​October 10, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Augusta Iwasaki of Calabasas, California, rode Bikoff Equestrian LLC’s Commentary to the Grand Junior Hunter 3’6” Championship on Sunday, October 10, to conclude the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
 
Iwasaki and Commentary first earned the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 championship, sponsored by Three Ships LLC, before being crowned Grand Champion. The pair earned two blue ribbons over fences, a second place in the stake class, and an additional first place in the under saddle.

​“I thought my rides were really solid and consistent,” explained Iwasaki. “I think it’s important in these types of competitions because you only have three jumping classes, so I just really wanted to be consistent.”
 
This week was Iwasaki’s first time showing Commentary, and the pair proved to be a beautiful match. Iwasaki piloted Commentary to scores of 86.5, 88.5, and 90.5 over fences.
 
“He was so fun to ride,” said Iwasaki of the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding. “He put his best foot forward every time we went into the ring. I actually just rode him for the first time earlier this week. I’ve seen him show a few times with his owner, Ella Bikoff, and I’ve always really liked him.
 
“It’s challenging to get on a new horse and try to do the best that you can,” she continued. “I think that only makes you a better rider, to be able to get on different horses and ride them the way they need to be ridden.”
 
Iwasaki is no stranger to Capital Challenge and the winner’s circle. The rider has successfully been competing at this event since she was riding ponies.

​“I think it’s super special to win here,” commented Iwasaki. “To be the overall grand champion is an amazing award. I’ve seen a lot of people that I really look up to get that award, so I’m really excited.”
 
For the Grand Junior Hunter 3’6” Championship, sponsored by Shadow Ridge, Iwasaki was presented with the Spontaneous Perpetual Trophy, donated by the Listrani Family. Iwasaki was also given the Best Junior Rider Award, sponsored by Karen Healey.
 
Finishing as the reserve champion in Small Junior Hunter 16-17 was Libbie Gordon aboard her own High Society.
 
The champion of the Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 and Under division, sponsored by New England Farm, was Sterling Malnik on her own Coronation. Ariana Marnell piloted Ocean Road, owned by Marnell Sport Horses, to the reserve champion title.
 
Brooke Morin rode Troy Christiansen’s For Fun to champion in the Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17 division, sponsored by Beacon Hill Show Stables. Iwasaki and Bikoff Equestrian LLC’s Cabrio received the reserve champion honors in the division.
 
Raina Swani and Shadowfax Equestrian LLC’s Small Occasion earned the Large Junior Hunter 3’6” 15 and Under championship title. Maddie Tosh rode Dr. Betsee Parker’s Cameo to reserve champion.
 
The EMO Best Trip of the Show for the Junior Hunter 3’6” went to Sterling Malnik and her own In Writing with an impressive score of 92.
 
Later in the day, Iwasaki also topped the $5,000 WCHR Junior 3’6” Challenge on Bikoff Equestrian LLC’s Cabrio. The pair won with a high score of 87.33.

Clara Propp Rides Arabesque to the Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship
 
Clara Propp of New York, New York, and Aquitaine Equine’s Arabesque earned the Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship, sponsored by Aubrey Hill Equestrian.
 
On their way to the overall Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship, Propp and Arabesque received the Junior Hunter 3’3” 14 and Under division championship, sponsored by Hesslink*Williams. Propp was also presented with the Best Junior 3’3” Rider Award, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Tarumianz.
 
The pair earned two blue ribbons and one second place in the division. Propp piloted Arabesque to a high score of 87.25 to win the handy stake on the second day of competition.

​“We won the under saddle on the first day which was really positive,” explained Propp. “I felt a little pressure the second day, but I wanted to go easy on myself and she ended up being really awesome. Her attitude when she gets to the ring is great. She never has a bad attitude about anything. She is always excited to work and do her job, which I think are really special qualities to have in a horse.”
 
Although Propp has competed at Capital Challenge for several years, her mount Arabesque is new to the show. This championship is also Propp’s first big victory at Capital Challenge.  
 
“This is such a prestigious show, so it means a lot to win,” said Propp. “This is Arabesque’s first indoors, and she really rose to the occasion and jumped super. I stuck to my plan, and it all went better than I could have expected. Arabesque is only eight years old, so I was really proud of her. Earlier in the year we also won at Junior Hunter Finals, and that was her first Junior Hunter Finals. There were a lot of firsts this year!”
 
Reserve champion in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 14 and Under division went to Olivia Sweetnam aboard Sunset View Farm LLC’s Hobbs Lane.

Lauren Little captured the champion and reserve champion titles in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 15-17 division. Little piloted Little Brook LLC’s Surf’s Up to championship honors and Little Brook LLC’s Belgravia to reserve. The Best EMO 3’3” Junior Hunter Trip of the Show was also presented to Little after the rider scored an 89 with Belgravia.
 
Little’s success continued with Belgravia when they earned the top prize in the $2,500 WCHR Junior 3’3” Challenge. The duo earned a score of 88 to win the class.
 
The Stewart-Warner Cup, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart and Mary Warner-Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio, was awarded to Djuna Lauder.

​Grand Champions Run in the Family for Alexa Karet
 
After watching her mother Laura Karet win the Grand Adult Hunter Champion award with Per Se on Thursday, Alexa Karet of Pittsburgh, PA, took home the top prize of her own when she and Catbird, owned by Glade Run Farm LLC, finished as Grand Children’s Hunter Champions, sponsored by Mary Jane King, on the final day of the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show.
 
Alexa Karet, 14, and Catbird won an over fences class and the under saddle to finish as Children’s Hunter 14 & Under champions, sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Gary Duffy and Little Brook Farms, Inc. as well as Grand Champions. Karet was presented with the Laura Pickett Memorial Trophy donated by Julie Karpan, and she also won the Best Children’s Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by Wild Sky Farm & The Nelson Family. Payton Flanders rode her own Conlaro to the reserve championship, as well as the win in the WCHR Children’s Hunter Challenge, sponsored by Stephanie Bulger and MeadowView.

​Karet only got the ride on Catbird in March 2021, but she fell in love with the striking 11-year-old Warmblood gelding by Hochadel immediately. The pair also started winning right away, taking championships in Aiken, Traverse City, and Middleburg.
 
“He is one of the most amazing horses to ride. He is so smooth, and his jump is really soft, so it feels like you’re floating,” she described. “What I like most about him is his personality. His barn name is ‘Cookie,’ which is perfect for him because he is so sweet. He is also really smart, and you can tell that he studies and thinks through things.”
 
Karet last showed at Capital Challenge Horse Show in 2019, when she won the Medium Pony Hunter championship with Astro Boy, but this is her first grand championship.
 
“To be grand champion here feels almost unreal, like a dream!” she exclaimed. “That’s especially because I get to share the experience with my mom, who was also grand champion in her division. I am beyond grateful to her, and the amazing team that pushes me to be my best and made this all possible: Tom Wright, Mitchell Robinson, David Laks, and our grooms Gus, Pica, and Omar. I also want to say thank you to the Ingram family for connecting me with Cookie. And of course, I am so grateful for Cookie who has taught me so much, and always brightens my day.”

