Mill Spring, NC – October 28, 2026 – Show jumping made its debut at the 143rd National Horse Show on Wednesday evening at Tryon International, with two back-to-back classes, the $5,000 1.30m Open Jumper Welcome and the $10,000 1.40m Open Jumper Welcome, marking the start of jumper competition in the indoor arena.
Samantha Schaefer opened the evening with a winning performance aboard R & R Hunter Horses, LLC’s Warmblood mare, Emely Van De Pluimert Z. The pair raced to a time of 32.870 seconds to claim top honors in the $5,000 1.30m Open Jumper Welcome.
The evening concluded with the $10,000 1.40m Open Jumper Welcome, where Abbygale Funk saved the best for last. Entering the ring as the final competitor aboard Bloom & Bloom Equus LLC’s Selle Français mare, Hulla Hoop, Funk delivered a winning round in 32.537 seconds to secure the victory.
“She’s made for indoors,” Funk remarked after exiting the ring.
Funk, who began riding Hulla Hoop in April, welcomed the opportunity to put her mare’s speed and agility to the test in her first indoor competition of the year.
“I love her. She gives 120% every time she goes in the ring,” Funk said of Hulla Hoop. “She always wants to win.”
Show jumping competition continues throughout the week at the 143rd National Horse Show, culminating in Saturday evening’s $100,000 National Horse Show National Standard 1.45m Grand Prix.