicki and Flugel. Photo Courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 21, 2021 – The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* was the lead Equitation event in the Walnut Arena on Saturday morning at the Kentucky Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Texan Eleanor Rudnicki topped a field of 12 young athletes in the competitive division. Augusta Iwasaki was awarded second place with Lion King Van’T Eigenlo and Natalie Jayne rounded out the top three on Charisma.

The Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search 2* track, designed by Jasen Shelley, consisted of 14 efforts and included a one-stride, a triple combination, and several technical bending lines around the ring. Riders had the option to jump an open-water jump or an oxer for the fifth obstacle on the course. Following the jumping phase, all 12 riders were invited back for the flat portion of the class, bidding them one final chance to make a positive impression on the judges. Rudnicki and Linda Langmeir’s Flugel continued to impress the judges, ultimately capturing the win at the conclusion of the two phases.

Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek Cap Off Successful Week as Champion of USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship

The grand finale of the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship took center stage on Saturday night in the Rolex Arena. The best hunter athletes from all corners of the United States came prepared to showcase their talents in front of the fixated spectators vying for a share of the prize money totaling more than $300,000. After 38 total trips between the Section A and Section B rounds, Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek emerged victorious after dominating the competition from the get-go. Samantha Schaefer and Caristo were awarded Reserve Champion honors, while Elizabeth Boyd and Cassico ended up third. Laena Romond had the unique distinction of being fifth in Section A while also being named the Champion of Tier II with Uptown. Evan Coluccio and Radio City were the Reserve Champion of Section B class.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Hunt Tosh and Christopher Payne Emerge Victorious in USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship

David O’Brien and Olivia SCF. Photo courtesy of Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 19, 2021 – The conclusion of the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship took place Thursday morning in the Walnut Ring at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Round 1 of the Green Hunter 3’6” and 3’9” Championship was first in the ring to try their hand at the 8-obstacle course that was set forth to challenge the 48-horse and rider combinations by course designer Bobby Murphy. After a competitive first round, 30 athletes were invited back for the final round of the Incentive Championship, with Hunt Tosh taking the lead in round one aboard Chorus.

The Green Hunter 3’0” and 3′ 3” Championship section saw another set of 30 top athletes who had been competing for their seed position over the last two days. Hunt Tosh and Twain once again rode to victory in the Green Hunter 3’0” and 3’3” Incentive Championship after earning an outstanding score of 276 in the Championship Round.

The Green 3’6” and 3’9” Incentive Championship was the feature class for the day, with 30 of the top horse and rider pairs battling for the top position. In the end, Christopher Payne and Reign were crowned the title of Green 3’6” and 3’9” Incentive Champion.

David O’Brien Pilots Olivia SCF to Win $5,000 140m at Kentucky Bluegrass Festival

Elite jumpers converged on the Rolex Stadium Thursday morning during the third day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show. Fourteen horse and rider pairs contended for the top prize offered in the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper class. Only four competitors accomplished clear rounds, and of those four, it was David O’Brien (IRL) and Olivia SCF who finished out their day with the blue ribbon. Nicholas Dello Joio and Centuria 7 took second, while Wim Janssen rounded out the podium aboard Durango VDL.

Tosh and Cannon Creek Clinch Round One of USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 20, 2021 – Friday morning in the Rolex Arena saw the start of one of the most famous hunter competitions on the annual calendar, the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship. With a list of 86 athletes on the roster, the order of go was a who’s-who of the top hunter riders from all corners of the United States. After successfully navigating an impressive 12-obstacle course designed by Bobby Murphy, Hunt Tosh and Cannon Creek topped the field with a score of 291, followed by Victoria Colvin and El Primero, who were awarded a score of 284, and rounding out the top three was Scott Stewart and Hudson who earned a score of 279.5.

Daniel Geitner and Fazous Take Top Honors in $25,000 Bluegrass Classic

Show jumping competition at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show returned to the Rolex Arena Friday, August 20, to welcome athletes for the $25,000 Bluegrass Classic. As the concluding class of the day, 52 horse-and-rider combinations entered hopeful to close out Friday’s competition with a win. Just nine pairs managed clear rounds over the tactful course, and it was ultimately Daniel Geitner and Fazous who managed two double-clear efforts to take home the lion’s share of the prize money. Grace Debney aboard her mount Boheme De La Roque is crowned second, while Camille Maddrix and Jack Straw round out the top three.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Hunt Tosh and Twain Top Leaderboard on Day Two of Green Hunter Incentive Championship

Hunt Tosh and Twain.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 18, 2021 – Round two of the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship got underway at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on Wednesday at 8:30 am in the Walnut Ring. 123-horse and rider combinations came back in no particular order to vie for their spot in the final championship round. Hunt Tosh and Twain took over the top spot of the leaderboard to secure the overall standing. Holly Orlando also moved up aboard her longtime mount, Waverly, to secure the second overall position. Scott Stewart and Fine Art held onto their third-place standing in the competitive class.

Future Champions Kick Off Jumper Competition

Young jumper competition kicked off the first day of the jumper competition in the Rolex Arena at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show on Wednesday. The 5-year-old, 6-year-old, and 7-year-old jumper classes took place back-to-back showcasing the top prospective show horses to compete for the blue ribbons and valuable experience. The first-place finishers were David O’Brien and Qualito SCF in the 5-year-olds, Kelly Arani and Procyon SCF in the 6-year-olds, and Sarah Sturges with Bradley in the 7-year-old class.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Victoria Colvin and Doctor’s Orders Lead Day One of USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship

Victoria Colvin and Doctor’s Orders.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 17, 2021 – The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show kicked off in the Walnut Ring Tuesday morning with the first round of the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship. 126 of the nation’s top hunter equestrians took center stage as they rode to try and take an early and commanding lead during day one of the competition. The Incentive Championship will take place over three days, as the horses are judged on their form and style throughout each round. Victoria Colvin leads day one after placing first on Doctor’s Orders and second on Mastermind, while Hunt Tosh and Twain round out the top three.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.

Sharn Wordley Leads Hagyard Rider Challenge at Kentucky National Horse Show

Lexington, KY – August 16, 2021 – As the conclusion of the Hagyard Rider Challenge quickly approaches, New Zealand’s Sharn Wordley remains the rider to beat.

After winning the $137,000 Mary Rena Murphy Grand Prix CSI3* presented by Hagyard at the Kentucky Spring Classic and placing ninth in the $135,000 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3*, Wordley leads the pack with 290 points. Following behind Wordley are Cormac Hanley and Daniel Coyle, tied for second with 250 points.

The Hagyard Rider Challenge is a four-part series of premier show-jumping events held at the Kentucky Horse Park, concluding on September 26th with the $50,000 Betsy Grand Prix presented by Hagyard Medical Institute at the Kentucky National Horse Show.  As in previous years, points are tracked throughout the Series, with the leading rider receiving a bonus cash prize at the end. This year’s bonus will be $20,000, and Hagyard will team up with Audi of Lexington and Central Kentucky Ag Credit to award the top rider at the end of the last event.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has hosted the popular challenge series since 2006. Each spring and summer, the events are held at the Kentucky Horse Park directly across from Hagyard’s Campus in Lexington. In September, the rider that accumulates the most points in the Series will be presented the Leading Rider Award during the Kentucky National Horse Show. The Series typically feature two CSI3* classes making riders eligible to earn points toward international show-jumping rankings.

For more information about the Kentucky Horse Shows, please visit www.KentuckyHorseShows.com.