Category Archives: Winter Equestrian Festival

Equinium Sports Mktg., Show Jumping

Gabriela Reutter Scores Back-to-Back FEI 2* Victories at WEF 11

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Reutter and Atticus Diamante (Photo courtesy of Sportfot)

Wellington, Florida (March 31, 2021) – Chile’s Gabriela Reutter and Lumiere Horses’ Atticus Diamant dominated in two shining rounds that bested a field of top competitors in one of the most highly anticipated weeks of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. Reutter and the 2009 Selle Français gelding (Diamant De Semilly x Vas Y Donc Longane) have been streamlining their partnership with exceptional results under the guidance of double Olympic Medalist Chris Kappler. The pair’s quick double clear efforts were belied by an obvious ease and grace over the courses and their subsequent jump-offs. Lumiere Horses, Reutter’s barn & brand, specializes in developing horses of all levels for international competition and recently imported three horses to the US this season, and one of the recent imports, Here I Am Z, jumped to 4 out of 5 blue ribbons in his first week of schooling shows in the US.

Wednesday began Reutter’s consecutive wins with a first round clear effort in the $6,000 1.45m Cabana Coast 2-star, one of only 15 to go to the jump-off out of a field of 49. Their winning time of 68.59 seconds was nearly 4 seconds faster than the second place effort. Atticus Diamant, a.k.a. Monty, has been in Reutter’s string for more than 3 years, and is the horse that first took her to the 2-star level. Thursday brought another win for Reutter in the $6,000 CabanaCoast 1.40m Jumpers CSI2*, besting a 10-horse-and-rider line-up to produce the fastest of five double-clear rounds. She and Monty cleared the jump-off timers in 26.75 seconds.

“We put in a lot of prep, especially for this Stadium arena at Global, and it was great to win twice,” said Reutter. “I like the stadium because it keeps big horses like him contained. He jumps rounder even though we’re going fast, so I wanted to make sure that he was in front of my leg. He had 2 weeks off and was very fresh, and was really jumping amazing. The other day he didn’t get to ride in his awards presentation; I had my other horse sub in, so I think he was a little jealous and wanted his chance too!”

She continued, “It’s awesome to win twice! I really wanted to win again. He’s my heart horse, and I feel super connected with him. It’s almost like we’re thinking the same thing at the same time, and we are good at compensating for one another. I really wanted this for both of us, mostly because he deserves it. We haven’t had two wins in one week like this, so it’s a great feeling.”

Reutter’s passion for equestrian sport began at a young age, and has since taken her to the upper echelons of show jumping. Combining talent, horsemanship, and dedication to her dreams, she rides with the aspiration of representing Chile at the pinnacle of show jumping sport. Born in Santiago, Chile, Gaby began riding at only four years old. At 17, she moved to the United States to pursue a professional show jumping career. Since 2014, she has ridden under the guidance of Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist Chris Kappler, and completed her undergraduate degree in Economics and Business Studies at NYU.

To date, Gaby has multiple top finishes in international FEI classes, from the U25 Grand Prix divisions to victory in an FEI 4-star event. She currently campaigns her two show jumpers, Atticus Diamant (a.k.a. Monty) and Maharees Rock (a.k.a. Rocky), at the FEI level. Both had excellent results during WEF 2020. Her international equestrian CV also includes Spruce Meadows, The Hampton Classic, and several junior/young rider South American Games. She and Rocky were in the top 3 in the $30,000 Pilates Rock Grand Prix during WEF 1, and in 2018, Reutter received her certificate of capability for the Pan American Games following a top 3 finish in the FEI 3-star 1.50m Captive One Classic.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Darragh Kenny Extends Series Lead after Winning $50k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Grand Prix

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Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Vertige De Galarzacs © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 28, 2021 – On the final day of week eleven of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Vertige De Galarzacs, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC, rose to the occasion, putting forth an impressive double-clear effort to capture the $50,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Grand Prix on Sunday, March 21, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

A total of 43 horse-and-rider combinations contested the opening round over a course set by Olaf Petersen Jr. (GER), with just six pairs qualifying for the jump-off. The first to return was Canada’s Nicole Walker aboard Excellent B, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Berlin x Heartbreaker, executing the shortened track with ease to set the pace for the remainder of the field. Walker and the NW Stables LP entry finished fault-free in a time of 37.81 seconds, which would hold up for second place.