​The Children’s Hunter 15-17 champion was Take Heart, ridden and owned by Emma Shove. They also won the Best EMO Children’s Hunter Trip of the Show with an 87. Exceptional, ridden by Caroline Hoover for Kristie Parciak, was the reserve champion. Hoover was presented with the Stewart-Warner Cup for Children’s rider. It is given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart and Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio.
 
Francesca Roman and Hobby Creek’s Grey Goose, owned by Carolex Stables LLC, won the championship in the Children’s Hunter Pony division, while Isabelle Castellanos and Finders-Keepers, owned by R.H.F. Enterprises, Inc. were reserve champions.
 
The Leading Hunter Trainer Award, sponsored by South Haven Farm, went to Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley.

​October 9, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Out of a field of more than 100 ponies, Lauren Padilla and Highland Farm, LLC’s So Enchanted received the Grand Pony Hunter Champion title on Saturday, October 9, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD.
 
The Grand Champion title, sponsored by Enchantment Farms, was awarded to the Pony Hunter who accumulated the most points over all three divisions. Padilla, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, and So Enchanted earned the championship in the Small Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club. The duo won the handy stake, earned a second place in an over-fences class, and took home the blue ribbon in the under saddle. 
​
“My rides on her were great this week,” said Padilla. “She was really happy being here because the rings are so spacious and open. She felt happy and loose here.”

​This year was Padilla’s first appearance at Capital Challenge, and the rider made it one to remember.
 
“It means a lot to be champion here,” commented the 12-year-old rider. “I was really excited to just be here and qualify, and it was even more exciting to earn grand champion! My handy round was my favorite. It felt great, and we got a 90.”

Padilla and So Enchanted, or “Lex” as he is known in the barn, began their partnership earlier this year. Although the duo took time to adjust to each other, they are now a pair to watch out for in the show ring. 
 
“Lex is a really nice, fun, and incredible pony,” said Padilla of the 12-year-old Welsh Pony Cross mare. “At home she loves to play in turnout. When I first got her, we didn’t really connect right away but as I got to know her after a few weeks, we started to understand each other.”
 
Reserve champion in the Small Pony Hunter division went to J.J. Torano aboard H.G. Mud Puddles, owned by JET Show Stables and J.J. Torano. ​

The Medium Pony Hunter division championship, sponsored by Cheryl Olsten, was presented to Olivia Sweetnam and Sweet Oak Farm’s On Your Mark. Sweetnam was also awarded The Lafitte de Muze Trophy, sponsored by Cheryl Olsten, for her championship. Reserve champion in the Medium Pony Hunter division was received by Ava Barnes aboard Robin Greenwood’s By4Now. ​

Sweetnam earned her second championship of the day, this time riding Take 3 LLC’s Goldmark, in the Large Pony Hunter division, sponsored by Laurel Crown Farms. Sweetnam was presented with the Tampa H.S. Trophy, donated by Dr. Suzanne Smith. Ava Barnes piloted her own Prestige to reserve champion honors in the Large Pony Hunter division. 

​​Barnes also won the WCHR $2,500 Pony Challenge, sponsored by Sweet Oak Farm, with Rico Suave, owned by Ponies & Palms Show Stables LLC, and was presented with the Stewart-Warner Cup for pony riders, which is given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart and Mary Warner Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio.

​In her first major finals win, Emma Blumenkrantz, 16, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, took home all of the spoils after topping a field of 29 entries in the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Low Junior/Amateur/Amateur-Owner Finals, presented by HorseFlight on her own Collin W.
 
Eight were clear in the first round to advance to the jump-off over a course set by Ken Krome of Westminster, MD. Blumenkrantz was fast and clear to take the win in 36.818 seconds. Gabriella Curry and Ciemusic Z, owned by GA Stables LLC, finished second as the only other double clear in 37.879 seconds. Third place went to Sydney Myers riding Myers Equestrian LLC’s Skara Glen’s Signature. They had four faults in the jump-off in 34.989 seconds.

​“My horse jumped incredible,” said Blumenkrantz. “Going around the course it was really a great opportunity to let him go in some places, like from jumps two to three in the jump-off. I got to watch the first and second ones go. I stood at the gate and got an idea of how it rode and where you could make up time and where you have to check yourself. The hardest part was going to be the turn back to the double [combination], keeping him with me but not letting him cut off the rail, which sometimes he likes to do.”
 
Blumenkrantz has been riding Collin W, “the barn favorite,” for nearly two years.
 
“He’s been great bringing me from the Children’s Jumpers to here,” said Blumenkrantz of the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Vincenzo x Placido. “His hind end is powerful when you’re going around there. He helps you out everywhere, and he is a great horse.”
 
This is Blumenkrantz’s first big win and said it was a “great feeling” to stand in the winner’s circle.

​“It was an incredible opportunity to even be able to show here,” she said. “It’s just such a great feeling, walking down the ramp and into the ring. Your horse is ready, and you’re ready, and you’ve worked all year to get here. Winning here gives me confidence going into the next one and knowing he’s going to be there for me and right there with me, ready to game on.”
 
Blumenkrantz was also named the Best Low Junior Jumper Rider, sponsored by Bunker Show Stables. The Best Low Amateur Jumper Rider was Caroline Michele Dugas.
 
Final Results: $10,000 NAL Low Junior/Amateur/Amateur-Owner Jumper Finals
 
1 Collin W, Emma Blumenkrantz: 0/0/36.818
2 Ciemusic Z, Gabriella Curry: 0/0/37.879
3 Skara Glen’s Signature, Sydney Myers: 0/4/34.989
4 Girl Scout, Alexa Elle Lignelli: 0/4/35.252
5 Huck, Lilly Goldstein: 0/4/36.249
6 Iselle van Orshof, Caia Watridge: 0/8/34.395
7 Skywalker, Lauren Rachuba: 0/10/46.778
8 Virginia ODF, Gabriella Curry: 0/EL
9 Kaprice DV, Nicole Rodriguez: 4/64.731
10 Eleanor 3, Taylor Landstrom: 4/65.045
11 Dutchess, Francesca Guidi: 4/65.066
12 Korino von Bueren, Anna Koenig: 4/65.444
 
North American League Finals are the culmination of the NAL’s year-long Series that includes classes at hundreds of horse shows across the United States and Canada. The NAL offers year-long series in five divisions: Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, presented by EquiFit; Adult Jumper, presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur Jumper, presented by HorseFlight. The NAL series conclude with year-end finals for those who accumulated the most points in their divisions over the course of the season.

​Capital Challenge Horse Show hosted the $10,000 1.30-1.35m Medium Junior/Amateur/Amateur-Owner Classic on Saturday evening. Stella Propp of New York, New York, and Aquitaine Equine’s Zernike K bested the field to earn the blue ribbon in the $10,000 Medium Junior/Amateur/Amateur-Owner Classic. Propp was also awarded The Congressional Cup, as well as the Best Medium Junior Jumper Rider, sponsored by Rosemont Farm.
 
