Garfield and Alexandra Crown. (Anne Gittins Photography)
The reserve champion title went to Southfields Farm's Bishonen and David Oberkircher. The eleven-year-old Warmblood gelding, trained by David Raposa, placed second over fences during day one of competition. Bishonen and Oberkircher took home the blue in the under saddle class on day two after earning fifth and third place ribbons in the over fences rounds.
Crown and Garfield were also named Junior Owner/Rider Champion for earning the most points of any owner/rider combination in the division. Crown purchased Garfield in late 2011 after deciding to move up from the pony hunter divisions.
"[Trainer] Scott Stewart had shown him for a year before me, so he knew he would be a perfect first year hunter for me," Crown stated.
Stewart was obviously on to something; Crown and Garfield competed up and down the east coast in 2012 before being named Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under Champion at the Pennsylvania National in Harrisburg, Pa. The pair had strong performances at the Hampton Classic, Capital Challenge, and Washington International horse shows as well.
Garfield has been Crown's beloved partner ever since their first show together. "He has such a big stride that he can cover up a lot of the small mistakes I made when I first got him. He's such a good fit for me," Crown stated.
"He's the most perfect horse in the world," Crown continued. "He's got such a big personality. He'll do anything you want him to, he's the best!"
Crown was also complimentary of course designer Philip J. Devita's course in the Rost Arena. "I really liked the course [on day two]. The long approach to the oxer let you have a good pace and go forward. So did the long bending line. I could go forward and his big stride helped with that," Crown stated.