It was a dreary first day at the Kentucky Spring Classic, but that’s not keeping the competitors from boasting the beautiful courses here at the Kentucky Horse Park. Today the Kentucky Spring Classic kicked off with the second week of the Kentucky Spring Series. This week features World Champion Hunter Rider Week. Riders will have the opportunity to earn quality points in various hunter divisions, excellent prize money, and year end awards. In the Stonelea Ring today, Green Conformation Hunters, First Year Green Working Hunters, Second Year Green Working Hunters, and Regular Conformation Hunters completed their first two courses. Tomorrow the professional hunter divisions will award champion and reserve champion honors.

Scott Stewart swept the competition in the Green Conformation with Empire owned by Becky Gochman. Stewart had an impressive score of 89 in his second round to secure his place in first for both classes. “I thought he was great because I haven’t shown him myself since the Derby in Florida. The course was really nice today; I thought it was very real. The lines were set nice. I think it’s one of the best places of the year to show,” said Stewart. Jennifer Alfano and her horse, Michigan Avenue, placed second in the first class with a score of 84 and third in the second class with a score of 84. Louise Serio earned the red ribbon in the second round with a score of 83 aboard Black Tie, owned by Blair Balmer. Maria Rasmussen took home third with San Diego.

Tammy Provost aboard Adonis owned by Wendy Hofmeister, placed second in the first course with 83 points. Provost also took first place in the second round of First Year Green Working Hunter division with an amazing score of 91 points. “The courses are beautiful today with lots of brush, very inviting. I love showing at Kentucky Spring Classic, it’s the best show,” said Provost. Scott Stewart and his horse, Dedication, won the first class with a score of 85 points. Havens Schatt riding Macallan claimed second place over the second course with a score of 86. Chris Payne and Pacino took third over the first round course with a score of 81, and third in the second round aboard Holden with a score of 84.

Louise Serio took first place with Sigfried, scoring an 88 in the second round of Second Year Green Working Hunters. “She showed him last week and this week. He got an 88 in their second class, he was fantastic. She just started with him last week. The show is lovely, especially this week with all the fences and the decorations,” said Weatherly Stoh, daughter of owner Susanne Stroh. “The course looks beautiful the decorations look awesome. I wish the weather was better this week, but this is a fantastic place to be,” said Serio. Serio also placed third in the first class. Cookie Beck and Last call earned the blue ribbon in the first round with 85 points. Havens Schatt and Humor Me took second in the first class with 82 points. Tim Goguen riding Whatever earned the red ribbon in the second class with 86 points.

Cookie Beck riding Déjà Vu claimed first in both rounds of Regular Conformation with scores of 85 in the first round and 86 in the second. Louise Serio took second in the first trip and third in the second trip aboard Phillipa. Cookie Beck riding Ohh La La placed third in the first class while, Kenneth Berkley and Sambalino earned the red ribbon in the second class.

Hunter and jumper competitors look forward to the rest of the final week at the Kentucky Spring shows at the Kentucky Horse Park. This week features the World Champion Hunter Rider Week that gives riders the opportunity to earn fabulous prize money along with quality points toward year end awards for Pony, Junior, Amateur, Professional, Adult and Children’s hunter riders. Tomorrow, the professional divisions award champion and reserve followed by Amateur-Owner and Junior divisions this weekend. Competitors are looking forward to the coming week. Despite the unfortunate weather, everyone is enjoying themselves and complimenting the fabulous facilities here at the Kentucky Horse Park.

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

Scott Stewart and Empire

Photo: Scott Stewart and Empire at the Kentucky Spring Classic Photo Credit: Heather Bellock Photograph may be used only in relation to this PMG press release.