Propp was the first rider in the class to successfully complete the first round fault-free. An additional three riders advanced to the jump-off to join Propp and Zernike K. Propp then led the way in the jump-off with a fast time of 37.460 seconds that could not be beat.

​“For the first round I was honestly really nervous,” commented Propp. “I was watching the Low Junior/Amateur Jumper class before, and people were having some trouble. Although I was kind of freaking out internally, I was trying to hold it together, and my goal was to just go around and hopefully jump clear. I wanted to be consistent and have all my distances make sense so I wasn’t getting my horse into any trouble.”
 
She continued, “My plan that I discussed with my trainers for the jump-off was that I wanted to go fast and be neat around the turns but the main goal was to go clear. I tried my best to stay cool, calm, and collected, and get around those turns as fast as I could, but also focus on keeping the jumps up.”
 
Propp is in her final junior year, and she was excited to have her first win at Capital Challenge. The rider was thankful for trusted mount, Zernike K, to help her earn this victory. 

​“I got him about two winters ago in Wellington, and he has been unbelievable,” said Propp of the 17-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding. “I was definitely very nervous coming into the jumpers, and he was my first real jumper. I trust him so much and in classes like this. I feel like I can do anything with him, and I don’t have to be scared if I get into trouble because I know he’s going to be there to help in whatever way he possibly can. I am so thankful for him.”
 
Second-place honors went to Alexa Elle Lignelli aboard Hampton Green Farm LLC’s Darc Kiss Z with a jump-off time of 38.516. Kathryn Hall and her own All In 9 finished in third place after stopping the timers at 42.046 seconds. 
 
Kathryn Hall was awarded the Best Medium Amateur Jumper Rider honors. 
 
Competition for the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show will conclude on Sunday with the $5,000 WCHR Junior 3’6” Challenge, the $2,500 WCHR Junior 3’3” Challenge, and the $1,500 WCHR Children’s Challenge. The final Junior Hunter and Children’s Hunter champions will also be crowned on Sunday.
 
Final Results: $10,000 Medium Junior/Amateur/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classic
 
1 Zernike K, Stella Propp: 0/0/37.460
2 Darc Kiss Z, Alexa Elle Lignelli: 0/0/38.516
3 All In 9, Kathryn Hall: 0/0/42.046
4 RMF Retro, Alexandria Beneson: 0/4/38.038
5 Freedom, Augusta Iwasaki: 4/66.004
6 Diamaria, Grace Thames: 8/61.834
7 Gatsby, Laurel Walker: 12/66.186
8 Edison, Haleigh Landrigan: 27/83.697

​October 8, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Scott Stewart claimed his seventh win in the $10,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Finals, sponsored by The Rein Family, on Friday, October 8, at the Capital Challenge Horse Show held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
 
Six of the country’s top professional hunter riders went head-to-head, and in the end Stewart, of Wellington, Florida, could not be beat. 
 
“I always get nervous for these types of class,” admitted Stewart. “Excited, but a little bit nervous. So many things can go wrong for any of us. Whoever wins the class is always the luckiest. They are the luckiest draw, the luckiest for not hitting a jump or swapping. Obviously everybody rides great, so it’s just who was luckiest that night.”

​The $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge, held on Wednesday, October 6, counted as the first score toward the WCHR Professional Finals. The top six riders in the national WCHR professional standings brought forward their scores from Wednesday into Friday’s class. 
 
The six riders competed in the opening Playoff Round over a handy hunter course on the horse of their choosing. The top four riders from that round then advanced to the Final Four, where they took turns riding unfamiliar horses.
 
This was Stewart’s 21st time competing in the class, and he was joined by John French, Jimmy Torano, Victoria Colvin, Amanda Steege, and Geoffrey Hesslink in the Playoff Round.
 
Stewart piloted Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Catch Me to the highest score in the handy Playoff, an impressive 91.33, which was combined with his challenge round score of 87.75 for a total of 179.08 and second place in the Playoff Round.

​“[Catch Me] hasn’t really done many of these types of handy rounds before, so I was really pleased the way he went,” said Stewart of the 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding. “It was really one of my most fun rounds on him, and he was great. The Gochmans let me use him here because Mimi [Gochman] is at USEF Talent Search Finals, and it was good prep to get him into the ring as well before Harrisburg next week. He is just a phenomenal horse, and I appreciate having him.”
 
French of Wellington, Florida, piloted Ocean Road, owned by Marnell Sport Horses, to win the Playoff Round with a challenge round score of 85, a handy round score of 87, and a total score of 182. Torano placed third in the Playoff Round on Isalou Inc.’s Laskano with a score of 176.49, and Colvin earned fourth on Libbie Gordon’s Montauk with a score of 169.66. Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze, owned by Cheryl Olsten, finished fifth on 166.75, and Geoffrey Hesslink was sixth with 130.95 riding Shadowfax Equestrian LLC’s Small Occasion.
 
Stewart, French, Torano, and Colvin started on a clean slate as they returned to each jump four courses, rotating turns on horses generously donated by their owners.
 
French took the lead in the first rotation with a score of 92.66 on Elise Iafrate’s Nabisco and maintained that lead while riding Sarah Entzian’s Spectacular in the second rotation and Brannon Loomis Mooney’s Q King of Hearts Z to a score of 90 as his third horse. He held the lead by just one point going into the final rotation.
 
Stewart stayed cool under pressure and posted a 93.33 on Nabisco in his final rotation to take over the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 368.99.

In the first three rotations, Stewart earned a 90 with Spectacular, a score of 93 on Q King of Hearts Z, and a 92.66 with Diablue 7. He was the only rider to not score below a 90 in all four rotations. 
 
Stewart earned his highest score in the final rotation on Nabisco. Initially, the instruction of how to best ride Nabisco made Stewart nervous because it was not his usual style. 
 
“He’s very nice with a huge stride,” said Stewart. “You have to give him a little room at the jump and not completely let go of his mouth, which most of the time I’m trying to let go, so it was a different feel for me. I was afraid he was going to be a bit tired, but he actually jumped really well for me over the last round.”  

​Following Stewart in points was French with a total score of 363.66 to earn a second-place finish. Torano was awarded third with a score of 559.15, and Colvin rode to fourth place with a score of 353.32.
 
French, who won the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge on Wednesday and has won the Professional Final four times, was pleased with the format this year. 
 
“I liked that my score from the other day brought me into this round,” explained French. “I was able to not have to do anything crazy in the handy round tonight to make the top four. I rode a horse in the handy, Ocean Road, who is owned by the Marnells, and actually he was really good. I don’t normally ride him; he does the junior hunters. I showed him once or twice in a class before, so it was nice for them to give me the opportunity to ride him tonight.”
 
Torano enjoyed his first appearance in the class and was very thankful not only for the donated horses in the top four, but also for his mount in the handy round, Laskano. 
 
“Coming in tonight for the handy I thought [Laskano] was great and really neat everywhere,” said Torano, of Wellington, Florida. “He put me into the top four, and it was fun to do. 
 
