Lexington, Ky. – Oct. 29, 2021 – Equitation competition at the 2021 National Horse Show (NHS) returned to the Alltech Arena Friday morning, presenting another day of storied sport at the Kentucky Horse Park. An integral part of the 138th event, the opening week of the National Horse Show featured age-group equitation divisions for both amateur and junior athletes. Taking the spotlight Friday morning, riders for the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14 & Under, presented by Cindi Pérez & Anne Bennett, made their first appearances in hopes of taking a solid lead in the division heading into Saturday’s crowning of champion and reserve champion. Of the 28 horse-and-rider combinations, it was Rylynn Conway that led the way aboard Crossbow at the conclusion of one over fences round and an under saddle.
With the over fences first to take to the arena in the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14 & Under, it was a battle for the first blue ribbon of the day. Besting the field for their seamless trip over Bobby Murphy’s (USA) course was Emma Simon and Cyrus. Claiming second place was Conway and Crossbow, while third place over the course was awarded to Vivienne Wood and Alant.
In the under saddle, it was Shiloh Roseboom and Venice that took the top spot for their performance through the walk, trot and canter. In a close race for the leading title of the division, Wood would ride to second place on the flat aboard Alant, and Conway would round out the top three with Crossbow. Considering Conway and the 16-year-old Warmblood gelding’s points over fences, the pair would narrowly nab the lead in the division heading into Saturday’s final over fences round, prior to the naming of the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14 & Under champion and reserve champion.
Immediately following the 14 & Under division, the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14-15 division was highlighted Friday morning. Eighty-five riders and their equitation mounts showed their best in the over fences and under saddle classes for Sections A and B. Caroline Olsen and Handsome DD currently lead Section A following day one, racking up valuable points for their back-to-back wins over fences and on the flat, while Ariana Marnell and Coltino lead Section B with a pair of second place finishes.
In the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 16-17 division, 65 athletes had their chance at the forefront of the pack for Section A and Section B of the division. With only one over fences class on offer for the day, Claire Simic and Diatoon stood out from the rest in Section A, receiving the first place honors for their round. In Section B, Alexandra Lynn Willner and Boca’s Instyle topped the leaderboard with a win to their names. The Pérez & Bennett Equitation 16-17 division will conclude Saturday with the second over fences round and an undersaddle.
The 2021 National Horse Show will resume competition Saturday, October 30, at 7:00 a.m. in the Alltech Arena. The day will feature the crowning of champions in the Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14 & Under, 14-15 and 16-17 divisions before junior athletes compete in the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Equitation Championship Sunday, October 31. To learn more about the National Horse Show, click here.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Rylynn Conway – Pérez & Bennett Equitation 14 & Under, presented by Cindi Pérez & Anne Bennett, division leader
On Crossbow:
“Crossbow is a 16-year-old Warmblood gelding. I have had him for about two years now, and he was my first horse. My favorite part about him is his personality. He loves to cuddle, and he is just so loving.”
On the course:
“I thought my course went well today. The first part of the course was the same as the second, so if you got the first part down, the second would feel the same. I thought it was pretty similar to match the beginning and end of the course and it was not too hard.”
On leading the division:
“I am a little nervous going into tomorrow, but I think I can do pretty well, and I am excited for it.”
On competing at the National Horse Show:
“I really love this horse show, and it is super special to get here. It is a big accomplishment.”
RESULTS
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner
Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Over Fences Under 14:
1. Cyrus / Emma Simon / Anna Coatsworth
2. Crossbow / Rylynn Conway / Rylynn Conway
3. Alant / Vivienne Wood / Vivienne Wood
Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Flat Under 14:
1. Venice / Shiloh Roseboom / Enchantment Farms LLC
2. Alant / Vivienne Wood / Vivienne Wood
3. Crossbow / Rylynn Conway / Rylynn Conway
Section A – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Over Fences 14-15:
1. Handsome DD / Caroline Olsen / Dianne Desroches
2. G-Star / Julia Brown / Kathleen Schmeler
3. Lambada / Alexandra Sica / Kate Abajian
Section A – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Flat 14-15:
1. Handsome DD / Caroline Olsen / Dianne Desroches
2. Decklin / Gable Gering / Gable Gering
3. Petit Ami / Jordan Hedges / Jordan Hedges
Section B – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Over Fences 14-15:
1. Chambertino / Ella Whitt / Cassandra Orpen
2. Coltino / Ariana Marnell / Katherine Dewar
3. Carry Away / Quinn Van Cara / Kobi Rhodes
Section B – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Flat 14-15:
1. Icadello / Cecelia Perry / Cecelia Perry
2. Coltino / Ariana Marnell / Katherine Dewar
3. Kingsize / Paris Levy / Shaine Brooks
Section A – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Over Fences 16-17:
1. Diatoon / Claire Simic / Claire Simic
2. Catching Fire / Sarah Gould / Erica Zirkelbach
3. Cashman / Mackenzie Greer / Carly Hoft
Section B – Peréz & Bennett Open Equitation Over Fences 16-17:
1. Boca’s Instyle / Alexandra Lynn Willner / Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC
2. Tropic Star / Stephanie Grace Fernandez / Stephanie Grace Fernandez
3. Latino / Emma Gurley / Emma Gurley