Lexington, Ky. – Oct. 25, 2019 – The first day of the 2019 National Horse Show took place at the event’s home in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park on Friday, commencing the highly-anticipated Opening Weekend that is now in its second year after a successful debut in 2018. Three days of competition will showcase age group equitation classes as well as three championship events, offering unique opportunities for athletes to gain experience in the ring at the 2’6″-3’3” height and vie for a series of coveted blue ribbons. Following a day of equitation excellence, the most impressive exhibitors, many of whom are experiencing the National Horse Show for the first time, maneuvered to their respective leads headed into day two of competition. The day’s divisions included the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation, presented by Palm Beach International Academy, the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation, the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation, Adult Equitation and KHJA Equitation.
Commencing the 2019 horse show as the first contest of the morning, Section A of the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Over Fences, presented by Palm Beach International Academy, brought a talented group of 40 young exhibitors to the forefront. Earning the highest score over fences, Vanessa McCaughley and River Hill Farm’s Center Line claimed the first win of the day and continued to add to their success with second place in the under saddle, behind winners Kaitlyn Kiely and Adele McKenna’s Kocu, to keep the duo in contention for Saturday’s tricolors. Section B of the class saw Francesca Guidi and her own Citation ride to victory in the over fences portion of competition, putting the pair in a strong position for the championship honors headed into Saturday’s finale, though they will have to surpass Eleanor Rudnicki and Julia Strawbridge’s Castino, who earned first prize on the flat and second position over fences to claim the early frontrunner spot.
In the slightly older age group division, the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation, Ainsley Wade and Elena A. Haas each concluded the day with new accolades to their names in Section A, while Isabel Rudaz emerged as the big winner of the day after topping both classes in Section B ahead of her counterparts. Leading the scorecard ahead of 32 other riders in the Section A over fences class, Wade navigated her own Cumano Boy Z to victory thanks to a standout trip, and Rudaz subsequently piloted Donald Stewart’s Ullrich to the top honors in Section B of the class over fences, which also boasted 33 entries. On the flat, owner-rider Haas was the first winner after demonstrating superior form aboard Kalgary DV, and Rudaz maintained momentum to wrap up the division with first position in the irons on Ullrich as the Section B leader.
Hosting the eldest of the junior equitation contenders, the two sections of the Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation attracted a total of 52 horse-and-rider combinations to the Alltech Arena. Kicking off Section A over fences, Caroline Kelly rode her own Hopscotch to top marks to secure the initial lead in the division, and Claire Walls followed suit with an exemplary performance under saddle on Amy Daspit’s San Paolo that earned them first place. Section B once again saw a series of skilled young athletes, led by Alannah Argyle and STS Enterprises LLC’s KT Caraco in the over fences portion of the division and Rachel Perry and Doni Biggs’ Valedictorian, who have only been paired together for one week, in the hotly-contested under saddle class. Both partnerships earned blue ribbons to keep them in contention for the championship, which will be crowned Saturday following one final over fences contest.
Throughout the National Horse Show’s opening weekend, the hospitality in the Taylor Harris Club and Maxwell Place will offer elegant atmospheres for exhibitors and VIP guests. The exclusive and stylish Taylor Harris Club features an unbeatable view overlooking the Alltech Arena – perfect for equestrians, families and business professionals to enjoy the exciting competition in VIP fashion. Maxwell Place, presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Foundation, offers Riders’ Lounge hospitality with exciting food options, as well as a select number of premier boutique vendors. It is open to the public for shopping and dining throughout the horse show, with the Riders’ Lounge hospitality open during show hours.
The National Horse Show will return for its second day of riding Saturday, Oct. 26 and will highlight the championship crowning of the age group equitation divisions, as well as the second phase of the KHJA Equitation and the first round of the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Francesca Guidi – Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Over Fences, presented by Palm Beach International Academy, Section B winner
On winning first place at the National Horse Show:
“This is my first time at the National Horse Show. It feels amazing to get a blue ribbon and I am so happy and proud.”
On her horse and her round:
“I’ve owned ‘Cash’ for just over two years now. He is the most amazing horse with the biggest personality. He will even actually stick out his tongue when he is happy! Today I realized the main source of my problem in the ring was my nerves, so I put all of those behind me and went in and had a good time.”
On the Opening Weekend:
“I really like it a lot! I like having it separate so that there isn’t a mix of a bunch of people. There are a lot of people you can look up to around here, like in the [ASPCA Maclay Championship] next weekend. I think it is awesome to have a bunch of people you can look up to and a bunch of friends here.”
Isabel Rudaz – Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation leader
On winning the flat and over fences:
“It definitely feels really good and is a confidence booster for me. I get really anxious in the show ring so it took a really big weight off of my shoulders. I was just happy to get a ribbon, honestly. The division was so big and so competitive!”
On her rides:
“This is my first year here and first time doing the 3’3” finals. My horse felt really good today. I just wanted to go in and get around so that I could get a little less nervous in the ring. He has been the best horse I have ever been able to work with. His name is Ullrich but we call him Fudge in the barn. It just all came together today!”
On her partnership with Ullrich:
“I have ridden him for almost two years, and Don Stewart owns him. We know each other pretty well. I would say that he has my back and I do my best to have his!”
