Category Archives: Kentucky Horse Shows

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Caroline Mawhinney Wins U25 Grand Prix CSI3* to Conclude Kentucky Spring Classic

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Lexington, KY – May 23, 2021 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Classic and the conclusion to Kentucky Horse Shows’ spring series saw a day full of exciting show jumping competition Sunday, May 23. A total of 39 rising young talents gathered for the $15,000 U25 Grand Prix CSI3* in the famed Rolex Arena, hopeful to close out competition in Lexington with a win. In the end, it was 15-year-old Caroline Mawhinney and her own Stella Levista who emerged victorious, claiming their first U25 win together.

Christina Kelly and Monique Take Top Honors in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The StoneLea Ring kicked off Sunday morning with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, wrapping up the final day of competition at the Kentucky Spring Classic. A total of 36 junior, amateur, and professional athletes took center stage to showcase their skills in the decorated derby ring. Three talented pairs emerged victorious, with Christina Kelly riding Monique, Libbie Gordon on Ascott, and Campbell Brown aboard Fleetwood laying down two jaw-dropping rounds to make up the podium for the class.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Dominic Gibbs and Delia B Dominate High Jr/A-O 1.40m Jumper at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Lexington, KY – May 21, 2021 – The famed Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was buzzing with excitement Friday, May 21, as junior and amateur-owner competitors took center stage to vie for top honors in the High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper. In a one-round competition against the clock, 37 hopeful athletes sought victory aboard their mounts, but it was ultimately junior athlete Dominic Gibbs who rose to the occasion riding Mount King Ranch LLC’s Delia B to take first place honors.

Alivia Kohus, Taylor Cawley, and Campbell Brown Emerge Victorious in Equitation

Friday afternoon in the StoneLea Ring, equitation riders took center stage to compete for the top prize in the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal, ASPCA Maclay, and the USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal. Showcasing some of the nation’s top junior athletes, the competition was tough in the ASPCA Maclay as 20 horse-and-rider combinations tried their hand at the eight-obstacle course, hoping to acquire points towards the 2021 indoor season. In the end, Alivia Kohus laid down a jaw-dropping course aboard her mount, Cristallo’s Carlchen P, which helped earn her the blue ribbon. Taylor Cawley dominated the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3” Medal aboard Quax for the second week in a row, while Campbell Brown claimed victory in the USHJA 3’3” Hunter Seat Medal aboard SWS Questionnaire.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Shane Sweetnam and Ideal Win $37k 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3* at Kentucky Spring Classic

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Lexington, KY – May 20, 2021 – As the sun set on the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday evening to conclude the second day of the Kentucky Spring Classic, international show jumping athletes gathered at the Rolex Arena to contend for top honors in the $37,000 1.45m Spring Classic CSI3*. Out of a whopping field of 86 competitors, just 22 athletes managed clear efforts, and in the end, it was Ireland’s Shane Sweetnam and Ideal to emerge victorious and claim their rightful spot in the winner’s circle.

Christopher Payne Ties for Grand Hunter Champion on Gratitude and Imagine

After successful rounds in the Green 3′ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter at the Kentucky Spring Classic, professional hunter athlete Christopher Payne emerged victorious to tie for the Grand Hunter Championship, riding Gratitude and Imagine to a total of 50 points in their respective divisions. Awarded to the horse with the most points in the Green 3′ Hunter, Green 3’3″ Hunter, Green 3’6″ Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, High-Performance Conformation Hunter, or the High-Performance Working Hunter Divisions, Payne showcased his skills on both mounts, earning top honors for the second week in a row in the Green 3’ Hunter and Green Conformation Hunter divisions to claim the Grand Champion title.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Olivia Chowdry and Chuck Berry 8 Mark Memorable Win $35k Commonwealth Grand Prix

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Lexington, KY – May 16, 2021 – The final day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show took place Sunday, May 16, welcoming athletes for the $35,000 Commonwealth Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. The conclusion to show jumping competition at the Kentucky Horse Park this week saw 35 horse-and-rider pairs enter the Rolex Arena eager to notch a win under their belt. Olivia Chowdry and Chuck Berry 8 marked a memorable night together, earning their first grand prix win since the start of their three-year partnership. Chowdry and Chuck Berry 8, owned by Aatlas Equine Holdings LLC, put down an impressive jump-off round to best the field of international competitors and ride home with the unforgettable blue.

