Lindsey Mohr, 15, of Long Valley, NJ, dominated the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Children’s Hunter Finals on October 18 at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, PA. Riding Lion King, Mohr led both rounds with scores of an 87 and an 88.

“This is one of the toughest competitions,” said Mohr. “Everyone has a great eye and there is always a great match between horse and rider.”

Thirty-one horses qualified to compete at the Farm Show Complex, and through the use of the numerical scoring system the field was narrowed to 12 who returned for a second round. In the first round Mohr led the pack with an 87 after demonstrating a consistent and quiet ride on Lion King. The closest competitor was Caitlin Hope who rode Gratitude to a score of 85. In the second round the riders returned in reverse order. Hope and Gratitude gave Mohr a run for the money, posting an 85 on the scoreboard after a brilliant second round. Mohr needed to score an 84 to win the class. She and Lion King found the rhythm and never changed their pace throughout the course posting an 88.

“Once you get into this pace you can find almost any distance,” said Mohr, who feels her horse is so sensitive he can practically read her mind.

The high school sophomore has been paired up with Lion King since last December, but only started competing in the children’s hunters in June. “King” was Mohr’s equitation horse, but found a new place in the hunter ring after switching to aluminum shoes. Lion King barely made it in to the finals as the 33rd horse on the NAL list, qualifying in only seven shows.

The pair was not only successful at the Pennsylvania National, but also claimed the reserve championship title in the Marshall & Sterling Finals and topped the Show Circuit National Children’s Medal Finals on October 3. They also qualified for the WIHS Finals and will compete in the Zone II finals on Sunday.

Mohr trains with Robert Beck of Hunters Crossing, and has been with the Long Valley, NJ, trainer for three years. Her goals for next year include moving up to the 3’6” equitation classes with King and showing her other horse, Bellagio in the children’s hunters.

Results: horse, rider, score
1. Lion King, Lindsey Mohr, 175
2. Gratitude, Caitlin Hope, 170
3. Seiko, Elizabeth Votruba, 163
4. Flight Commander, Adela Evans Griswold, 159
5. Orient, Moll Gardner, 156
6. The Cutting Edge, Michelle Fegenbush, 152
7. Meant For Me, Lauren Fitzgerald, 150
8. Finally Mine, Allison Mooney, 148
9. Fair & Square, Kristina Saul, 139
10. Wise Counsel, Danielle Drezner, 138
11. Churchill Adela Evans Griswold 137