The feature classes of the week at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show were the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, the ASG Software Solutions United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) International Hunter Derby, and the $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix. Top honors in both grand prix events went to Debbie Stephens. Aaron Vale won the International Hunter Derby by just one point.

The Kentucky Summer Horse Show started with an exciting opening day at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Walnut Arena debuted exceptional new footing by Otto Sport-und Reitplatz GmbH. Funded by the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, the Otto Riding Arena Mat System is a state-of-the-art surface that has been proven all over the world, including the 1996 Olympics, the 1998 World Cup, and the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games.

Debbie Stephens and Callaway 4, owned by Centennial Farm of Palmetto, FL, jumped their way to victory in the $25,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Stephens and her mount rode to victory with a clear round in 39.456 seconds. "Callaway is such a tryer; every time he walks in the ring he fights to go clear," Stephens described.

This was the third of seven events in the Hagyard Challenge Series. At the end of the seventh event, the rider who has earned the most money throughout the Hagyard Challenge Series will earn a $50,000 leading rider bonus. Stephens came close to winning the challenge series last year and with a win on Callaway 4 already, she is hoping to come from behind and take home the prize this year. "I'm going to get in the lead and keep the lead," Stephens expressed. "I'm riding well and my horses are going well, so bring it on!"

Aaron Vale of Ocala, FL, rode Second City to an exciting win, beating Jennifer Waxman of Chargin Falls, OH, and Falcon by just one point in the International Hunter Derby.

Aaron Vale and Second City were second to last to compete. He knew that he would have to be handy and take all the 4' options if he wanted to beat Waxman. His choices paid off with a score of 178, moving him to the lead. Jennifer Waxman entered the ring last with Falcon. Their round was good, but a rough trot jump and the decision not to take more difficult routes would leave the pair with a score of 172. The combined score was 354, just one point away from Vale's sore of 355.

Vale has been competing at the Kentucky Horse Shows for years. "It's a great place to show. You also have great footing, permanent stabling, great course designers, and great service from the staff. It's a top-class horse show," said Vale.

Saturday, August 2, 2008, marked the second grand prix win of the week for Stephens, in the $40,000 Kentucky Summer Grand Prix. Stephens galloped to victory aboard her mount All Star.

The course was built for him," explained Stephens. "It was built for one type of horse. Not that a little horse didn't go clear, but I think it was easier for a big, scopey horse." Stephens went double-clear with a time of 39.919 seconds.

Jumper Highlights
Angel Karolyi had two mounts in the 1.40 meter Open Jumper class. He came away with the win aboard Galant, owned by McLain Ward of Brewster, NY. The pair went around the 11-fence course in 64.032 seconds.

The 1.45m Open Jumper class was won by Sinatra, owned and shown by Vale. The pair was one of two to go clean. Vale had eight faults in the jump-off but with a time of 71.063, he was fast enough to win.

Paige Johnson and Amagedon 3, owned by Salamander Farm of The Plains, VA, won the first class of the High Amateur-Owner/Junior Jumpers. The class was held in the Walnut Arena. The pair galloped their way to victory in a time of 32.588, winning by 1.076 seconds.

Paige Johnson and Chiron S, owned by Salamander Farm, took top honors in the Amateur Owner/Junior High Classic. Johnson and Chiron S went double clear with a time of 33.002 seconds. Johnson ended up champion of the