Category Archives: Kentucky Horse Shows

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

Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II Dash for the Cash in $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic

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Lexington, Ky. – July 30, 2020 – It was a drizzly morning in the Rolex Stadium as 51 horse and rider pairs made their way around Bobby Murphy’s track for the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. For the first time in history, the second class of the Hagyard Challenge season tour was adjusted to a 2B format with riders remaining in the ring immediately after their first trip to perform their jump-off track to better fit the Kentucky Summer Classic’s show-and-go protocol. Unaffected by the weather or change in format, it would be Shane Sweetnam and Hunters Conlypso II who would dash for the cash Thursday morning.

Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace Are Best in USEF Large Pony Medal

Competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic continued Thursday, July 30, featuring another day of top sport at the Kentucky Horse Park. With primarily hunter competition taking place in the Claiborne ring, the USEF Large Pony Medal broke up the hunter judging at the end of the day, highlighting junior talent as they displayed skill and strength in a variety of equitation classes. Besting a competitive field was Emma Brosius and Aramba Jolie Versace, who claimed the top spot in the USEF Large Pony Medal.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Christopher Payne and Reign Crowned Grand Hunter Champion at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Lexington, Ky. – July 29, 2020 – Professional hunters took to the Stonelea and Claiborne Rings at the Kentucky Horse Park for the second day of hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic, all contending for the Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Visse Wedell. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the Green 3’3″ Hunter, Green 3’6″ Hunter, Green 3’9″ Hunter, Green Conformation Hunter, High Performance Conformation Hunter, or the High Performance Working Hunter divisions, it was Christopher Payne and Reign who jumped to the top of the ranks out of the six considered divisions on a total of 46 points throughout the two days of competition in the Green 3’3″ Hunter division.

David O’Brien Packs One-Two Punch in Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 6-Year-Old Jumpers

The Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 6-Year-Old Jumper class took place in the Rolex Stadium Wednesday afternoon during day two of the Kentucky Summer Classic. These special classes give riders the opportunity to expose their up-and-coming jumper prospects to horse show life in a formal setting with course design that is educational and age-appropriate. Triumphing in the 6-Year-Old Jumper class was David O’Brien who would collect the first place prize on Olivia SCF and also bring home second place honors with Out Of The Blue SCF.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

All Systems Go for Aaron Vale and Elusive in $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper at Kentucky Summer Classic

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Lexington, Ky. – July 28, 2020 – Competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic launched Tuesday with full schedules in five rings at the Kentucky Horse Park. In the Rolex Stadium, upper-level showjumping competition got underway with the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumper class. Out of the 17 starters, it was Aaron Vale and Elusive who started off the week in fine form and earned the first piece of the prize money this week.

Brandon Gibson and As Promised Take Home the Blue in TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters

The Claiborne ring played host to the start of the second consecutive week of hunter competition at the Kentucky Horse Park Tuesday, July 28, marking the start of the Kentucky Summer Classic. Showcasing a collection of Thoroughbred horses that have stepped into a new career after their time on the racetrack, the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters saw a number of exhibitors compete for top placings and a solid start towards the championship tricolor to be awarded at the conclusion of the division Wednesday afternoon. Riding ribbon-worthy rounds, Brandon Gibson and As Promised claimed a blue ribbon for their over fences efforts.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Keri Kampsen and Augusta Iwasaki Reign Supreme in $5000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

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Lexington, Ky. – July 26, 2020 – Serving as the final day of competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, hunter competition stole the spotlight Sunday at the Kentucky Horse Park for the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby. Featuring a strong field of 59 horse-and-rider combinations, the lush greenery surrounding the Stonelea Ring made for a perfect backdrop against the natural fences as each pair contested for a podium finish. Blowing away the competition, however, was Keri Kampsen who rode to victory aboard Ocean Road in the Pro section, while Augusta Iwasaki and Vanderpump took the top spot in the Non-Pro section.

