Independence Day wasn’t the only hot event in Parker, CO, as four weeks of outstanding horse shows kicked off with the Colorado Circuit Preview at the Colorado Horse Park July 3-6.

The jumpers were fast and furious during this preview show, giving us all a glimpse of things to come in the weeks ahead. Continuing their winning streak from the spring shows, Amanda and Emily McConnell were superstars in the Junior Jumpers. Amanda, riding A Twist of China, finished in a three-way tie for champion in the Low Junior/AO Jumpers and was champion in the Junior Jumpers. Sister Emily, riding Town of Hearts, held her own with impressive finishes not only in the Junior Jumpers but in the Open Jumpers as well.

Santa Fe Hope, an entry of Caroline Invicta-Stevenson ridden by Sarah Invicta-Williams, earned ribbons in the 1.20m, 1.25m, and 1.30m jumpers. The pair brought home championships in both the 1.25m and 1.30m jumpers just edging out a cadre of horses for the top spot in each division.

Lambert Bunker rode the Cottonwoods Ltd.’s Play It Again to the championship in the Adult Amateur Jumpers. The pair earned two blues and a red on their way to the tri-color.

On the Children’s Jumper card, the top slot was awarded to Stu Shannon’s Kaboom who was ably piloted by Morganne Billingsley.

The always exciting Pony Jumpers were dominated by Breanna Marious and Nikia. The horse and rider combination won two classes and were second in another to come away with the division championship. They also had a great finish in one of the .90m jumper classes as well.

Maria Teresa Escoto was the story in the Modified Junior Amateur Jumpers. Her horses Momentos and Alucho finished first and second respectively and then swapped positions in the second class thus tying for the division championship.

Grand prix competition begins this coming week starting with the $25,000 High Prairie Grand Prix on Saturday July 12, during the Colorado Circuit Opener followed by the $40,000 Rocky Mountain Grand Prix on Saturday July 19 during the Rocky Mountain Classic and culminating in the $60,000 Grand Prix of Denver on Saturday, July 26, during the Colorado Summer Classic. The shows are managed by Langer Equestrian Group, Inc.

Full results, schedules, and information are available by visiting the LEG website, www.langershows.com.