Superman and John Ingram (Anne Gittins Photography)
Reserve champion was La Fayette, ridden and owned by Deborah Perkins and trained by Havens Schatt. Perkins and La Fayette jumped to first and seventh on day one, followed by second and fourth places over fences on day two.
Superman and Ingram have been competing together since Ingram and his wife purchased him several years ago, and Ingram believes Superman is certainly living up to his name. "I think his name is pretty accurate! He's pretty super at what he does. He's just a lovely horse. He's beautiful, he goes nicely and he's willing," Ingram described.
Although Superman was originally intended for Ingram's wife or daughter to compete on, the handsome bay gelding ended up being the perfect match for him. "I never really expected to have the opportunity to ride him, but I'm glad that I do," Ingram stated. "I'm a pretty accurate and soft rider, which he likes. He likes to know that you're there, firmly. But he doesn't want you to mess around with him too much either."
Superman's super qualities extend far beyond the ring. "He's very much a gentleman in the barn. He's so calm and easy to deal with. He's just a lovely horse. We really are lucky to have him," Ingram stated.
In addition to his charming personality, Ingram believes Superman's good looks and natural talent gives him the edge against tough competition. "He's beautiful. He's got a great expression. He jumps nicely and he's pretty to watch, and that's exactly what a hunter is supposed to be," Ingram stated.
While Skip Bailey's innovative course design caused problems for the pair in the first over fences class on day two, Ingram enjoyed the opportunity to put his skills to the test. "The first class I got a little bit wiggly and got deep going into the in and out. I like that [Bailey is] putting the jumps in a little bit different spots. It creates some different challenges and that gives you a chance to try to differentiate yourself a little bit," Ingram explained.