Junior, Amateur Owner and Ladies Side Saddle Hunter Champions

Wellington, FL - December 4, 2004 - The Junior Hunter fifteen and under divisions wrapped up today, with some familiar names ending up with championship prizes. The younger Small Junior Hunter champion was Cool Blue, with Carolyn Kelly riding. Reserve champion was Tobasco, who continued his winning streak with owner Ann Marie Walker. The 15 and under Large Junior Hunter champion was Clemintine and Nicoletta Von Heidegger, who traveled from California to compete. Haylie Jayne and Quidam rode to the reserve championship. Clemintine and Von Heidegger were also Grand Junior Hunter Champions, beating out tough competition for the top prize.

The 16-17 Large Junior Hunter champion also flew over from California. Owner and rider Stephanie Danhakl said Lifetime “loves the big grass field,” and that he was really fun to gallop on the field. Although they qualified for the National Horse Show Junior-Amateur/Owner Hunter Championship tomorrow, they will not be competing due to Stephanie’s flight back to California in the morning. Acarell and Jane Ehrhart received the reserve championship. Megan Young continued her end of the year winning streak by riding Jo Malone to the Small Junior 16-17 championship for owner Euri Uchiyama. The reserve champion for the week was Kindred Spirit and Alesandra Perna.

In Disguise and Ellen Toon continued their awesome ways by winning the Kilkenny Amateur-Owner 36 and over championship, as well as the Grand Amateur Championship. Toon commented after their win that “it’s hard for him not to be perfect.” This perfection was evident in the show ring today. Reserve champion in the older Amateur-Owner division went to Dee Thomas and Liberty. Thomas was happy to ride in the Internationale Arena, stating, “I think the horses move best out there and jump best out there.”

Another familiar face graced the ring for the championship presentation of the Kilkenny Amateur-Owner 18-35 division. Priceless and Clara Lindner topped a stellar field of competitors, including Lindner’s other horse, Protégé. Lindner agreed with Dee Thomas that it was a treat to ride in the Internationale Arena and explains, “There’s nothing better for the hunters. My favorite thing is to gallop loose around the course, so I think it’s great that they’ve given us the opportunity to use the Internationale Arena.” Kara Flynn and her mount, Stiletto, received the reserve championship.

A long time tradition at the National Horse Show, The Ladies Side Saddle division, wrapped up competition today in the International Arena. The Ladies Hunter Side Saddle division, sponsored by I.V. Technologies, Inc., featured the traditional dress and appointments and the ladies thrilled the crowd with their display of balance and discipline. The division champion was awarded to Southern Etiquette, who was ridden by Jocelyn McDonald for owner Davera Ackenbaum. Tango and Mary Laura Cramer were reserve champions.

The 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival runs through Sunday, December 5. More than 500 of the nation’s top horses are competing in hunters, jumpers, equitation and dressage for more than half a million dollars in total prize money. The upcoming attraction on Sunday, December 5, is the $100,000 Budweiser AGA Championship, CSI*** presented by Chesapeake Petroleum.

For more information about the 121st National Horse Show & Family Festival, write to National Horse Show, PO Box 386, Greenvale, NY 11548. E-mail: NationalHS@aol.com; Phone: (516) 484-1865; Fax: (516) 484-1982. Web: www.nhs.org