A mix of sun and clouds greeted exhibitors today at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Produced by Kentucky Horse Shows LLC, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show runs through Sunday, August 1, 2010 and the Kentucky Summer Classic will get underway on August 3, 2010, and be run through August 8, 2010. Today riders competed for the championship and reserve championship tricolors in the Junior Hunter divisions at the Stonelea Ring.

The Large Junior 16-17 Hunters proved to be a competitive division, with Samantha Schaefer and Vida Blue, owned by Elm Rock, LLC, jumping their way to the tricolor this afternoon. The pair was second and forth today, adding to their two blue ribbons from Friday to garner the championship prize. Maggie Boylan and Poetic took home the Reserve Champion honors for their excellent effort.

“She was really good yesterday and today,” Schaefer beamed. “You would think there’s a lot of pressure riding such a famous horse but she’s so straight forward there really is not. She doesn’t have any tricks and she really tries to win. She jumps every jump a 20, she’s such a winner; you don’t come across those kinds of horses very often.”

The Small Junior 16-17 Hunters were last to go in the Stonelea Arena today with Samantha Schaefer and Bolero taking home the championship ribbon. Bolero and Samantha won three of the four over fences classes and also earned a second place ribbon to score the top spot. Kayla Briel and Enlighten were named the reserve champions as the day came to a close.

“This is the first time I’ve shown this horse,” noted Schaefer. “I was just preparing him before his owner, Staci Arani, shows him next week. Hopefully I’ll get to do him whenever they need, I really liked riding him. He’s like a big large pony with a lot of scope and you can just gallop right around.”

Schaefer continued, “I love coming to Kentucky, the footing here is perfect. The courses rode great and the handy course was fun.”

The Small Junior 15 & Under Hunters were held this morning, with Shawn Casady riding Scout to the tricolor ribbon. The pair won both over fences classes today, adding to their first and second place ribbons during yesterday’s over fences classes. The prize for the reserve championship was awarded to Samantha Batt and Sun King for their notable placings during the week.

“We had two amazing rounds today,” noted Casady after his win. “There were some inside turns in the handy and he just picked right up and jumped amazing. He is an amazing horse to ride, and Terry Brown does a great job with the horse and I really appreciate all that she and Bill Schaub have taught me.”

The next division to compete was the Large Junior 15 & Under Hunters with Lismacbryan Junior and Alyssa Mansfield taking home the championship honors. The pair was second in both over fences classes today, after winning both rounds on Friday. “Yesterday he was really good, I was kind of surprised,” smiled Mansfield. “I hadn’t shown him in a month and a half and I’ve only been showing him since the beginning of May. I’ve just been having fun with him.” The reserve championship title was awarded to Destry Spielberg and her top mount, Rumba.

Tomorrow the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will come to a close, awarding championship and reserve championship tricolors to the top horse and rider combinations. The Kentucky Summer Classic will begin next week on Tuesday, August 3, with the Junior Hunter Finals – East Coast.

For more information on the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows please go to www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Photo Credit: Samantha Schaefer and Vida Blue won the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter Championship at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Photo By: Rebecca Walton/PMG. Photo may only be used in relation to this PMG press release.