Next to challenge, David Oberkircher (USA) and Upper, owned by Southfields Farm, LLC, gave it their best effort but stopped the clock just off the mark as he and the 13-year-old Selle Français gelding by Diamant de Semilly x Nadir de San Patrignano crossed the finish line in 38.59 seconds for third place.

Stephen Moore and Team De Coquerie Top $50,000 CabanaCoast Grand Prix CSI2*

Forty-five combinations took their final turn around the Global International Arena at Equestrian Village of the season on Sunday morning as they contested the $50,000 CabanaCoast Grand Prix CSI2*. Last to go in the jump-off, it was Ireland’s Stephen Moore aboard Vlock Show Stables’ Team De Coquerie that took the lead in a time of 40.81 seconds over a course designed by Mauricio Garcia (PUR).

“We’ve been building up for a few weeks for this class,” explained Moore. “This is his second two-star grand prix of the season; we started slowly. He jumped good in the qualifier and had one down that kept us out of the jump-off. In the first round today, we got lucky in a few spots and had a few rubs, but he’s always so fast. In the jump-off we were last to go, and I knew the ones that were ahead of me were quite quick, but he’s so fast and turns well so I just had to let him do his thing and hope that his food speed would be fast enough.”

The 2007 Selle Français gelding by Heartbreaker x Girl De Coquerie has been a part of the Vlock Show Stables’ program for about four years, and Moore has had the ride on and off throughout that period of time.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Deusser Is Divine with Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z in $500k Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*

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Daniel Deusser (GER) and Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2021 – Extending an astonishing winning streak at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival, World Number Three rider Daniel Deusser (GER) showed once again why he’s one of the best, riding to the top of the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* with Scuderia 1918 Tobago Z, owned by Stephex Stables and Scuderia 1918.

Forty of the best riders in the world took to the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village on a picture-perfect day for the feature class of the circuit. Eight pairs were clear in the first round to continue to the jump-off.

The first double clear in the jump-off came from Harrie Smolders (NED) and Bingo du Parc, owned by Copernicus Stables LLC. They set the time to beat at 36.74 seconds, which would hold up for third place.

Coming in just two-tenths of a second faster, Daniel Bluman (ISR) lowered the leading time to 36.54 seconds riding Gemma W, owned by Blue Star Investments and Over the Top Stables. Their fault-free performance would land them in second place.

With the fastest time of the jump-off in 34.94 seconds, two-time Olympic team gold medalist McLain Ward (USA) was by far the speediest with the Beechwood Stables, LLC-owned entry Contagious, but a costly rail in the ‘b’ element of the Rolex double combination dropped him to fourth place.

As the last to go in the jump-off, Deusser had the advantage of knowing the time to beat and used it to his advantage, coming in just under the winning time in 36.40 seconds.

Reutter Returns for Victory in $6,000 CabanaCoast 1.40m CSI2*

The day commenced with yet another two-star victory in the Global International Arena at Equestrian Village for Gabriela Reutter (CHI) and Atticus Diamant, this time in the $6,000 CabanaCoast 1.40m Jumpers CSI2*. Reutter was victorious in Thursday’s opening CSI2* speed class.

Reutter and the 2009 Selle Français gelding by Diamant De Semilly x Vas Y Donc Longane owned by Lumiere Horses Inc. bested a 10-horse-and-rider line-up to produce the fastest of five double-clear rounds. Clearing the jump-off timers in 26.75 seconds, Reutter explained that her plan was to approach the entire class as if it was a speed round.

“We worked on our pace in the warm-up,” she explained, “which is what we did last time as well. We didn’t jump as much because he knows his job. When we went in there, I tried to teach the entire track as a speed course, just because that seems to keep him thinking and on his toes, and I think he likes that, to be tested. I wanted to keep that momentum and the element of surprise, and it keeps me in the moment and really thinking about what our next move is.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Uncategorized

Equine Fatality at 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival

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Wellington, FL – March 28, 2021 – It is with deepest regret that Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) management announces an equine fatality at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. On Sunday, March 28, at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET, there was an incident in the High Junior Jumper Classic in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Lord Pizarro, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding ridden by Ansgar Holtgers Jr. and owned by Gut Einhaus LLC and Dietmar Gugler, fell while attempting a jump. The equine ambulance, veterinarians from WEF Official Veterinarian Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and EMTs were on the scene immediately. Everything was done to ensure the comfort and safety of horse and rider.

