Christopher Payne and Dominus swept the Performance 3'3" Hunters on the second day of the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. (Ashley N. Williams)
Christopher Payne and Dominus, owned by Maria Takacs of Rumson, NJ, were named the victors at the end of the day in the Performance 3'3" Hunters. They caught the attention of their competitors, yesterday, when they were awarded two first place ribbons in the over fences. Their success continued into the afternoon where they swept the second day of the division, and earning the championship. Rebecca Conway and In To the Blue, owned by Moonlite Beach LLC of Encinitas, CA, took the reserve championship.
"It felt amazing to sweep the division," Payne smiled. "Dominus felt great through the handy and I knew he would grab the attention by delivering his signature style in the arena. We had a great final round in the ring, and he jumps brilliantly, as well as being beautiful between the jumps."
Payne continued, "He's light in the mouth and responds well to the leg, a true delight to ride-smooth and easy. He is fairly new to us, and I only began showing him in Florida over the winter; however, he has come so far, and I think today is a true testament to his potential."
Earlier in the day, Payne also earned the Performance 3'6" Hunters championship aboard Lugano, owned by Susan Moriconi of St. Louis, MO. They were awarded with the first and fourth place awards over fences, and the first place finish for their efforts in the under saddle. Katherine Newman rode Lovely Charity, owned by Freedom Group of Middleburg, VA, came in narrowly behind the team with their impressive scores from yesterday's rounds, as well as her additional second place over fences and first place handy honors in today's division.
"Lugano is a great horse, and I felt he rode his best for me out there today," Payne described. "He understands my commands in the moments I give them, he's very responsive and usually delivers what you expect of him."
Payne's winning streak continued as Holden was presented with the Combined Hunters Championship in the first division of the day. Payne exhibited Holden, owned by Susan Moriconi, to excellent ribbons on both days of competition. Holly Orlando and Cornerstone, owned by Westerly Farm of Unionville, PA, took the reserve championship for their efforts over the two days.
"I'm from Cincinnati, Ohio, and coming to Kentucky is always such a great escape. It has a wonderful facility, and I always look forward to the shows. I have clients out here, and I love having the opportunity to show right along with them."
Kimberly Prince showed Ace of Spades, owned by Emily Moran of McClean, VA, to the Performance 3'6" Hunter Championship. Terry Brown directed Nice, owned by Lori Christman of Atlanta, GA, to the third place honors in all classes today, to score the reserve championship.
"My horse was absolutely beautiful today, he rode perfectly and it was so much fun out there," Prince explained. "I don't get to show him very much anymore, I showed him a lot last year but his owner is Emily Moran, and she shows him in the Amateur-Owner divisions. It was kind of a treat to ride him today, and it was great fun."
Prince concluded, "We show every week, but Kentucky is one of my favorites. I come here every time they have a horse show, so I feel really comfortable here. The footing is so nice and the ring is so beautiful."
Tomorrow, the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will begin in the Stonelea Arena, and the champion and reserve championship honors will be awarded on Saturday for their divisions. The week holds many highlights, including the $5,000 Hallway Feeds USHJA National Hunter Derby to be held Sunday afternoon.
For more information about the Kentucky Summer Series or to download the prize list, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.