Rachel Perry – Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Flat Section B winner
On her horse:
“His name is Valedictorian and I have been riding him for about a week now. This is a new relationship we have, but he is amazing. He has been around and done everything! He had just enough energy to pull through for the flat.”
On winning with a new ride:
“It feels really good! It feels like everything we have done this past week has really paid off, so it means a lot that we were able to do that.”
On the flat class, which included call-backs:
“It was a lot! This is probably the biggest class I have ever done and I am kind of new to the equation scene, but it was good. You have to take one thing at a time and not let it overwhelm you.”
On being at the National Horse Show for the first time:
“It feels amazing! This is an amazing facility and I feel happy that I get to compete here.”
RESULTS
Place / Rider / Horse / Owner
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Over Fences Section A, presented by Palm Beach International Academy
1. Vanessa McCaughley / Center Line / River Hill Farm
2. Caroline Nadalin / C Beyond / Caroline Nadalin
3. Caia Watridge / Sunman / Sweet Oak Farm
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Over Fences Section B, presented by Palm Beach International Academy
1. Francesca Guidi / Citation / Francesca Guidi
2. Eleanor Rudnicki / Castino / Julia Strawbridge
3. Emma Blumenkrantz / Quaboom / Frances Moppett
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Flat Section A, presented by Palm Beach International Academy
1. Kaitlyn Kiely / Kocu / Adele McKenna
2. Vanessa McCaughley / Center Line / River Hill Farm
3. Nicholas Lopes / Casino 71 / Nicholas Lopes
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett Under 14 Equitation Flat Section B, presented by Palm Beach International Academy
1. Eleanor Rudnicki / Castino / Julia Strawbridge
2. Sophie Whidden / Zadkine / Alexandra Arute-Kacheris
3. Chloe Watrous / Quintus Rubin / Chuck Waters
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation Over Fences Section A
1. Ainsley Wade / Cumano Boy Z / Ainsley Wade
2. Lilly Goldstein / Carebear / Lilly Goldstein
3. Lauren Gray / MTM Bazinga / Nina Butler
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation Over Fences Section B
1. Isabel Rudaz / Ullrich / Donald Stewart
2. Taje Warrick / Notorious / Lilly Clarkson
3. Sienna Gustafson / Unique De La Chesnee / Sienna Gustafson
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation Flat Section A
1. Elena A. Haas / Kalgary DV / Elena A. Haas
2. Sophia Gremley / Carracho H / Woodway Equestrian
3. Melodie Robitaille / Coveted / S & R Investment Group LLC
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 14 – 15 Equitation Flat Section B
1. Isabel Rudaz / Ullrich / Donald Stewart
2. Ava Strohmeyer / Vince / Ashley Denmark
3. Arden Stromnes / Cheeky / Arden Stromnes
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Over Fences Section A
1. Caroline Kelly / Entry-Kelly / Caroline Kelly
2. Allison McNamara / V.I.P. / Allison McNamara
3. Madison Weaver / Commander B / Georgia Murray
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Over Fences Section B
1. Alannah Argyle / KT Caraco / STS Enterprises LLC
2. Emma Early / Blueberryhill’s Blue Dream / Judy Cowan
3. Sloane McGuire / Caprio 33 / Mary McGuire
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Flat Section A
1. Claire F Walls / San Paolo / Amy Daspit
2. Lauren Marchetti / Game On / Lauren Marchetti
3. Jessica Ward / Watch Me / Sophie Transou
Cindi Perez and Anne Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Flat Section B
1. Rachel Perry / Valedictorian / Doni Biggs
2. Annabel Carifa / Tyamo / Melissa Blades
3. Sarah Zide / Iko Iko / Bryana McGillycuddy
Adult Equitation Over Fences Section A
1. Jaime L. Krupnick / Conux / Jaime L. Krupnick
2. Emily White / Scandeek / Emily White
3. Taylor Schissel / Castle Walk / Phyllis Cervelli
Adult Equitation Over Fences Section B
1. Arielle Logiudice / Clooney 11 / Katy Merchant
2. Madison Myro / Chicago Hope / Jessica Tuck
3. Anna Koenig / Ballendro / Ashland Farm
Adult Equitation Flat Section A
1. Elizabeth Chenelle / Easton / Armand Chenella
2. Samantha Hill / Diasandro / Ashland Farm
3. Kayla Jacobs / Dia Caspar / Rebecca Patterson
Adult Equitation Flat Section B
1. Madison Myro / Chicago Hope / Jessica Tuck
2. Arielle Logiudice / Clooney 11 / Katy Merchant
3. Kiera Phlipot / Red Roc / Kiera Phlipot
KHJA Equitation Over Fences
1. Blythe Goguen / Romulus / Boggs Hill
2. Olivia Murray / Rooftop / Lisa Niva
3. Altair / Jennifer Kraemer / Jennifer Kraemer
KHJA Equitation Flat
1. Blythe Goguen / Romulus / Boggs Hill
2. Kayden Gundry / Ironhead Mark / Kayden Grundy
3. Emma Paley / Caio / Daniella Santucci
For more information, please visit nhs.org.