Lexington, KY – October 30, 2025 – Amateur Owner riders took to the Alltech Arena on Thursday morning to vie for the Grand Champion Amateur Owner Hunter title and the “Ruxton & Scot To Do” Challenge Trophy. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in the Amateur Owner 3’6” 36+ and Amateur Owner 3’6” 18–35 Hunter divisions, Way With Words and Sheila Motley emerged victorious, earning the title of Grand Amateur Owner Hunter Champion at the 142nd National Horse Show.
In the Amateur Owner 3’3” Hunter divisions, Casallo and Maryann Zeira captured the Grand Amateur Owner 3’3” Hunter Champion title and the “Susanne Stroh” Perpetual Trophy.
Paul Jewell designed two beautiful hunter courses for the Amateur Owner horse-and-rider combinations to navigate. Each pair took their turn over a handy and stake round that included several tactful turns, showcasing the horses’ handiness and their ability to maintain a consistent, forward pace.
Hunter competition continues Thursday evening with the $75,000 NHS Hunter Classic, and on Friday, October 31, at 7:00 a.m. with the Small Junior 15 & Under Hunter division.
CHAMPION RESULTS
Horse / Rider
Amateur Owner 3’6″ Hunter Division
Suzanne Thoben Marquard $12,500 Amateur Owner Hunter – Over 35 Champion:
The “William & Margaret Marquard” Memorial Trophy
Presented by Suzanne Thoben Marquard
Way With Words / Sheila Motley
$12,500 Amateur Owner Hunter – 35 and Under Champion:
Grand Remo / Stella Prop
Amateur Owner 3’3″ Hunter Division
Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Oare $12,500 Amateur Owner 3’3″ Hunter – Over 35 Champion
Presented by Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Oare
Casallo / Maryann Zeira
$12,500 Amateur Owner 3’3″ Hunter – 35 and Under Champion
Forsini / Lexi Maounis
Special Awards
Best of Amateur Owner Hunter Over Fences
The “Automation-Model Cadet” Memorial Perpetual Trophy
Aquitaine Equine’s Grand Remo
Best of Amateur Owner Hunter Stake Classes
The “In Dutch” Memorial Perpetual Trophy
Walkenbach Equestrian LLC’s Decisive
Summerhouse Farm Sportsmanship Award
Presented by Abigail Steller
Julia McNerney and Cascartini