Shawn Casady Scores Double Championships in Junior Hunter 15 & Under Divisions at Kentucky Summer Classic

Written by: Jenny Ross Koning

Lexington, KY – July 31, 2009 – The younger junior hunters concluded today at the Kentucky Summer Classic in the Stonelea Ring, and Shawn Casady came away with two tricolors after two successful days of Junior Hunter 15 & Under competition. Two over fences classes were held yesterday afternoon at the Kentucky Horse Park, and today’s schedule featured an over fences, a handy hunter class, and the under saddle. The older junior hunters kicked off today and will conclude tomorrow.

Casady piloted Wild Rose to the championship of the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division. The pair earned first and third place ribbons yesterday and captured two first place ribbons today. They also received third place under saddle. Wild Rose is owned by Callie Schott of Lexington, KY. “Wild Rose is a really nice horse,” noted Casady. “I showed her two days last week, and then this week. It’s a nice, easy horse.”

Casady, who resides near Knoxville, TN, also rode Cecret Weapon and Mosaik. Both horses won consistent ribbons throughout the division, with Cecret Weapon just missing the reserve championship. Cecret Weapon is owned by Ashley Kennedy Whitner of Middleburg, VA, and Mosaik is owned by Amanda Cohen of Cincinnati, OH. The reserve championship of the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under division went to Vulita H with Kelcie Brophy in the irons.

In the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division, Casady won his second tricolor of the day with Odette, also owned by Amanda Cohen. Odette took top honors in the handy hunter class and under saddle. In addition, she pinned second place over fences, as well as first and third in yesterday’s competition. He also earned top ribbons with his second large junior hunter, Fitzroy Crossing, owned by Don Stewart of Ocala, FL.

“Odette was really good for me today,” said Casady. “I just started riding her this week. I don’t know her that well, but she was great. Yesterday she was really good, and today she was even better, so everything is getting better,” he smiled. “Today I was second in the first class and won the handy with a score of 87.”

Fourteen-year-old Casady, who trains with Bill Schaub at Over the Hill Farm, often shows horses for other riders and trainers while at competitions. “I do it a lot, so I have gotten used to it,” he said of catch-riding. “It keeps me from thinking about everything the horse could be doing and helps me focus on what they’re actually doing underneath me. When I’m riding something different, it helps me stay focused and keeps me on top of it,” he explained.

The reserve championship of the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division was presented to Caroline Spogli and Cachet. She also earned top ribbons with her second mount, Monticello. Cachet and Monticello are both owned by Spogli and Cavallo Farms of San Diego, CA.

The Kentucky Summer Classic will continue at the Kentucky Horse Park through Sunday, August 2. Hunters will compete in the Stonelea Ring tomorrow, and the older junior hunter divisions will wrap up for championship and reserve championship awards.

For more information on the Kentucky Summer Classic, please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.

Photo Caption: Shawn Casady and Wild Rose earn the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under Championship at the Kentucky Summer Classic. Photo C 2009 Gillian Ellis. Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.