Costello Squeaks by Take Away for Victory in 2005 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular - Bittersweet Victory for Louise Serio

Article and Photos by Diana DeRosa

Wellington, FL - February 19, 2005 – Winning the American Hunter Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular is important to any hunter rider but for Louise Serio this time was especially important. Just the day before one of her young clients (Rachel Geiger) lost her mom Jeannie in an unexpected turn of events and Louise made a decision that she was going to try and win for Jeannie.

And so on Saturday, February 19, 2005 in Wellington, FL with sadness in her heart but determination in her ride, Serio and Costello negotiated two spectacular performances for a total two round score of 178.500, mere fractions ahead of second place finisher Take Away ridden by Havens Schatt. Pleased with her victory but still in shock, Serio felt a sense of accomplishment when Costello was announced as the winner. This was Costello’s first appearance in the tenth annual Hunter Classic which had been dominated by Strapless for the past four years.

Serio, Kennett Square, PA, only just recently started riding Costello, who she says, “gets really high and round at the jumps. He has a huge stride and he is great to jump.”

President of the AHJF Geoff Teall watched Costello’s round alongside announcer Ken Kraus (who has announced every Hunter Classic except for one since its inception in 1997) and was equally impressed with Costello’s performance. “There was consistency and brilliance in both rounds. Every jump was a great jump.”

What made Costello’s performance even better was that you could see that Serio wasn’t holding back. Serio disclosed that Costello always needs you to put your foot on the gas a little to get him in gear (something that was not apparent from their ride). But no matter, she was going for it, which was clear by the way they boldly galloped down to every fence and by the beautifully formed bold, big arc of a jump that was the result of each jumping effort.

In fact, Costello appeared to have energy to spare despite the fact that, “He is a bit lazy. You have to make sure that you get a little over paced to start with,” explained Serio. Even second place rider Schatt knew it would be a challenge. “Louise’s horse was so accurate and so brilliant.”

When Serio and Costello were on the field claiming their ribbon and prizes suddenly a bunch of friends and supporters dashed out on the field to share the joy of the moment knowing how special and important this win was to Serio. “I have a great group of people that help me,” explained Serio. “I couldn’t do it without them.”

Later Serio commented, “It was a little bittersweet. I wanted to win for Rachel.” Jeannie’s passing was totally unexpected and it was a hard blow to family and friends alike. Serio was quiet for a moment before commenting, “I wanted to win this for Jeannie.”