The horse’s injury was assessed on-site and determined to be irreparable. The horse was euthanized on-site to avoid any further pain and distress for the animal. Holtgers Jr. was examined by medics and was not injured.

ESP management expresses their sincere condolences to the owners, Holtgers, and everyone connected to Lord Pizarro.

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

Championships, Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping, Wellington Turf Tour

Natalie Jayne and Charisma Shine in the WEF Equitation Championship

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Natalie Jayne and Charisma © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 26, 2021 – Equitation riders took their turn in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) on Friday, March 26, in the WEF Equitation Championship during the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). After three technical rounds of competition, Natalie Jayne and Heritage Farm, Inc.’s Charisma took home the blue ribbon.

Zayna Rizvi and Jordyn Rose Freedman’s Finnick earned second place. Third place honors went to Dominic Gibbs aboard Mountain King Ranch LLC’s Cent 15, and fourth place went to Alexander Alston riding Waldo, owned by Missy Clark and North Run.

Shane Sweetnam and Indra van de Oude Heihoef Are Swift in $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5*

Galloping swiftly across the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Indra van de Oude Heihoef, owned by The Blue Buckle Group, won the $37,000 Bainbridge Companies 1.45m Classic CSI5* on Friday.

Out of 46 entries in the class, 19 were clear over the speed course designed by Guilherme Jorge (BRA). Starting the class off with a bang, Olympic individual gold medalist Eric Lamaze (CAN) and Chacco Kid, a 15-year-old Oldenburg by Chacco Blue x Come On owned by Chacco Kid Group, raced to set the leading time of 62.24 seconds, which would hold up for second place after the remaining 45 entries.

Riding early in the class as well in the fifth spot in the order, Sweetnam and Indra van de Oude Heihoef shaved almost a full second off the winning time, taking it down to 61.26 seconds.

No one else was able to catch Sweetnam’s time, but Jessica Springsteen (USA) and Hungry Heart, a nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Baltimore 1178 x Loucaibo owned by Stone Hill Farm, came closest in 63.10 seconds for third place.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Uncategorized

Equine Herpesvirus Restrictions Soon to Be Modified at ESP Events

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Wellington, FL – March 26, 2021 – Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) management is pleased to announce that the protocols currently in place regarding Equine Herpesvirus (EHV) will be modified as of Monday, March 29, 2021. This measure will include activities at both the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) and Equestrian Village, the homes of the Winter Equestrian Festival and Adequan® Global Dressage Festival, respectively.

This decision was made after conferring with state and local veterinarians, as well as the US Equestrian Veterinary Department, who all agreed that the restrictions were no longer needed due to the containment of the recent outbreak in Ocala. As of this upcoming Monday, horses that are located outside of Wellington, FL or any that have traveled recently will be allowed on-site for competition.

ESP urges all horse owners to continue biosecurity protocols and note that modified restrictions are still in place at PBIEC in order to maintain the health of all of the horses on the property. They are as follows:

  1. Anyone shipping horses into the PBIEC and Equestrian Village facilities will be required to sign a declaration stating that the horses entering the facility have not competed at other Florida venues outside of Wellington or been in close contact with horses that competed in other Florida venues outside of Wellington within ten (10) days prior to their arrival.
  2. Starting Monday, March 8, any horses shipping onto the property (both WEF and AGDF grounds) will require a health certificate or statement on official licensed veterinarian letterhead and must be dated by Veterinarian within seven (7) days of arriving.
  3. ESP will require all barns on PBIEC and Equestrian Village show grounds to maintain a temperature log with twice-daily temperatures recorded and recommend posting on each horse’s stall door. Random checks by approved veterinary staff may be implemented.
  4. ESP and USEF strongly recommend that equestrians do not ship horses throughout the state for the foreseeable future. In addition, we encourage you to cease any European imports you may have scheduled to Florida. We urge those with recently imported horses to isolate and monitor them for 10 days. Horses imported from Europe in the last 14 days and going forward will not be allowed into PBIEC or Equestrian Village show grounds.
  5. Any horse on the show grounds with a fever of unknown origin or of suspicious origin must be reported to ESP Management. It is always better to err on the side of safety. Isolation stalls will either be available on the grounds or at a local veterinary practice if the need arises.

