Today marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting first week at Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Riders showcased their horses under beautiful weather at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Stonelea Ring during the Professional Hunter divisions. The hunter competition will continue through Sunday, and will pick-up again next week during the Kentucky Spring Classic.

Sarah Young started the day out strong with a win aboard Select in the Second Year Green Working Hunters. The pair had an exceptional trip earning them the blue ribbon prize in the second class of the division. Young said, “I just stay out of his way and let him do what he wants.”

The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows are a favorite event for Young. “The footing is excellent, the rings are a nice size, the lines are set on a nice stride, the schooling area is nice, and it’s just a good place to be,” she noted. “All your friends are here, it’s just a great place to be in the horse community.”

Havens Schatt and Hey Sailor garnered a blue ribbon in the first class of the Second Years, while Scott Stewart and Water Castle finishing second.

In the Regular Conformation Hunters, Tammy Provost and Momentus swept the division winning both classes. Provost noted that Momentus has not shown in over a month and walked in the ring as though he had been doing it his whole life. She rides him for owner Alliy Moyer and believes he will be the perfect Junior Hunter.

In the High Performance Hunters, Brian Walker and Garfield had a tremendous day with a blue ribbon and a red ribbon. Walker believes they would have won both classes, if not for a rub in the first class. Yes Indeed! and Sarah Mechlin earned the blue in the first class with a beautiful trip as well. For Walker, traveling to the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in a nice change of pace after the hot weather in Florida.

The riders were all smiles at the end of the first day for Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Many riders were complementary of the new footing just installed and all seemed to enjoy the courses. Provost called it her “favorite place to show.” With a sunny day to start out the week and great competition across the Hunter divisions, it is looking to be a fun week at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Tomorrow, the Kentucky Spring Horse Show will continue with the Professional Hunter division, awarding championship and reserve championship honors to the top finishers. This week’s highlight event will be the $15,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Saturday, May 14, in the Rolex Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

For more information about the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com

Brian Walker and Garfield

Photo Credit: Brian Walker and Garfield were victorious in the High Performance Hunters at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. Photo By: Holly Whiteman/PMG. Photo may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.