Tag Archives: Bluegrass Festival

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.

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.

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

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.

Prize Lists for 2020 Bluegrass Festival Horse Show & KHJA Horse Show Now Available

Lexington, Ky. – June 9, 2020 – Kentucky Horse Shows LLC is pleased to announce that the prize lists for the 2020 Bluegrass Festival Horse Show and the KHJA Horse Show are now available online. Following the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows and USEF Pony Finals, these two shows offer an additional two more weeks of top-notch hunter/jumper competition at the breathtaking Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

On top of regularly scheduled competition, the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show will also host the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, as well as the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship. An addition to the KHJA Horse Show, top junior hunter riders will gather at the Kentucky Horse Park for the 2020 USEF Junior Hunter Finals – East Coast on August 23-24.

The prize list and entry forms can be accessed here.

At this point in time we are planning to proceed as scheduled with our shows.  Entries and stall reservations by mail and online are open immediately. PLEASE NOTE: FOR A STALL RESERVATION TO BE ACCEPTED AND PROCESSED, IT MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ACTUAL HORSE ENTRY. TACK STALLS MAY BE REQUESTED AT 1 TACK STALL PER 3 HORSES. Entries and stall reservations may be secured online by credit card and by mail with a check. However, no credit cards will be charged and no checks deposited until we are certain that the shows can be held safely. At that time, all entries will be considered definite entries and will become subject to the show policy regarding scratches as outlined in the prize list.

We have developed protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the horse show environment once horse shows start again. These procedures were arrived at with the guidance of state and local health authorities as well as USEF, and will be published soon for review. The driving force for all involved will be the health and safety of all exhibitors, their employees, and show staff.

We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and maintain communication with the Kentucky Horse Park, state and local health officials, and USEF. Should we determine that the shows can’t be held safely we will notify all affected parties immediately. In the meantime, we will distribute any updates by email and social media. You can also monitor our website at www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

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.

David O’Brien and La Belle SCF Capture Win in $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix

David O’Brien and La Belle SCF.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 18, 2019 – The final day of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park concluded with the $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix, sponsored by Audi of Lexington. Despite high temperatures, 28 horse-and-rider pairs contested Ken Krome’s course attempting to walk away with the lion’s share of the prize money. At the end of a competitive jump-off, it was David O’Brien and La Belle SCF who walked away with the day’s top honors, in addition to winning the Envisian Leading Rider of the Week award thanks to accumulating the most points in the jumper divisions throughout the week.

Luminosity Shines Bright with Geoffrey Hesslink to Win $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

The Bluegrass Festival Horse Show was bookended by the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows, on Sunday to complete a week of exciting equestrian action. In their first ever class together, Geoffrey Hesslink and Luminosity topped the scorecard following two standout rides to top the field of 40 starters and earn the lead spot in the victory gallop.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Scott Stewart and Sara Taylor Top Scorecards in USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship

Scott Stewart and Sandstone.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 15, 2019 – The finale of the 2019 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship took place at the Kentucky Horse Park on Thursday afternoon, with champions crowned in both the 3’/3’3″ and 3’6″/3’9″ sections. After leading the first two days of riding, Scott Stewart held onto his top placings to capture the win in the 3’/3″ section with Dr. Betsee Parker’s Sandstone, while Sara Taylor and Ingrid Avera’s Noah emerged victorious over the larger fences to clinch the 2019 title for the 3’6″/3’9″ group.

Hardin Towell and Angel Twist Top the Leaderboard in Classic Champions, Inc. Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers

Young, developing horses were the focal point of the Rolex Stadium on Thursday during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show as pairs gained valuable show experience as well as chased qualifying points towards the Classic Champions, Inc. Developing Jumper Tour weekend championships. Many horse-and-rider partnerships were also using Thursday’s classes as one of their final opportunities in the show ring to prepare for the year-end championships in September. Proving to be the best of the day in the Classic Champions, Inc. Developing Jumper Tour 7-Year-Old Jumpers, Hardin Towell and Taboo Holding’s Angel Twist sped to victory to add a win to the horse’s growing record. In the 6-year-old section, Mattias Ekeroth and Haydee M led the pack, while David O’Brien and Octavius SCF topped the leaderboard for the 5-year-old class.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Scott Stewart Sweeps Top Three Spots in Day Two of USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships

Scott Stewart with top three finishers Mayflower, Sandstone, and Charlemagne.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 14, 2019 – The second phase of the 2019 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships at the 3′ and 3’3″ heights brought more than 140 exhibitors back to the Walnut Ring on Wednesday, with each horse-and-rider pair aiming at qualifying for Thursday’s championship round by earning a place in the top 30 finishers. Maintaining momentum, Scott Stewart retained his status as the frontrunner aboard Mayflower, laying down another high-scoring performance to earn Wednesday’s victory over fences and the overall top spot on the leaderboard. Adding to his success, Stewart claimed the second-place and third-place spots ahead of the pack with Sandstone and Charlemagne, respectively.

Jill Gaffney and Dayla 6 Go Double Clear to Win $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers

Jumper competition in the Rolex Stadium kicked off Wednesday at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show with the $5,000 1.40m Open Jumpers serving as the highlight event. Competing over a course of 13 obstacles, athletes vied for both clear and quick rounds. At the end of the two-phase competition it was Jill Gaffney and Freestyling Farm LLC’s Dayla 6 who stole the show to walk away with the blue ribbon as the only double-clear combination of the class.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com

Scott Stewart and Mayflower Lead Day One of USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships

Scott Stewart and Mayflower. Photo: Shawn McMillen Photography.

Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 13, 2019 – Day one of the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show kicked off with the first round of the 2019 Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships. After 141 horse-and-rider combinations tried their hand at the 3′ and 3’3″ heights during Tuesday’s competition, it was Scott Stewart and Dr. Betsee Parker’s Mayflower who stole the show with a score of 267 points to take the lead and the blue ribbon. Heading into Wednesday’s second phase of competition, the pair looks to earn a slot in the top 30 that will qualify to compete in Thursday’s championship round.

Website: www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Contact: Rebecca Walton
phone 561.753.3389
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com