It is our shared responsibility to keep our horses safe. Similar to the suggested protocols in place for humans due to COVID-19, we urge all equestrians to please remember and abide by the following biosecurity measures:

  • Take all horses’ temperatures daily and report any horse with a temperature above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit or any signs of respiratory or neurological disease to your veterinarian and/or show management.
  • Take the temperature of all horses prior to shipping to WEF or AGDF, and do not bring any febrile horses to the show.
  • Avoid mixing of horses where possible; practice equine ‘social distancing’.
  • Ensure good hygiene and biosecurity at the show and your home farms.
  • Make sure your horses are currently vaccinated for influenza and EHV. Under no circumstances should a horse that has been vaccinated compete within 7 days.
  • You should be able to document your horse’s normal temperature before arrival. Please do not ship horses with elevated temperatures. It is recommended that you establish a log of temperatures taken at least twice daily. If there is an elevated temperature for more than a 24-hour period, please consult your local Veterinarian immediately.
  • Every effort should be made to minimize stress and commingling of horses shipped long distances. Extra hours on a horse van or moving from stable to stable is the fastest way to compromise your horses’ and your neighbor’s horses’ health.
  • Please take the time to review equine good hygiene practices and impress its importance to your grooms and barn managers in everyday care.

Further biosecurity protocols and additional resources can be found here:

United States Department of Agriculture Information on Equine Herpesvirus

American Association of Equine Practitioners FAQ on Equine Herpesvirus

United States Equestrian Federation Biosecurity Measures for Horses at Home and at Competitions

ESP has longstanding protocols to manage such events and will provide isolation facilities if and as required. Experience has taught us that early identification is key when dealing with disease outbreaks, and this requires cooperation from everyone within the community.

If you have any questions or concerns about your horse’s health, please contact our veterinary partners: Palm Beach Equine Clinic at 561-793-1599.

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

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Ashlee Bond Blazes to the Top in $137k Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 11 CSI5*

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Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello 141 © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 25, 2021 – An impressive group of international competitors took center stage on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village as Ashlee Bond (ISR) and Donatello 141, owned by Little Valley Farms, flew to the top of the $137,000 Adequan® WEF Challenge Cup Round 11 on Thursday, March 25, at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

A total of 56 combinations were represented in the starting order over a 1.55m course set by 2016 Olympic Games designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA) featuring 16 jumping efforts. With 22 pairs qualifying to return for the jump-off, the competition was fierce as 14 elected to return and battle for top spot in the grand prix qualifying class.

First to return in the subsequent round, Chloe Reid (USA) and Souper Shuttle set the pace for the remaining competitors as she piloted the 10-year-old Hanoverian mare by Stakkato x Luise Marie, owned by Live Oak Plantation, LLC, to a clear effort in a time of 41.66 seconds. Just two horses later, the lead changed as Ireland’s Cian O’Connor (IRL) and his mount Kilkenny, owned by Ronnoco Jump Ltd, produced an even quicker clear round in 41.12 seconds.

Scott Stewart and Nottingham Secure the Green Hunter 3’6” Tricolor

The Green Hunter 3’6” division, sponsored by Equine Tack and Nutritionals, wrapped up on Thursday in the E. R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Leading the class with 38 points, Scott Stewart piloted Rivers Edge’s Nottingham to the championship.

Nottingham is a very new ride for well-known hunter professional Stewart. The coming nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Verdi was recently purchased from the European Select Auction and began his already impressive hunter career last week.

“Last week was his first time showing, and he was champion,” said Stewart. “And now he was champion again. He has just been great. He is usually so easygoing and looks through the bridle very well. You can just let go of the reins and gallop around.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Show Jumping

Smashing Start for Harrie Smolders in $37k Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45 Jumpers CSI5*

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Harrie Smolders (NED) and Une De L’Othain © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 24, 2021 – The eleventh week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) opened with Harrie Smolders (NED) and Une De L’Othain, owned by Evergate Stables, LLC, claiming victory in the $37,000 Douglas Elliman Real Estate 1.45 Jumpers CSI5* on Wednesday, March 24, on the grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village.

Jumping a 1.45m course set by 2016 Olympic Games designer Guilherme Jorge (BRA), 59 entries competed over fences one through 13 in a two-phase format. The best of the day, Smolders and the 13-year-old Selle Français mare by Conterno Grande x Cento completed their fault-free round in a time of 29.70 seconds.

“This week the plan was to only do this class with her because she usually does the bigger classes,” said Smolders of his winning partner. “With that plan in mind, I thought, ‘Why don’t we give it a go today?’ She’s probably not a typical speed horse, but she went very smooth every turn and saw every distance fairly early so everything worked out according to plan. She’s good on all kinds of surfaces. She’s very scopey, very careful, and today I think it was my turn to win.”