Scott Stewart Claims First and Second in $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby

International Hunter Derby riders took over the StoneLea Ring Sunday morning to vie for top honors in the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby during the final day of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. A total of 17 talented pairs showcased their skills in the decorated arena to impress the judges. Making his return to International Hunter Derby competition after nearly four years, seasoned professional rider Scott Stewart piloted two of his newer, greener mounts to dominate the class, earning first place aboard Dr. Betsee Parker’s Nottingham and second place with Dr. Betsee Parker’s Hudson.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Daniel Coyle and Legacy Win $137k Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3*

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Lexington, KY – May 15, 2021 – The penultimate day of the kick-off week to the 2021 Kentucky Horse Shows series welcomed international show jumping competitors to the famed Rolex Arena Saturday, May 15. As the highly anticipated event of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show (KSHS), the $137,00 Hagyard Lexington Grand Prix CSI3* invited a field of 43 international horse-and-rider combinations to vie for the lion’s share of the purse. The competitive field of experienced contenders gathered with their sights set on closing out the evening with a win. It was a fight for a double-clear finish, but it was ultimately Ireland’s Daniel Coyle and Ariel Grange’s Legacy to notch yet another first place during their trip to Lexington to claim the coveted spot in the winner’s circle.

Mythical Carries Becky Gochman To Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion

Amateur-Owner riders took to the StoneLea Ring Saturday morning at the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for the title of Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the Amateur-Owner 3’6”, Amateur-Owner 3’3” 18-35, and the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 36+ Hunter divisions, Becky Gochman and Mythical were the pair to come out on top to be crowned Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Eric Krawitt and Vani Khosla Earn Top Titles in High Junior/Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper

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Lexington, KY – May 14, 2021 – Show jumping focus shifted to junior and amateur-owner competitors in the Rolex Arena at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show (KSHS) Friday morning. A total of 11 hopeful junior competitors and 30 amateur-owner competitors vied for top honors in their respective High 1.40m Jumper division. In the end, it was Eric Krawitt and Godfather B to claim the High Junior 1.40m Jumper title, while Vani Khosla and Billy Mexico nabbed first place honors in the High Amateur-Owner 1.40m Jumper.

Mimi Gochman and Taylor Cawley Claim Equitation Wins

Equitation riders took to the Kentucky Horse Park Friday afternoon in the StoneLea Ring for the 2021 Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Showcasing some of the top young junior athletes, the competition was stiff as several horse-and-rider combinations competed in several medal classes to acquire points towards 2021 indoors season finals. In the end, Mimi Gochman rode Heroy Von De Hei to top honors in the ASPCA Maclay, while Taylor Cawley dominated the 3’3’’ Medal classes aboard Quax, riding to the top of the class in both the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal and the USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal.

For more information, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Kentucky Spring Horse Show Updates

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Lexington, KY – April 27, 2021 – All exhibitors who are planning on attending either or both of the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows (May 11-16 and May 18-23) should read these updates. Important information regarding the collection of signed USEF Waivers upon arrival at the Kentucky Horse Park and arrival times for FEI horses are displayed below.

USEF Waiver Collection

Every person entering the Horse Park will require the following:

  • Hand a completed waiver to the security staff at the time of their initial temperature check.
  • A wristband will be affixed to the wrist once the waiver is received, and the wristband must not be removed until you have finished showing and have exited the Horse Park for the last time.
  • This wristband will need to be shown on the wrist each day to enter the Horse Park at the temperature checkpoint.
  • If the wristband is removed, that individual will be required to complete another USEF waiver to obtain a replacement wristband.

Please be prepared and arrive with the signed waiver for every individual in your vehicle. This will expedite the initial check-in process for everyone.

Click here to complete and print the USEF waiver.

If you have any questions, please send an email to colleen@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

FEI Arrival Times
2021 Kentucky Spring Horse Shows 3*
May 11-16 and May 18-23

  • No horses will be allowed into the FEI stabling compound until 8 a.m. on Monday, May 10th under any circumstances.
  • All horses will undergo veterinary examination upon arrival.
  • Passports & Health Certificates must accompany horses at arrival.
  • All horses must be in the FEI compound by 11:30 am on Tuesday, May 11th in order to participate in the jog.

FEI Horse Arrival Inspection Times:

  • Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Click here for COVID-19 Protocols.

Click here for Equine Health Information.

KHS looks forward to a fun and safe spring show series. For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Awards, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to Still Offer Bonus for 2020 Hagyard Challenge Series

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Lexington, Ky. – September 10, 2020 – Hagyard Equine Medical Institute announced it will still offer a “Leading Rider Award” as part of the 2020 Hagyard Challenges Series even with the further reduction of events as a result of COVID-19.

On August 4, 2020 Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC and US Equestrian announced the cancellation of Bluegrass Festival (Aug. 11-16), KHJA (Aug. 19-23), and USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East Coast (Aug. 23-24) scheduled to take place at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Bluegrass Festival and KHJA were to be part of the 2020 Hagyard Challenge Series Events. With the changes, the events comprising The Series now will be as follows:

  • Kentucky Summer Horse Show – July 23rd
  • Kentucky Summer Classic – July 30th
  • Kentucky National Horse Show/The Betsy Grand Prix – September 20th

Because the Series is being further reduced to three events from its usual seven, Hagyard announced that the “Leading Rider Award” will be reduced, proportionately, to $15,000. Hagyard had announced a similar reduction in the prize when the Series was originally reduced from seven to five events.

