The first week of the Kentucky Spring Horse Show wrapped up the first week of a two-week long, horse show event. On Wednesday, May 18, the series will pick up again with the Kentucky Spring Classic. Riders and spectators experienced summer-like weather conditions throughout most of the show with a touch of rain putting only a slight damper on the last two days. The Junior Hunter Divisions concluded with championship honors being awarded in the Stonelea Arena Despite the rainy forecast, riders turned out to the ring in mint condition, ready to compete.

Taking the show in the Large 16-17 Junior Hunter Division was Taylor Ann Adams and Eastwood. The pair won the championship prize with two blue ribbons. Shawn Casady and Stars Go Blue earned the reserve championship tricolor.

Adams, who has only competed Eastwood once before, was all smiles after their performance. The duo fought the cold and rain to come out of the ring victorious, “Eastwood was amazing. I hate competing in the rain and the cold. I couldn’t really see the jumps so I really just had to trust that he was going to be there and he was.”

Adams also took note of the footing, which held up nicely in the well-manicured Stonelea arena. Always a fan of the Kentucky Horse Park she stated, “the facility is great and the footing is very good.”

In the Small Junior 15 and Under Hunter Division it was Vivian Yowan and Marvelous to garner the tricolor ribbon. The pair earned three firsts and two second place prizes to take the champion award. Victoria Colvin and Sanzibar also had an excellent day winning two firsts, two seconds and a third, which would eventually be good enough for reserve champion. Additionally, Colvin had a noteworthy day aboard Ariel with a second, two thirds and a fourth.

Yowan, who is new to the Kentucky Horse Park stated, “The courses were good but the rain was a little distracting. This is my first time doing the Kentucky Shows and I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”

In the Small 16-17 Junior Hunter Division, it was Alliy Moyer and Safari to sweep the division taking four first place finishes. The duo was awarded the championship ribbon with Quanah and Meredith Wegbreit acquiring the reserve champion. Wegbreit and Quanah garnered three seconds and a third making it an impressive performance for the pair as well.

Bringing in yet another championship, it was Victoria Colvin riding Touchdown to win the Large Junior Hunter 15 and Under championship award. The pair won three firsts, a second and a fourth. Just yesterday evening, Colvin placed second in the $15,000 USHJA International Derby aboard Inclusive. After her successful show, Colvin gave credit to Touchdown for her rides today, “Touchdown is really easy, he has a great canter. He jumps well but he doesn’t pop you out of the tack, which is really nice.”

Taking the reserve champion award was Chloe Reid and Pavarotti. Reid garnered one first and two second place finishes. Making her presence in the hunter ring known once again, Vivian Yowan earned four thirds out of five possible classes in the Large Junior 15 and Under Hunter Division.

After a week long of showing at Kentucky Springs, riders will take a brief intermission before the second week, which begins on Wednesday. Riders and spectators were very complementary of the new synthetic footing that held up wonderfully throughout the show. The Kentucky Horse Park hosts a number of shows throughout the year with the Kentucky Spring Horse Show Series comprising one of its largest events.

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

Taylor Ann Adams and Eastwood

Photo: Taylor Ann Adams and Eastwood at the Kentucky Spring Horse Show Photo Credit: Holly Whiteman/ PMG Photo may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.