Peter Pletcher and Thanks for the Gold (Sportfot)

Wellington, Fla. - Peter Pletcher and Thanks For The Gold kicked off hunter action for WEF 3 in the Shapley's Grooming Products Green Conformation Hunters. Thanks For The Gold, owned by Rancho De Los Arboles of Oak Point, TX, topped two of the over fences classes, along with the model and under saddle, to finish the day as champions.

Also turning in consistent performances over the two days were Having Said That ridden by Kelley Farmer. The combination had a first, two seconds, and third over fences, paired with a second in the under saddle. With high ribbons both days, Glefke and Kensel's horse, Having Said That, finished as reserve champion in the division.

Thanks For The Gold is an eight-year-old Hanoverian stallion that has been under the training of Pletcher for the past year. When Pletcher first started riding Thanks For The Gold, he competed in 3'3" hunter classes and focused on putting good training on the horse. "Middle way to the end of last year he [Thanks For The Gold] started winning a lot in the 3'3" Performance Hunters, and I was excited to come and try the 3'6" with him," Pletcher explained.

On the way to the championship prize, Thanks For The Gold won a challenging handy round. "It was a tough course. There were really tight turns that he [Thanks For The Gold] did super slick," Pletcher said.

While complimenting the difficult handy course, Pletcher also commented, "All in all I think the courses have been really great."

With Thanks For The Gold only competing a few times in the 3'6" hunters, Pletcher is excited about the strong start. Smiling, Pletcher said, "He [Thanks For The Gold] has done nothing but make us super happy with his effort so far!"

After a championship performance this week, Thanks For The Gold will take next week off. However, Pletcher is looking forward to returning to the show ring with Thanks For The Gold in the remaining weeks of competition at WEF.