Upper Marlboro, MD – October 1, 2012 – The Capital Challenge Horse Show kicked off hunter competition today at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center. Ten divisions had their opening classes, and the class winners were honored in presentations. While the more experienced horses competed indoors, the Future Hunters showed in the outdoor ring. The Capital Challenge Horse Show runs through Sunday, October 7.

The professional hunters will award championships on Tuesday and Wednesday. The highlight classes of the week for the professional hunter riders are the $15,000 WCHR Professional Challenge on Wednesday, October 3, and the $7,500 WCHR Professional Finals, presented by the John R. Ingram Fund, for the top six hunter riders in the country on Friday, October 5.

The First Year Green Hunters had enough entries to split into two sections. The sections had repeat winners as Scott Stewart and Enjoy, owned by Rose Hill Farm, won their two over fences classes in Section A sponsored by PJP Farm.

Scott Stewart and Enjoy. © Shawn McMillen Photography

Akinda and Patricia Griffith, who rode for Victoria Press, won both jumping classes in Section B sponsored by the Sadrian & Kellogg Families. Akinda also showed in the Green Conformation Hunters sponsored by Lisa A.H. Cudahy, where they won the model class. Beholden and Scott Stewart won the over fences class.

Class winners in the Second Year Green Working Hunters included Trendy, ridden by Elizabeth Boyd for Caroline Kellogg, and Balou, piloted by Amanda Steege for Lisa Arena. Balou and Steege were also victorious in the under saddle class.

Akinda and Patricia Griffith. © Shawn McMillen Photography

Scott Stewart took home two more blue ribbons in the High Performance Hunters with Garfield, owned by Alexandra Crown.

The Performance Hunter 3’6″ over fences class sponsored by Nicole Kane & South Shore Farm was moved to the indoor arena today, and it was Sambalino who jogged for the blue ribbon with rider Peter Pletcher for Becky Gochman.

The under saddle classes were held at the end of the day. The winners were:
High Performance Hunter: Exupery, Tommi Clark, Stephen Borders
Future Hunter Colts & Geldings: Mariano, Sandy Ferrell, Stephanie Riggio
Performance Hunter 3’6″: Savvy, Nick Haness, Ashley Cross

Scott Stewart and Beholden. © Shawn McMillen Photography

In the outdoor ring, the Future Hunter Mares sponsored by Ravenswood Farm/Penelope Ayers started the day. Havens Schatt rode Sans Souci for CH Farm LLC and took the top spot in both classes. In the Future Hunters 5 & Under division sponsored by Greener Pastures Equine, Elizabeth Boyd and Sarah Orberson’s First Dance won the first class.

Scott Stewart won three Future Hunter classes today. He and Concept won in the 5 & Under division, while Quest won the Colts and Geldings class sponsored by Boggs Hill. He piloted Paramour to first place in the 6 & Over over fences and under saddle classes, sponsored by New Hope LLC/David Belford and Christopher Payne.

The Future Hunter 3’3″ division sponsored by Pegasus Show Stables/Christa and Michael Endicott and Hunt Tosh Inc. were the final classes of the day outside. Exclusive, ridden by Nick Haness and owned by Tracy Sully, won both classes.

The Capital Challenge Horse Show continues tomorrow with more professional hunter classes and championships for the Second Year Green, High Performance, and Performance 3’6″ Hunter divisions, plus championships for all of the Future Hunter divisions.

For full results, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org  and for live scoring please visit www.equestrianlive.com . If you can’t attend the Capital Challenge Horse Show, remember you can log on to www.equestriansport.tv  to see all the action live.

About Capital Challenge
In its 19th year, the Capital Challenge Horse Show sets itself apart with a distinct and unique focus on preeminent hunter competition. Held each autumn at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, this year’s show will take place on September 29-October 7.

Top competitions include the ARIAT National Adult Medal Finals and the THIS National Children’s Medal Finals, along with the Capital Challenge Equitation Weekend, presented by Bigeq.com. In addition to these prestigious equitation events, the Capital Challenge Horse Show will once again host the World Champion Hunter Rider Finals and will assemble the country’s best horses and riders to compete in junior, amateur, and professional hunter classes.



For more information, please visit www.capitalchallenge.org  or visit the Capital Challenge Horse Show page  on Facebook!

Photos © Shawn McMillen Photography – www.shawnmcmillen.com . These photos may only be used in relation to this press release and with full photo credit.