“It’s nice going head-to-head with these guys,” he continued. “We do this day in and day out. We show against each other every single week, and this is fun because it’s a different format. I think over the years in watching it they seem to tweak it, change it, and always make it a little more interesting, and I think that’s nice. I’d like to do it again if I have the horses.”
 
Although Colvin paired up with an unfamiliar mount for the handy round, the rider was still able to earn her spot in the final four ride-off.
 
“I was fortunate to have Libbie Gordon’s Montauk to show in the handy round,” commented Colvin, of Loxahatchee, Florida. “I wasn’t sure I’d have a horse, so I’m grateful she lent me that horse and he was great to get me into the top four. I thought everybody had a great night, and it was a good class.”
 
As part of Friday night’s presentations, third-place finisher Torano’s mount Laskano, owned by Isalou Inc., was awarded Shapley’s Best Turned Out Groom’s Award. Elise Iafrate’s Nabisco was honored with The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy as the horse with the highest cumulative point total in the four rounds of the WCHR Professional Finals.
 
Final Results: $10,000 WCHR Professional Finals
 
1 SCOTT STEWART 
   90.00 90.00 90.00 90.00
   93.00 94.00 92.00 93.00
   91.00 95.00 92.00 92.66
   92.00 94.00 94.00 93.33 368.99
2 JOHN FRENCH 
   91.00 93.00 94.00 92.66
   94.00 93.00 95.00 94.00
   89.00 90.00 91.00 90.00
   86.00 86.00 89.00 87.00 363.66
3 JIMMY TORANO 
   87.00 87.00 89.00 87.66
   91.00 91.00 91.00 91.00
   90.00 89.00 91.50 90.16
   93.00 87.00 91.00 90.33 359.15
4  VICTORIA COLVIN 
   88.00 92.00 93.00 91.00
   92.00 90.00 90.00 90.66
   87.00 78.00 86.00 83.66
   88.00 89.00 87.00 88.00 353.32

​Jaden Olson, 21, of Parker, Colorado, demonstrated her consistency and her nerves of steel as she posted top scores in both rounds of the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals, and held the lead to take home the blue.
 
“My plan going into the first round was just to execute a smooth, flowing course. There were a lot of related lines, so I had to be accurate,” said Olson, admitting she felt the pressure going back in on top for the second round. 

​“There was a high score right before I went in, so I had to lay it all out there,” said Olson, who went on to explain her strategy. “I went straight to the first jump, and I did a tight inside turn back to the second to last fence. I executed to both of my plans how I wanted them to go. I just tried to keep my nerves in check as much as possible because it is a pressure-filled situation.”
 
Olson knew she wanted to execute the hardest plan she could but do it “well and smooth.” She added, “That was the hardest thing, just thinking how to stay calm and still execute under the pressure.”  Olson posted a first-round score of 89 and solidified her win with a second-round score of 91.3.
 
Olson rode Conradical, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding that she purchased when it was only five years old. “I’ve had him for a very long time, and we have built a very good partnership,” said Olson, who admits he was wasn’t always easy. “When I first got him, he was a little bit of a troublemaker in the barn and while riding him. Now he is quite perfect, and he’s actually for sale, which I’m sad about, but I am moving to London after I graduate this spring.”  

Olson admitted it is time to move on, and Capital Challenge was their “last hurrah.”
 
The young adult trains with Mary Ann Thomas at Ashwood Farm as well as at Four Seasons Farms in Georgia. This was her first time competing in the Ariat Finals but thanks to the unique situation of the past 18 months, she was able to make it a goal. 

“I had more flexibility in my schedule because of COVID-19 so I was able to qualify, and I just thought I might as well do it,” said Olson. “I had the horse to do it on, and he was awesome.”

​October 7, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – The 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, featured the North American League (NAL) jumper year-end finals on Thursday, October 7, 2021, when two new NAL jumper champions were crowned.
 
In the $12,500 NAL Children’s Jumper Finals, presented by EquiFit, Taylor Landstrom rode her own Colina SN to the victory. Top honors in the $12,500 NAL Adult Jumper Finals, presented by SmartPak, went to Hope Batchelor DVM aboard her own Byolga.
 
Landstrom, 14, and Colina SN were one of 16 horse-and-rider combinations that returned for the jump-off after producing a fault-free first round. Last to return for the jump-off, Landstrom did not disappoint when she stopped the timers at 33.021 seconds to jump to the top of the leaderboard.

​“Going into the jump-off I had to make sure that I kept my mind mentally calm,” explained Landstrom. “There were some fast rounds so I just had to trust my horse. I also had to trust myself and mentally calm myself down through all of it.
 
“My trainer and I talked about how it was going to be a very speedy jump-off,” continued Landstrom. “Going in I knew I had to trust my plan and not second guess it. I knew I could rely on my horse going into the jump-off, so I just had to believe in my plan and know that I knew what I was doing.”
 
Landstrom of Excelsior, MN, and the 11-year-old Warmblood mare have been partnered for two years and are going into their final indoors season together. The rider, trained by Abby Blankenship, was thrilled to have this success at one of her favorite horse shows.

​“She is a very reliable girl,” said Landstrom. “She’s a lot like me because she’s very competitive and wants to go in and win. We make such a good pair because we want to do well together. I am really hoping to have a successful last indoors season with her. To win at Capital Challenge means a lot to me because it’s something that I’ve worked towards all year.”
 
Reserve honors in the NAL Children’s Jumper Finals were awarded to Olivia Sweetnam and Siboney Ranch’s Gold Lux with a time of 34.194 seconds. Avery Hansen and Double H Farm’s HH Gypsy stopped the timers at 35.057 seconds to earn third place.
 
Final Results: $12,500 North American League Children’s Jumper Finals
 
1 Colina SN, Taylor Landstrom: 0/0/33.021
2 Gold Lux, Olivia Sweetnam: 0/0/34.194
3 HH Gypsy, Avery Hansen: 0/0/35.057
4 Toy Soldier, Abigail Gordon: 0/0/35.571
5 Emy, Emma Covarrubias: 0/0/35.888
6 WT Scorsese, Charlotte Clivio: 0/0/36.658
7 Empty Spaces, Hailey Guidry: 0/0/36.851
8 Jonnas Corint, Jayden Toomy: 0/4/33.099
9 Heer Aldus, Riley Hogan: 0/4/34.032
10 Adoctro, Claire Campbell: 0/4/35.960
11 Just Noble, Olivia Sweetnam: 0/4/38.055
12 Belladonna Z, Madyson Diaz: 0/4/45.556
 
Batchelor, of Chester Springs, Pennsylvania, and Byolga crossed the timers at 36.097 seconds to best a field of 29 competitors in the $12,500 NAL Adult Jumper Finals, presented by SmartPak.

​“I thought the first course was challenging right from the start,” explained Batchelor. “There were a lot of connecting lines, and I think if you didn’t ride the track appropriately for the horse you were sitting on it could catch up to you. It was a thoughtful round considering it’s a class you qualify for, so you have a good group in there, and you have to start to sort them out a little bit.”
 
Batchelor took on the jump-off with nine additional competitors. The rider was happy to have her trusted partner, “Lola,” a 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare, with her for the short course.
 
