Bridgehampton, NY - Karen Polle of New York, NY, won the SHALANNO Style of Riding Award at the 35th annual Hampton Classic Horse Show. The SHALANNO Style of Riding Award is presented to the Junior Jumper rider who best exemplifies the American style of equitation as modeled by Olympic medalists Joe Fargis, Conrad Homfeld and George Morris. The award recipient must have the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman.

Polle was selected by the jumper judges at the Hampton Classic, as well as by horse show personnel (jumper ring in-gate, steward and announcer) who were in a position to observe the necessary sportsmanship qualities of the horse show's Junior jumper riders and who have the knowledge of equitation riding necessary to make this judgment.

Polle began riding at the age of seven when her family passed a small barn on the way to their country home in New Jersey. What began as weekly riding lessons progressed into serious passion for the sport that would lead her to compete at many of the top equestrian events in the country. Polle’s passion for horses has grown beyond the show ring and into the volunteer arena. She has been an active volunteer for Helping Hearts Equine Rescue, a New Jersey-based organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of equines in need.

Polle posted some strong results at the this year’s Hampton Classic, walking out of the ring with a second-place finish in the $25,000 Carolex Show Jumping Derby, fourth and 10th places finishes in the $10,000 Sotheby’s International Realty Junior/Amateur-Owner Welcome Stake, fifth- and 10th-place finishes in the $15,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic (1.4 m), and eighth and 10th place ribbons in the $5,000 Junior Jumper (1.4 m) class.

Polle also collected the Junior Jumper Championship and Swan Creek Farms Perpetual Trophy, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Topping, for her places throughout the week in select junior jumper classes with her horse, Cachette Z.

"The Hampton Classic is proud to reward riders like Karen who exemplify good sportsmanship. We appreciate Shalanno Farm’s support of this award, allowing us to continue to salute an exceptional young rider each year," said Hampton Classic Executive Director Shanette Barth Cohen.

Full results and further information on the Hampton Classic Horse Show are available at the Hampton Classic website at www.hamptonclassic.com or call (631) 537-3177.

ENDS