Virginia Bonnie and Efodea Take the Inside Turn to Win the $7500 Amateur-Owner/Junior High Jumper Classic

Junior and Amateur-Owner competitors took to the Rolex Stadium Sunday afternoon to compete in the Low, Medium and High Junior and Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics. In the $7500 Amateur-Owner/Junior High Jumper Classic, sponsored by Johnson Horse Transportation and Audi of Lexington, junior rider Virginia Bonnie and Efodea put in an unrivaled performance early on in the order of go to emerge victorious.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Celso Ariani and Janari Ter Dolen Put On a Show to Win $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix

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Lexington, Ky. – July 25, 2020 – Empty stands couldn’t keep the energy down at the Kentucky Horse Park Saturday afternoon as the first horse trotted into the Rolex Stadium for the inaugural Grand Prix of the Kentucky Summer Series, the $50,000 Rood & Riddle Grand Prix. Competitors and their support teams have done an excellent job all week long following the mandatory COVID-19 procedures, which included pushing the Grand Prix to earlier in the afternoon to better suit the show-and-go atmosphere that the team at Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC has adopted to keep all participants safe. Celso Ariani (BRA) and Janari Ter Dolen didn’t mind the lack of audience, however, putting on a show for all of the viewers watching on the live stream provided by ShowNet.

Jeanine Cash and Freedom Are Grand to Win Grand Amateur Owner Hunter Champion

The Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park featured a full schedule of Amateur-Owner hunters Saturday morning at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, all culminating up to the coveted Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Champion award, sponsored by Visse Wedell. Garnering a total of 40 points in the Amateur-Owner 3’3″ Hunter 36+ division, Jeanine Cash and Freedom topped the field of 33 horses entered in the four Amateur-Owner divisions to walk away with the Grand Hunter Champion tricolor.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Ellie Ferrigno, Lola Head, Samantha Takacs Dominate Equitation Ranks at Kentucky Summer

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Lexington, Ky. – July 24, 2020 – Equitation competition took center stage in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday, July 24 for the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Showcasing junior talent, a number of medal classes and equitation divisions filled with a hefty number of entries as athletes made their efforts to garner valuable points toward the 2020 indoors season finals. Making her mark in the ASPCA Maclay, Ellie Ferrigno walked away with the blue, while Lola Head won the USHJA Hunter Seat Medal and Samantha Takacs won the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal.

Lucy Matz and Quetal Are Smooth and Speedy in 1.30m Jr/AO Medium Jumpers

A field of 27 junior and amateur-owner jumper competitors entered the Rolex Stadium on Friday afternoon to contest Bobby Murphy’s 1.30m Junior/ Amateur-Owner Medium Jumper course Friday afternoon at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Despite rain showers earlier in the week, the sun was shining bright, setting a beautiful backdrop for the day’s competition lineup in the famed Rolex Stadium. Topping the large and competitive field was Lucy Matz aboard Dorothy Matz’s entry, Quetal, who delivered a quick and tidy jump-off round to secure the win.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Claire McKean Wins $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic at Kentucky Summer

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Lexington, Ky. – July 23, 2020 – The Rolex Stadium was teeming with top-notch competition Thursday afternoon as a lofty 47 entries took to the ring in hopes of securing the win in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. The first of five events making up the 2020 Hagyard Challenge Series, the bar was set high as riders navigated Bobby Murphy’s 16-effort track in hopes of accruing points towards the end-of-series $25,000 Hagyard Challenge Leading Rider Bonus. Proving that the best is often saved for last, Claire McKean delivered the fastest clear of the day to earn her first big win of 2020.

It’s a Tie for Kelley Farmer as In Writing and Undaunted Earn Grand Hunter Champion

Hunter competition continued Thursday, July 23, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky for the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. With a variety of divisions culminating in crowning their respective champions, the professional hunter divisions also wrapped up, naming Kelley Farmer Grand Hunter Champion on both In Writing and Undaunted. Farmer, in a tie with herself, swept both the Green Conformation Hunter and Green 3’6 Hunter divisions with back-to-back wins over the two days of competition for perfect scores of 50.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

*Featured/Spotlights, Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Show Jumping

Sweetnam and HDB Quality Win Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers

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Lexington, Ky. – July 22, 2020 – Introduced last year to the Kentucky Horse Park, the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour offers riders the opportunity to get their young horses exposure to the show ring in an educational and friendly atmosphere. Shane Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s HDB Quality kicked off the 2020 inaugural event with a win Wednesday afternoon, stopping the timers at a nimble 40.77 seconds in the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers.