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kenny Notches Second Win of WEF 10 in $137,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI3*

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Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Great-Tikila J © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 21, 2021 – On the final day of the tenth week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Darragh Kenny (IRL) picked up his second win of the week, riding Great-Tikila J, owned by Whiterock Farm and HKC Collection, to capture the $137,000 Horseware Ireland Grand Prix CSI3* as competition wrapped up on Sunday, March 21, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC).

Of the 45 entries in the starting order, a total of 10 pairs mastered the handiwork of Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) to punch their ticket into the second round. Of those 10, Mimi Gochman (USA) was the first to put in a double-clear round aboard Gigi’s Girl BH, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC, to move into the lead.

“I went super early [in the order], so I just really wanted to have a nice round,” explained Gochman in reference to her plan for the jump-off. “I was trying to go for it a little bit, but I didn’t want to make any big mistakes or make her unconfident in me because it was my first three-star grand prix, and I really just wanted to go double clear.”

Gochman, who picked up a win earlier in the day in the Hermès U25 Series Final, guided the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare by Vingino x Celano across the track in a time of 41.38 seconds.

Mimi Gochman and Celina BH Best the Field in the $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Series Final; Vogel Wins Overall Title

In the culmination of a season-long series, it was Mimi Gochman (USA) and Celina BH, owned by Gochman Sport Horses, LLC, who prevailed in the $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Final CSI3* on Sunday afternoon in the International Arena.

Riders were faced with a technical track built by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) with 29 competitors in the starting order. A total of eight horse-and-rider combinations qualified to return for the jump-off representing four different countries: Belgium, Greece, Great Britain, and the United States.

The standard was set for the rest of the field as the first two pairs to return, Zoe Conter (BEL) and Caitlyn Connors (USA), both posted double clear efforts and jumped into a tie for the early lead in a time of 38.69 seconds. Third to return in the subsequent round, Natalie Dean (USA) and Dotcom D’Authuit, owned by Marigold Sporthorses, LLC, followed up with their own double-clear effort. Dean and the eight-year-old mare by Diamant De Semilly x Quidam De Revel solidified what would ultimately be a third-place finish in a time of 37.67 seconds.

Just two riders after that, series leader Ashley Vogel (USA) and her own Bellissimo Z, a 12-year-old Zangersheide mare by Bamako de Muze x Chin Chin, found a way to shave time off the clock, with their own double-clear effort in 36.60 seconds to take over top spot.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.

Hunter/Equitation, Show Jumping

Kenny Dominates aboard Vertige De Galarzacs in $37k CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI3*

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Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Vertige De Galarzacs © Sportfot.

Wellington, FL – March 20, 2021 – Darragh Kenny (IRL) and Vertige De Galarzacs, owned by Morning Star Sporthorses, LLC, dashed to the top of podium in the $37,000 CaptiveOne Advisors 1.50m Classic CSI3* on Saturday, March 20, in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in the tenth week of the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).

A total of 79 entries contested the first round of competition with just nine qualifying for the second round. First to return in the jump-off, Shane Sweetnam (IRL) and Ideal, owned by Sweet Oak Farm and Seabrook, LLC, set the tone for the rest of the contenders, executing the 1.50m shortened course set by Michel Vaillancourt (CAN) with ease. Sweetnam and the nine-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding by Cardento 933 x Paskitt posted the time to catch of 36.67 seconds.

Both Kenny and Martin Fuchs (SUI) qualified two horses to return for the jump-off, and it was Fuchs who posted the second double clear round of the day with Conner 70, owned by Thomas Fuchs. The second-ranked rider in the world guided the 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Connor 48 x Cosimo around the course, crossing the timers in 37.10 seconds.

Libbie Gordon and Montauk Earn the Tricolor Ribbon in the Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17 Division

Libbie Gordon, of Statesville, NC, rode her own Montauk to the championship title in the Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17 Division on Saturday in the Rost Arena. The pair received 23.5 points in the division with two firsts, a fourth, a fifth, and a sixth place finish.

Gordon and Montauk, trained by Ashland Farms, secured another tricolor ribbon after also receiving the championship honors during week five of WEF. Although the 12-year-old Warmblood gelding is still fairly new to the hunter discipline, he and Gordon are always a pair to watch when they enter the show ring.

For more information and results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.