Lexington, KY – October 30, 2015 – This week marked Alex Trolli’s first time competing at the CP National Horse Show, and it is sure to be one that she will not forget. In her inaugural appearance at the year-end final, 18-year-old Trolli rode away with the Junior 3’3” Hunter Championship.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Trolli said of winning the CP National Horse Show championship in her first attempt. “It’s against all the top riders so it feels like an accomplishment; it’s very tough competition.”
The young rider from Clarence, New York, rode the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center’s Hey Sailor to the first place blue ribbon in the Junior 3’3” Hunter Handy and to third place finishes in both the first over fences round and the under saddle.
“Yesterday, everything was on and perfect,” Trolli said speaking of her winning and third place rounds on Thursday. “I love [this horse show]. There’s lots of shopping, there are great prizes, there’s top competition and the courses are hard but manageable. It’s been fun.”
Trolli has trained out of Buffalo, New York, with SBS Farms for many years, and she credits their knowledge and expertise with helping her achieve major accomplishments, including the CP National Horse Show championship.
“I train with Alicia Heberle, Susie Schoellkopf and Jennifer Alfano,” Trolli said. “They all give me really good advice, and it is kind of like a family.”
Finishing in reserve behind Trolli and Hey Sailor were Emma Ecklin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Forever. The pair claimed the first place honor in the under saddle and second and fourth place finishes over fences before picking up the reserve tricolor.
In addition to the conclusion of the Junior 3’3” Hunters, Friday marked the start of the Junior 3’6” Hunter divisions. These final Junior Hunters divisions will award their championships on Saturday afternoon following the first round of the prestigious ASPCA Maclay National Championship.
To learn more about the CP National Horse Show, visit www.nhs.org.