Candyland and Hope Smith (Sportfot)
Christy Powell and her own Savion finished the day as the Forré Fine Art Low Adult Hunter 2'6" Section B champions. The pair won both over fences classes today along with a second in the under saddle.
Reserve championship honors in section A were awarded to Shade, ridden and owned by Mimi Herbert. Shade was consistent over both days, winning two of the over fences classes along with a fourth in the under saddle. Lindsay Maxwell guided Emily Weeks' horse, Jackson, to a first and third over fences to finish the day as reserve champion of the Forré Fine Arts Low Adult Hunter 2'6' Section B.
After a light competition schedule this past summer, Smith was happy to return to the show ring. "This is a great way to start!" Smith exclaimed after receiving her championship prize.
Before Smith purchased Candyland, an 11 year-old mare, she spent most of her time in the jumper ring. Smith explained, "I came from the jumpers originally, this is only my second season in the hunters."
With a year of experience behind them, Candyland and Smith are in winning form. "She's [Candyland] a great horse, and she's so sweet," Smith smiled describing her mare.
Smith looks forward to using this week's success as a springboard for upcoming weeks at WEF. "Since I hadn't been showing for a while I started in here [Low Adult Hunters] and I'm going to move up to the 3' [hunters] and eventually the 3'3" Amateur-Owners," Smith said about her future plans.
Primarily based in New York, Smith enjoys spending most of the winter months in Palm Beach. When Smith is not competing with her two horses she runs a family office in New York.