“The jump-off was challenging today because it required some inside turns and speed,” said Batchelor. “I think my inside turn to the one-stride was where I saved some time. Lola is so quick and so professional, so I was really just thinking about riding the track and staying on!”
 
This victory marks the second time that Batchelor has had success in the NAL Adult Jumper Finals, having won it previously on Orlando. Batchelor is happy to have the finals held at Capital Challenge, making the show even more memorable for her.
 
“I think Capital Challenge is a wonderful horse show,” commented Batchelor. “They run the schedule well, the jumps are beautiful, the courses are wonderful, and the prizes are better than I think anywhere else. It’s just as special, if not more, to win here compared to any of the other indoor shows.”
 
Second place was awarded to Megan Jones and her own Trix Rabbit with a jump-off time of 36.146 seconds. Lexi Maounis and Roos finished in third place on a time of 37.045 seconds.

​The Best Children’s Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Memorial Park Hunters, went to Landstrom. Batchelor earned the Best Adult Amateur Jumper Rider Award, sponsored by Meadow Grove Farm. For this award, Batchelor received the Belfield Trophy, donated by Julie Karpan.
 
North American League Finals are the culmination of the NAL’s year-long Series that includes classes at hundreds of horse shows across the United States and Canada. The NAL offers year-long series in five divisions: Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, presented by EquiFit; Adult Jumper, presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur Jumper, presented by HorseFlight. The NAL series conclude with year-end finals for those who accumulated the most points in their divisions over the course of the season.

Competition will continue on Friday at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show with junior hunter divisions, pony hunter divisions, the NAL Junior/Amateur Owner Welcome, and the Medium Junior/Amateur Owner Welcome. The highlighted classes on Friday will be the WCHR Amateur Challenge, the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals, and the Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Final.
 
Final Results: $12,500 North American League Adult Jumper Finals
 
1 Byolga, Hope Batchelor DVM: 0/0/36.097
2 Trix Rabbit, Megan Jones: 0/0/36.146
3 Roos, Lexi Maounis: 0/0/37.045
4 Stakkadera, Christina Kourgelis: 0/0/37.306
5 Qualle, Kirsten Pollin: 0/0/37.388
6 Given, Lexi Maounis: 0/0/41.384
7 Chambrinus, Mercy Paine: 0/4/34.813
8 Wender R, Stefani Green: 0/4/35.651
9 Escot 6, Charlotte Powers: 0/8/34.792
10 Volodia d’Argouges, Texie McHenry: 0/EL
11 Larent, Jessica Leonard: 4/58.738
12 KT Bugs Bunny, Casey Zuraitis: 4/60.974

​October 7, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – It was another full day of competition at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show on Thursday, October 7, at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Three Grand Champions were crowned as well, with Callie Seaman and Silver Lining winning the Amateur-Owner 3’6” honor, Martha Ingram and Airport 48 taking the Amateur-Owner 3’3” title, and Laura Karet with Per Se capturing the Adult Amateur victory.
 
Seaman Always Sees Her Silver Lining
 
With three firsts and a third place in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” 18-35 division, presented by The Hallman Family & MerryLegs South LLC, Callie Seaman of New York, NY, and her own Silver Lining easily won the division championship and also took home the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Champion honor, presented by Finally Farm. They were presented with the Dr. Harold M.S. Smith Trophy, donated by Dr. Suzanne Smith & Dr. Peter Craig. Kaitlin Porath and her own Breaux were reserve champions in the division.

​Seaman has had Silver Lining for three years. She renamed him after purchasing him because he turned out to be the silver lining in a bad situation. Seaman had severely broken her leg, and the talented grey horse was her motivation to heal and be stronger. The pair showed in the 3’3” division in 2020 and made the move up in 2021.
 
The seven-year-old Westphalian gelding by Los Angeles is “going on 30,” said Seaman. “You rarely ever see any greenness in him. He really loves his job and does it. He is reliable and always going to do his job.”
 
This is Seaman’s first grand championship at Capital Challenge, and she was proud to have accomplished that feat on a young horse that is newer to her.

​“I think everyone sees Capital Challenge as the hunter spotlight show,” she remarked. “It’s the most exciting horse show for me for the hunters every year. It really is like the culmination of the hard work that you have done. To win here is really exciting and shows that you have come a long way and you’re doing something right. Winning here is always really, really special.”
 
In addition to her division and grand champion titles, Seaman was named the Best Amateur-Owner 3’6” Rider, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare, and awarded the So Many Ways Challenge Trophy, donated by Karen Kramer.
 
The champion in the Amateur-Owner 3’6” 36 & Over division, presented by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest M. Oare was Galactic, ridden and owned by Tonya Johnston. Dorli Burke and her own Charming were reserve champions. Johnston and Galactic also earned the EMO Amateur Owner 3’6” Trip of the Show with their high score of 87.
 
Ingram Pilots Airport 48 to Grand Title
 
Taking the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Champion title, presented by Missy Luczak-Smith was Martha Ingram of Nashville, TN, on Airport 48. They placed first, second, third, and third in the 18-35 division for the championship, while Catherine Cowie and her own Traveller, also winners of the $2,500 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’3” Challenge, presented by Milestone LLC/Havens Schatt, were reserve champions.

​The veteran Airport 48, an 18-year-old Holsteiner gelding, has been with the Ingram family for more than six years, but she only started riding him in 2018, when they competed in and won the North American Adult Equitation Championships.
 
“He is a really, really special horse for not just me but for my family,” said Ingram. “My dad showed him in the amateur hunters very well and did the derbies when he was a little bit younger. He’s just a superstar. To be able to now do him in the hunters is amazing.”
 
Ingram said that his looks and his attitude contribute to a winning combination. “He is beautiful, and he has the will to win,” she said. “He is always wanting to please, and he is so pretty going around the ring. He has a great stride on him, a great jump, and a great expression. He is so versatile.”

 ​Ingram isn’t new to the Grand Champion winner’s circle, having captured the same title in 2019 with Fonteyn. “This horse show is so special in the way they do everything, so it’s always fun to be champion here,” she said.
 
Ingram was named the Best Amateur-Owner 3’3” Rider, presented by Spring Mill Farm.
 
The Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 & Over champions were Lee Kellogg Sadrian and Blink, while Margot Peroni and Jordan ended up as reserve champions. Sadrian and Blink also collected the EMO Amateur Owner 3’3” Trip of the Show award with their high score of 90. Ellen Toon and Gabriel won the $5,000 WCHR Amateur-Owner 3’6” Challenge, presented by Robinson Ridge.
 
Karet Keeps It In Context With Grand Win on Per Se
 
Laura Karet of Pittsburgh, PA, rode Per Se, a seven-year-old Brandenburg gelding (Sandro’s Adel) owned by Glade Run Farm LLC, to the championship in the Adult Amateur Hunter 50 & Over division, presented by Ocean Echo and their ribbons of first in the stake class, second in the under saddle, and third in the over fences class earned them the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion victory, presented by Steve Martines. The reserve champion in the 50 & Over division was Hollywood Park, ridden and owned by Lynn Walsh. Karet and Per Se shared the EMO Adult Hunter Trip of the Show with Meghan Rohrbaugh Bear on Waverly, as both received a score of 90.

