Kelley Farmer and QUOTABLE on course (AlCookPhoto.com)
The award of Grand Hunter Champion was presented to the horse that accumulated the most points in the Green Conformation Hunter, Regular Conformation Hunter, Green Working Hunter, or High Performance Working Hunter divisions. The winner of this Championship also received the Beaufort Hunt Perpetual Trophy, donated by the late Col. And Mrs. J.B. Hollis Jr. in memory of their daughter Shari Hollis.
"He's been an amazing animal", said Farmer. "He has never been to a show where he hasn't been champion or reserve".
"To be Grand [Champion] here at this horse show where I've ridden as an amateur is a pinnacle", said owner Selma Garber. "It's the ultimate thrill".
Farmer, of Keswick, VA, also won the Leading Hunter Rider Award which is presented to the rider that has accumulated the greatest number of points in Green Conformation, Regular Conformation, Green Working, or High Performance (excluding model classes) sections.
"I have a great group of horses and I hope it never ends", said Farmer. "And I have amazing owners - the Garbers are fantastic".
"It's an amazing group of animals", said trainer Larry Glefke. "To have three horses getting 90's is great. I can train a horse to do an 87 but the 92's are all about the horses".
Just prior to winning the Grand title, Farmer and QUOTABLE also won the Green Conformation Hunter Championship and the Wild Air Farms Challenge Trophy. The Reserve Championship was awarded to MARIANO, shown by Sandra Ferrell and owned by Stephanie Riggio.
COLD HARBOR, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker and ridden by Hunt Tosh, was named Champion in the Regular Conformation Hunter Championship and awarded the Stocking Stuffer Challenge Trophy, donated by Mr. August A. Busch, Jr. & Cismont Manor Farm. Kelley Farmer and QUOTABLE were Reserve Champions.
"He's been fabulous", said Tosh. "He was Champion last year and to come back to win it again this year is special. He's a beautiful horse in the way he goes and he's a great jumper".
It was particularly special to owner Dr. Betsee Parker, as the gelding had Lyme disease earlier this year and has recovered well. "We're just thrilled to win three classes in a row today", said Parker. "To win this Championship is a very high honor - particularly to do it twice".
In the Pre-Green Hunter 3'3" Championship, it was LULU, ridden by Louise Serio and owned by Merrylegs South, who took the title of Champion, while the Reserve Championship went to CLEAR SAILING, who was ridden by Jennifer Jones and owned by Redfield Farm.
LULU also won the $15,000 USHJA Pre-Green Hunter Incentive Stake, sponsored by Missy Luczak & Doug Smith. Second place went to Redfield Farm's CLEAR SAILING, ridden by Jennifer Jones.
"She tries to win when she walks in the ring", said Serio, who has been riding the mare for three seasons. "She's always on her game. She is a very careful and not spooky, has great style and is lovely to ride".
Penny Hallman, owner of LULU and the farm Merrylegs South, bred and raised the 6 year old bay mare. "To win this Championship means a lot to me", she Hallman. "I love breeding and I think it's important to the sport".
In the Pre-Green Hunter 3' Championship, HUNDRED ACRE was once again in the winner's circle, taking another Championship title for owner Barbara Spizzirro, but this time with Keirstin Johnsen in the saddle. Susan Moriconi's SHOW OFF and Christopher Payne took the Reserve Championship.
"I'm so excited - it's pretty cool", said Johnsen. "We've had him for a while - he's come a long way and now coming into his best. It's been a big team effort and it's really rewarding when it all comes together". The chestnut gelding also won the big $10,000 NAL Adult Hunter Final on Monday, ridden by owner Barbara Spizzirro.