Another successful show for Alexandra Thornton of Bedminster, NJ, placed the 12-year-old in the winner’s circle once again. This time, her triumph made history at the highly regarded Hampton Classic in Bridgehampton, NY. Thornton, who trains with renowned judge and trainer Susie Humes, piloted her way to the division tricolor in the Younger Small Junior Hunters aboard her mount Tobasco, a small, yet scopey chestnut gelding. She then continued her winning ways and became the youngest rider to ever win the Grand Junior Hunter Championship at the Hampton Classic.

“Alexandra has just started in the Junior Hunters,” explained Humes proudly. “This was her fourth show with Tobasco at 3'6" and only her third show with High Noon, so I am very pleased with how well she has made the transition.”

Thornton’s new horse, High Noon, was champion in the Regular Working Hunters with top professional rider Scott Stewart. Thornton also piloted the bay gelding in the Younger Large Junior Hunters and came away with two seconds and a fourth. In addition to her rides on High Noon, she had successful trips with her other Large Junior Hunter, For The Music, and received a ribbon in every class.

The talented rider recently began showing in the Children’s Jumper division as well. This past weekend, she came home with a fifth and a tenth aboard her new jumper Tullifinny, who came from international grand prix rider Nick Skelton at the end of the Winter Equestrian Festival. Thornton also rode beautifully in the equitation arena aboard her horse, Agincourt, and added yet another blue ribbon to her collection in the Hugh B. Cassidy Maclay class.

All of Thornton’s horses are owned by her family’s farm, Dunwalke. Humes gives the credit for the farm’s many victories to the entire Dunwalke team. She stated, “The people who are responsible for all of this success are Chris Marold, our unbelievably excellent barn manager, Geoff Vernon, our fabulous veterinarian, and our wonderful blacksmith, the venerable Shamus Brady. They are the three major players that contribute to the excellence of the horses’ performances. Without them, and without the support of Alexandra’s parents, we couldn’t be where we are today. Everyone works very hard, including Alexandra, and the entire team is what makes this consistent success happen!”

Thornton will compete next at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD. She will continue to show Tobasco in the Younger Small Junior Hunters, For The Music and High Noon in the Younger Large Junior Hunters, Agincourt in the equitation classes, and Tullifinny and Saint-Exupery in the Children Jumpers.


~~~