​For their grand champion win, Karet and Per Se were presented with the Equus Entries Challenge Trophy, donated by Equus Entries & Sue and Ralph Caggiano. Karet was named the Best Adult Amateur Rider, presented by Phoebe Weseley & River Run Farm LLC.
 
This is Karet’s first time winning a grand hunter championship, and it is also their first year showing together at Capital Challenge.
 
“He’s come a long way this year,” said Karet. “This is a really nice way to cap off the year. I was so proud of him this weekend because he was so brave and straightforward. This was his first time doing anything like this. He got into this rhythm, went off, and did his thing!”
 
Karet was excited to return to Capital Challenge in Maryland after taking a year off. “We come here every year and we really missed it last year. It feels so good to be back. I love seeing all my friends here from all across the country. My daughter Alexa also rides so it’s a really special place to be able to show with her. It’s a really wonderful show, they really do it right.”

The championship in the 18-35 division, presented by Lainie Wimberley & Brigadoon Show Stables, Inc. went to Lindsey Tomeu and Nightfall, owned by Popish Farms LLC, while Ashley DeWoolfson and her own Cinderella were the reserve champion. Laurie Barna and her own Cinestar won the championship in the 36-49 division. The reserve champion was Waverly, ridden by Meghan Rohrbaugh Bear and owned by R&R Hunter Horses LLC.
 
Competition continues on Friday, October 8, with the start of the junior and pony hunters, the WCHR Adult Amateur Challenge, the Ariat National Adult Medal Finals, and the WCHR Pro Finals, presented by the Rein Family.

​Ackergill Castle, piloted by Scott Stewart, returned to the ring for the second round of the KASK North American Green 3’-3’3” Hunter Championship sitting in the lead with a 90. The Holsteiner gelding (Balous Bellini), owned by Betsee Parker, didn’t reveal his inexperience as he loped around the Show Place Arena and posted a 90.16 from the panel of three judges. His combined two-round score of 180.16 secured the title and gave Stewart his eighth win in the 24-year history of the class. 
 
“It’s always awesome to win here, and there were a lot of good horses and scores in this class,” said Stewart. “I tried not to watch anyone go the second time. I was really pleased with him. As of yesterday, I wasn’t even sure if I should do it and then he went in the first class so relaxed, I was sort of shocked how grown-up he acted, so I was glad I did it.”

​Ackergill Castle, just six years old, was purchased during the height of the COVID pause. Stewart said of the talented gelding, “Betsee bought him off of a video a little over a year ago, and because of COVID we were not able to go over and try him. He had just done one horse show, and she wasn’t really looking for a horse but was nice enough to get him for us.”
 
Stewart only showed Parker’s young horse three or four times in Florida before showing once in July, and then competing in the USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship where he was second. The Incentive Championship was the last time he was in the show ring. Stewart was thankful he was home for the two weeks prior to Capital Challenge so he could ride the gelding himself every day.  
 
“He’s really an amazing horse,” said Stewart. “He’s an amazing jumper and mover; he just sometimes will over jump. So, I jumped every other day over pony jumps just so he leveled off. He’s not that experienced, so I just wanted him to get relaxed.”
 
This year was Stewart’s return to Capital Challenge after staying home last year due to COVID. He said, “It’s great to be back here. I love it. It took me a little getting used to the first day since I haven’t been in an indoor in two years, but it’s always nice to be here.” 
 
For his win, Stewart was presented with the Beverly Brooks Solter Memorial Trophy, donated by Hilary Scheer Gerhardt and Zan Martin Dillon.

​R&R Hunter Horses LLC’s Waverly and Holly Orlando stood second going into the second round with an 88.91. They posted a 90 in the second round, not quite high enough to bump Stewart out of the lead. They remained in second place with a 178.91 total. Hunt Tosh and Twain, owned by Ceil Wheeler, were third with a total score of 177.83.

​Orlando and Waverly won the Grand Champion Green Hunter 3’ & 3’3” award, sponsored by David Belford and Christopher Payne of New Hope LLC. For the award, Orlando was presented with the “A Rare Diamond” Perpetual Trophy donated by “The Friends of Mickey.” Sandy Ferrell and Veritas, owned by Stephanie Bulger, won the EMO Green Hunter 3’ & 3’3” Trip of the Show with a 91.5.
 
Competition will continue on Thursday at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show with the Amateur-Owner Hunter and Adult Hunter divisions, as well as the NAL Children’s Jumper Finals and the NAL Adult Jumper Finals.

​Heather Williams isn’t a familiar face in the hunter show ring, day in and day out. But it’s her work put in behind the scenes that helps many of the top hunter, jumper, and equitation riders and horses win at the biggest shows in the nation. As a rider and trainer at Beacon Hill Show Stables with Stacia Madden, Williams is an integral part of the team, having worked there since she turned professional at the age of 18. Now 33, she still rides in her old hunt coat and had to purchase a shadbelly on Wednesday morning to compete in the Challenge class.
 
“A lot of times I’m not here during this week because it’s also the USEF Talent Search Finals,” said Williams. “The stars just sort of aligned that I was able to be here, and I had the opportunity from the Sorokens to ride this great horse so I said I was going to take advantage and do it while I can.

​“The majority of my professional career is really spent training,” she continued. “I don’t do a lot of competitive riding for myself; I do a lot of schooling jumpers and preparing horses. I would say that’s primarily what my riding entails, but I knew I was going to be here this week and it’s a rare occasion.”
 
Williams piloted DiCaprio 3, a 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Contender owned by Lillian Soroken, to victory after they scored 85.66 and 88.66 for a total of 174.32. Jared Depermentier and Brad Wolf’s Sebastian were second with scores of 85 and 87.66 for a 172.66 total. Vivian Yowan and Sazerac, owned by IMB of Jupiter LLC, finished third after they scored 86.41 and 86.16 for a 172.57 total.
 
Williams sat in third place after the first round, but their highest second-round score propelled them up the standings.
 
“Coming into the second round, I took a peek at the scores before I got on and I saw that the top riders were all really within one point of each other,” she said. “I knew if I had a good trip, I would have a real chance at moving up. I tried to stick to my plan. I know my horse really well, and I had a road map of how I wanted to ride the course and luckily it panned out exactly how I’d hoped.”
 
It was a sweet victory for Williams, who was the first person to ride DiCaprio 3 when he arrived in the barn two years ago.
 
“We brought him home to the barn from Capital Challenge actually, and I took one lap around the indoor ring, and I said, ‘Stacia, this horse has to stay!’” she recalled. “It’s full circle that I rode him the very first day he came to the barn and loved him so much. Now it’s two years later and I feel like I helped him stay in the barn and he helped me win this class. To win a class like this is always special, but to do it on a horse I have such a relationship with makes it even more special.”
 