“We’re just rolling with the changes,” said Elise Jackson, Tour Experience & Event Coordinator for Hagyard. “The competitors are being flexible and bringing their best to the events that are able to be held, and we believe they should be rewarded for Going the Distance. We’re just scaling the award to reflect the number of events that are ultimately included.”

In the Hagyard Challenge Series, competitors Claire McKean and Shane Sweetnam are battling closely in the standings, but several others are not far behind.

Previously, Hagyard announced that the theme for the 2020 event would be Going the Distance. “We have worked with the Kentucky Horse Park to go the extra mile this year and find ways to put on the event in spite of some challenges,” Jackson had explained. “These new changes won’t deter us.”

One other group has also been willing to “Go the Distance” this year, the Hagyard Challenge Series sponsors. In a year marked by changes an economic uncertainty, title sponsor MWI Animal Health, Audi of Lexington, Central Kentucky Ag Credit, and Hagyard Pharmacy continued to honor their commitment.

“As we’ve mentioned before, the Leading Rider Award money is tied to our sponsors,” said Jackson. “This year, it would have been easy – and very understandable – if they had dropped out. We can’t thank them enough.”

For more information regarding the Leading Rider Award, please contact:

Elise Jackson, Tour Experience & Event Coordinator
Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
ejackston@hagyard.com
859.255.8741

Championships, Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Notice of Cancellation of Bluegrass Festival, KHJA, USEF Jr. Hunter Nat’l Championship – East Coast

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Lexington, Ky. – August 4, 2020 – After weighing the impact of multiple positive COVID-19 cases following the Kentucky Summer Classic and the cancellation notice of USHJA’s upcoming championships, Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and US Equestrian have decided to cancel Bluegrass Festival (Aug. 11-16), KHJA (Aug. 19-23), and USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East Coast (Aug. 23-24), scheduled to take place at the Kentucky Horse Park.

We have been notified that three additional individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the Kentucky Summer Classic for a total of seven reported cases. The majority of reported cases are associated with one barn and none of the individuals have returned to the facility.

This is a decision not taken lightly and we are mindful of the negative effect this will have on exhibitors’ plans and schedules, but feel this is the only way to ensure a safe outcome for all. No fees of any kind have been charged to anyone who has entered the shows. Exhibitors do not need to take any action with regard to the show office and all entries will be canceled. We hope that moving forward our exhibitors and members will place their safety and the safety of others above all else during these trying circumstances.

If you believe you have been exposed to the virus, please follow the ten recommendations from the CDC, found here.

Information about testing for COVID-19 can be found here.

Please be reminded that if you test positive for COVID-19 within fourteen (14) days following a competition you attended, you must notify the competition organizer and USEF.

For additional information, please contact Hugh Kincannon at hak@kentuckyhorseshows.com

For additional information on USEF Junior Hunter National Championships, please contact hunterdept@usef.org.

Competitions, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and USEF Notice of Competition Cancellations

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Lexington, Ky. – August 1, 2020 – We have been notified that two more individuals have tested positive for COVID-19, after attending the Kentucky Summer Classic, for a total of four reported cases. US Equestrian and Kentucky Horse Shows prioritize the safety of our members, participants, support teams, staff, and their families. To mitigate the risk of spread of the virus, USEF and the competition organizer together have made the decision to cancel the Kentucky Summer Classic and to cancel the USEF Pony Finals event scheduled to start Tuesday, August 4th. These cancellations will give the competition organizer time to sanitize the venue and determine whether competition can resume later this month.

With regard to the new reports, one individual worked in Barns 9 & 10 with one of the previously reported individuals. Both of these individuals have been off competition grounds since Friday, July 31. The other newly reported individual is a braider who worked in multiple barns and has been off the grounds since early August 1.

Per the requirements of the USEF COVID-19 Action Plan, we are notifying all individuals who were in attendance at the competition.  Although contact tracing is primarily the responsibility of public health agencies, in accordance with CDC guidelines we are asking these individuals for the names of others at the competition that they had close contact with starting from 48 hours before their symptoms appeared so that we can inform those persons directly that they may have been exposed to the virus.

If you believe you have been exposed to the virus, please follow the ten recommendations from the CDC, found here.

Information about testing for COVID-19 can be found here.

Please be reminded that if you test positive for COVID-19 within fourteen (14) days following a competition you attended, you must notify the competition organizer and USEF.

For additional information, please contact Hugh Kincannon at hak@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Layover stabling will be available at the Kentucky Horse Park during the week of August 3-9 for those exhibitors whose plans have been disrupted by the cancellation of the final day of the Kentucky Summer Classic and the USEF Pony Finals. Contact Pat Duncan at 503-510-8797 for information.