Christopher Coberley and Mariner Start TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters Strong

Hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show kicked off Wednesday, July 22, bringing top athletes and horses to the Kentucky Horse Park for a week of exciting sport. In the Murphy Arena, Thoroughbred horses were highlighted for the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunters, a division that promotes a second career for retired racehorses. Standing out from the pack, it was Christopher Coberley and Mariner who took home the blue over fences.

For more information on Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Kentucky Horse Shows, Phelps Media Group, Show Jumping

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Moving Forward with 2020 “Hagyard Challenge Series”

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Brian Moggre, winner of the 2019 Hagyard Leading Rider Award, with MTM Los Angeles.

Lexington, Ky. – July 21, 2020 – The Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute are pleased to confirm they will be moving forward with the “Hagyard Challenge Series” in 2020.  Although the spring shows typically included in the Series were canceled due to COVID-19, Hagyard is committed to “going the distance” in hosting the remaining events in the 2020 Hagyard Challenge Series.

They will be held at the following events:

  • Kentucky Summer Horse Show – Thursday, July 23rd
  • Kentucky Summer Classic – Thursday, July 30th
  • Bluegrass Festival Horse Show – Friday, August 14th
  • KHJA Horse Show – Saturday, August 22nd
  • Kentucky National Horse Show/The Betsy Gala – Sunday, September 20th

With fewer events in the Series, the “Leading Rider Award” for 2020 will be reduced from $50,000 to $25,000. “The award money is tied to our sponsors,” said Elise Jackson, Tour Experience & Event Coordinator for Hagyard. “Since there were fewer events in the series, and considering restrictions USEF has placed on sponsor attendance, it seemed necessary to reduce the Award for 2020.”

With the late start to the show season, Hagyard has also announced a slight change to the method of tabulating points to determine the Leading Rider of the Series. Previously, riders that rode multiple horses earned points based on the placings of each horse they rode in each class. While they can still enter multiple horses, only the points earned from their highest placed horse in each class in the series will count for the Leading Rider Award point tally.

Due to the restrictions and limitations to the 2020 show season COVID-19 has had on the industry, this may provide a more diverse and interesting twist to see which rider will be able to go the distance and come out on top in the Series. Each event in the Series will be available to view via live stream through Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC’s website. Details will follow on how you can view and participate in the excitement safely from a distance as the event approaches.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has hosted the Challenge Series since 2006. The Series is held each spring and summer at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The rider who accumulates the most points in the Series is presented the Leading Rider Award during the Kentucky National Horse Show in September. The Series typically feature a FEI CSI2* and a CSI3*, making riders eligible to earn points toward international show-jumping rankings.

Hagyard announced that the theme for the 2020 event would be Going the Distance. “The word ‘distance’ has been such a prominent part of our life this year, we wanted to put a more positive spin on it,” Jackson explained. “We feel like this theme truly embodies what we want to do with this event, and the Hagyard brand itself. 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. But that’s what we do for our customers every day, so it’s really inherent in who we are as an organization.”

With more than 50 veterinarians and 142 years behind it, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute is the oldest and one of the largest private equine veterinary practices in the world. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the facility, located across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park, boasts superior ambulatory services, the world-renowned Davidson Surgery Center, McGee Medicine and Fertility Centers, Hagyard Laboratory, Hagyard Sports Medicine & Podiatry Center, and hyperbaric medicine facilities. For more information, visit hagyard.com.

For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com. To request a prize list, please e-mail prizelist@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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

Kentucky Horse Shows COVID-19 Protocols

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Lexington, Ky. – July 8, 2020 – Kentucky Horse Shows LLC would like to make all exhibitors who will be participating in the Kentucky Summer Horse Show and the Kentucky Summer Classic, to be held July 22 – August 2, 2020 at the Kentucky Horse Park aware of the COVID 19 Protocols, which can be viewed here.

Competition is just two weeks away and all exhibitors must be familiar with the protocols mandated by USEF and The Commonwealth of Kentucky under which these events will be conducted.

The requirements and suggestions outlined are carefully considered to allow athletes to compete safely. The protocols will be enforced uniformly. Any questions regarding the protocols should be emailed to hak@kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Please remember that at the end of the day it will be your cooperation that dictates the success of our return to competition.

For the 2020 show season, all Kentucky Horse Shows prize lists will only be available in digital format. For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series, please refer to the prize list on www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.