She added, “I’m very grateful to Stacia Madden for giving me the opportunity to do this class and Max Amaya for always being such a supporter of my riding and myself since I was a young professional. I’m good friends with Patricia Griffith, so she was nice enough to help me today. Lydia Ulrich and T.J. O’Mara were also here so between the three of them, I was really lucky to have a great crew help me.”
 
For her victory, Williams was presented with the Bittersweet Trophy, presented by Rachel B. Kennedy.

Final Results: $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge, presented by John R. Ingram Fund

Place/Horse/Rider 
Round 1/Round 2/Final
1  DICAPRIO 3  HEATHER WILLIAMS 
         85.66        88.66        174.32 
2  SEBASTIAN  JARED DEPERMENTIER 
         85.00        87.66        172.66 
3  SAZERAC  VIVIAN YOWAN 
         86.41        86.16        172.57 
4  EMILIO  ASHLEY FOSTER 
         84.58        86.66        171.24 
5  SHE’S ALL THAT  JEF LAUWERS 
         84.91        86.33         171.24 
6  TRUE ENOUGH  MEGHAN KAUPP 
         84.16        86.33        170.49 
7  FOR FUN  MITCHELL ENDICOTT 
         84.91        85.50         170.41 
8  MTM FASHION  JENNIFER RITUCCI 
         85.83        82.83        168.66 
9  LEMIEUX  TAYLOR SHEARIN 
         83.58        83.66         167.24 
10 LAYLA  NADA WISE 
         85.08        80.91         165.99 
11  BLUE MOON  HALIE ROBINSON 
         83.91         80.33         164.24 
12 BETTINA  ELEANOR KUNSMAN 
            84.33 45.00              129.33

Competition will continue on Thursday at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show with the Amateur-Owner Hunter and Adult Hunter divisions, as well as the NAL Children’s Jumper Finals and the NAL Adult Jumper Finals.

​October 6, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – John French of Wellington, Florida, piloted Babylon to the victory in the $25,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Challenge, sponsored by The Gochman Family, at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show on Wednesday, October 6, held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
 
Heather Williams rode DiCaprio 3 to the top prize in the $5,000 WCHR Developing Pro Challenge, sponsored by John R. Ingram Fund. In the $25,000 KASK North American Green Hunter 3’ and 3’3” Championship, sponsored by The Wheeler Family, Scott Stewart and Ackergill Castle took home the blue ribbon. The three classes marked a highlight day of competition at Capital Challenge, which runs through Sunday, October 10.

​Riders qualified for the $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge by finishing in the top four in professional hunter classes at the show or ranking in the top 10 nationally. The class consisted of a first round for all 28 competitors and a second round for the top 12 horse-and-rider combinations.
 
French piloted Babylon, owned by Marnell Sport Horses, to an impressive first round score of 95 to put the duo at the top of the leaderboard by five points. The pair held their lead in the second round with a score of 89.33 and a total score of 184.33.
 
French has been partnered with Babylon since the gelding arrived in the United States after being purchased by Olympic silver medalist Kent Farrington. The pair had a very successful start and earned the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival Circuit Champion in the Pre-Green Hunter 3 & 4 Year Olds. Due to COVID-19, French only showed Babylon in the Green Hunter 3’ division twice before moving up to the Green Hunter 3’6” division.
 
“For him to come here at six years old and show against those horses and win tonight is pretty special,” said French of the Oldenburg gelding by Crumbie. “I never dreamed that he would win this. I just thought this would be a good class to go in for experience and see how he did, and he ended up winning the whole thing. Having started him from the beginning makes it more special.”
 
In the first round, said French, “It felt like one of those rounds, like when I rode Rumba the first round in [USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals], that everything seemed to go really well. He felt like he jumped well, and all three sets of judges thought the same thing.”

French and Babylon were no strangers to the winner’s circle on Wednesday at Capital Challenge. The pair earned a tricolor in the Green Hunter 3’6” Section A, as well as the EMO Best Professional Trip of the Show with a score of 92, and the Leading Hunter Rider. French has also been successful in the WCHR Professional Challenge in previous years, having won it in 2010, 2011, and 2013.
 
“I’ve always had good luck at this horse show; it’s always been a good show for me,” commented French. “I think this is the best show there is for the hunters with all the special classes and awards they give that showcase the owners, the horses, and the riders. Sometimes the owners and riders don’t get all the recognition. It’s nice coming here where we get a lot of recognition for all the hard work that we have done.”
 
Second place in $25,000 WCHR Professional Challenge went to Scott Stewart and Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Catch Me. The pair received a score of 87.75 in the first round and the highest second-round score of 93.66, for a total of 181.41. Victoria Colvin and JT Farm’s Gabriel earned a third place ribbon with scores of 89.66 and 88.08 for a total score of 177.74.
 
The overall Grand Hunter Championship title, sponsored by RBS Farms, Inc., Rob Bielefeld, and Chrystal Knight, went to John French and Babylon, owned by Marnell Sport Horses. French received the Janet Polk Read and Margaret Hough Sabbatini Memorial Trophy, donated by The Goguen Family. The Leading Hunter Rider Award, sponsored by the Gibson Family and Shadyside Farm was also awarded to French. Holliday Ryals was awarded the Professional American Style of Riding Award, while Jared Depermentier won the Developing Professional American Style of Riding Award, both sponsored by Bill Rube.

​October 5, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Kathryn Kranking of New Market, Maryland, and Mahalo were crowned the winners of the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Adult Hunter Finals on Tuesday, October 5, at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show, held at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
 
Riders qualified for this year-end final by accumulating points in the NAL Adult Hunter competitions throughout the year. In the first round, Kranking and Mahalo led the pack of 28 horse-and-rider combinations with a high score of 87. They followed up in the second round with an 84 for a total of 171 for the win.

​Second place went to Traci Baldwin and her own Verdi. They scored 81.5 in round one and had the high score of 86 in round two for a total of 167.50. With a total of 165 from scores of 80 and 85, Heather Bamford and Wyatt, owned by Kirsten Pollin, finished third.
 
While Mahalo, a 21-year-old Warmblood gelding, is a hunter ring veteran with major wins, including victory in the $500,000 Diamond Mills Hunter Prix with Samantha Schaefer in 2011, Kranking has only been riding him for a year. The win was extra special for Kranking, as Mahalo is the first horse she has ever had to herself.
 
“He is my first horse that I’ve ever had in my life,” confirmed the 29-year-old Kranking. “I’ve been riding my whole life. I’ve been with Rolling Acres for the past 10 or 11 years, and I’ve basically been catch riding for them for 10 years. I’ve just ridden whatever I can, so it was really special to have a horse for a whole year and have that relationship with him because I’ve never really had that before. It shows that consistency really builds a great relationship. I’m extremely lucky to have him; he’s incredible. I’d never thought I’d ever get here!”
 
As the leader coming into the second round, Kranking was nervous and wanted to avoid major mistakes.
 
“My goal was to go in and ride like I did the first round and have fun,” she said. “Mahalo does his job, so if I rode like I have all year, I knew we would be fine.”

In the first round, said Kranking, “I did get some pace because sometimes we can be a little slow. Mahalo walks in there like he’s done this a million times, which he has, so he really just carried me around. My goal was to use my corners, use my turns, ride up the lines, and find the jumps.”
 
While Mahalo has “been there, done that,” he still is able to throw a curveball occasionally. “He can definitely have some spice every once in a while,” laughed Kranking.
 
Competition on Tuesday at Capital Challenge also included championships for 10 professional hunter divisions.
 
High Performance Conformation Hunter
Sponsored by New Vintage Farm & RPW Show Horses LLC
Champion: For Always, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Dr. Betsee Parker
Reserve Champion: Gabriel, ridden by Victoria Colvin and owned by JT Farm
 
Green Conformation Hunter

Champion: Gratitude, ridden by Christopher Payne and owned by Still Water Farm LLC
Reserve Champion: Caristo, ridden by Samantha Schaefer and owned by R & R Hunter Horses LLC
 
High Performance Hunter
Sponsored by Michael Britt-León & Windsor Stables and Kelly Sims

Champion: Lafitte De Muze, ridden by Amanda Steege and owned by Cheryl Olsten
Reserve Champion: S & L Exxon Hedonist, ridden by Patricia Griffith and owned by S & L Farms
 
Green Hunter 3’9”
Sponsored by Lannie Lipson
Champion: Cabrio, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Bikoff Equestrian LLC
Reserve Champion: Autograph, ridden by Hunt Tosh and owned by Ceil Wheeler
 
Green Hunter 3’6” Section A
Sponsored by Peter Pletcher & PJP Farm
Champion: Babylon, ridden by John French and owned by Marnell Sport Horses
Reserve Champion: Laskano, ridden by Jimmy Torano and owned by Isalou, Inc.
 
Green Hunter 3’6” Section B
Sponsored by Lee Sadrian & the Kellogg Family
Champion: Reign, ridden by Christopher Payne and owned by Still Water Farm LLC
Reserve Champion: Blink, ridden by Jennifer Bauersachs and owned by Lee Kellogg Sadrian
 
Green Hunter Colts & Geldings
Sponsored by Boggs Hill/Mr. and Mrs. Tim Goguen

Champion: Varsity, ridden by Jennifer Hannan and owned by Jane Olson Fisher
Reserve Champion: Good Vibes, ridden by Havens Schatt and owned by Leanne McMenamin
 
Green Hunter 3’ 7 & Over
Sponsored by David Belford and Christopher Payne, New Hope LLC
Champion: Gilded, ridden by Daniel Geitner and owned by Sandra Bierman

Reserve Champion: MTM Last Word, ridden by Tracy Fenney and owned by MTM Farm
 
Green Hunter 3’ 6 & Under
Sponsored by Roger and Jennifer Smith
Champion: So Cool, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Dr. Betsee Parker
Reserve Champion: Axel, ridden by Christopher Payne and owned by New Hope LLC
 
Green Hunter Mares 3’ & 3’3”
Sponsored by Penelope Ayers
Champion: Waverly, ridden by Holly Orlando and owned by R&R Hunter Horses LLC
Reserve Champion: Arosa B, ridden by Amanda Steege and owned by Samantha Kramig
 
Green Hunter 3’3” Section A
Sponsored by Hunt Tosh, Inc.
Champion: Doctor’s Orders, ridden by Victoria Colvin and owned by Brad Wolf
Reserve Champion: Augustine, ridden by Jennifer Bauersachs and owned by Lee Kellogg Sadrian
 
Green Hunter 3’3” Section B
Sponsored by Hunt Tosh, Inc.
Champion: Corragio, ridden by Cassandra Kahle and owned by Redfield Farm
Reserve Champion: Dialouet, ridden by Scott Stewart and owned by Rivers Edge
 
Click here for full results of the NAL Adult Hunter Finals.
 
The North American League Finals are the culmination of the NAL’s year-long Series that includes classes at hundreds of horse shows across the United States and Canada. The NAL offers year-long series in five divisions: Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, presented by EquiFit; Adult Jumper, presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur Jumper, presented by HorseFlight. The NAL series concludes with year-end finals for those who accumulated the most points in their divisions over the course of the season.
 
Competition will continue at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show on Wednesday with the conclusion of the Performance Hunter 3’6” in both the Show Place Arena and Outdoor Ring at 7:30 a.m., followed by competition for Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” and 3’3” divisions. The highlight classes of the day include the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Professional Challenge and WCHR Developing Pro Challenge.

​October 4, 2021 – Upper Marlboro, MD – Ava Berman, of Baltimore, Maryland, piloted her own Kingsbury to the blue ribbon in the $10,000 North American League (NAL) Children’s Hunter Finals on Monday, October 4, at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show, taking place at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
 
Riders qualified for this year-end final by accumulating points in the NAL Children’s Hunter competitions throughout the year. Berman, 13, bested a field of 28 horse-and-rider combinations after earning a score of 86 in the first round and an 84 in the second round, for a combined score of 170.

The second-place honor was awarded to Samantha Yagoda, of Washington, D.C., aboard her own Cortado. This pair earned a first round score of 82, which was combined with their second-round score of 86 for a total 168 points. Ellie Sadrian of Summit, New Jersey, rode Signorino Family Farm LLC’s Denmark to a third-place finish with scores of 81, 83, and a total score of 164.
 
“I thought [the first round] was probably one of my best rounds I’ve ever had on him,” said Berman, who trains with Samantha Schaefer and Kate Conover. “He was relaxed and having a good time in here. I think he was just happy.”
 
Berman returned to the second round sitting in second place and knew she was going to have to impress the judges to take over the lead.
 
“I was kind of nervous,” continued Berman regarding the second round. “I just wanted to have fun because this is one of my last rounds with him. I wanted to be relaxed and have a good time. I’m probably happiest about the four [stride] to two [stride line]. That was the easiest one both rounds, and I think it rode really well.”

​Berman has been paired with Kingsbury, a 15-year-old Warmblood gelding, for more than four years. This week may be one Berman’s last horse shows with Kingsbury, and the rider was happy to end their partnership on a high note.
 
“He was the first horse I ever had,” explained Berman. “He was my first Children’s Hunter horse. Someone is trying him soon, and it’s probably one of my last shows with him.”
 
Click here for full results of the NAL Children’s Hunter Final.
 
Competition at the Capital Challenge Horse Show on Monday also featured the start of the professional hunter divisions.
 
The North American League Finals are the culmination of the NAL’s year-long Series that includes classes at hundreds of horse shows across the United States and Canada. The NAL offers year-long series in five divisions: Children’s Hunter, Adult Hunter, Children’s Jumper, presented by EquiFit; Adult Jumper, presented by SmartPak; and Low Junior/Amateur Jumper, presented by HorseFlight. The NAL series conclude with year-end finals for those who accumulated the most points in their divisions over the course of the season.
 
Competition will continue at the 2021 Capital Challenge Horse Show on Tuesday with the professional hunter divisions starting at 7:30 a.m in the Show Place Arena and 7 a.m. in the outdoor ring. Tuesday competition also features the $10,000 NAL Adult Hunter Finals.