The Green Hunter 3’3” division came to a close on Thursday with the crowning of Maria Rasmussen and R & R as the champions. Rasmussen rode R & R to a first, two seconds, a fourth, and a fifth-place ribbon in the Equine Tack and Nutritionals Ring 6.

R & R is a fairly new ride for Rasmussen, who has only had the horse for one month. Owned by Jill Abrams of Wellington, FL, the eight-year-old Oldenburg gelding has already proven to be a great addition. “He has been fun, easy and talented right off the bat!” Rasmussen commented.

Rasmussen, of Royal Palm Beach, FL, was pleased with how reliable R & R was in the tough competition. “For pre-green horses it’s hard to be so consistent, and he gave it his all every round,” said Rasmussen. The gelding’s beautiful and rhythmic canter also helped the pair stand out to the judges and win the under saddle.

Although Rasmussen is having fun showing R & R, her main goal is to get him ready for Abrams to take over the ride. Abrams plans to show the gelding in the Adult Amateurs during this season of the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Rasmussen is happy to be showing at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center and is looking forward to the remaining weeks of the circuit. “It’s nice to show here where the footing is nice and there is always a good group of horses to show against,” Rasmussen explained.

Reserve champion of the Green Hunter 3’3” division went to John French, of San Juan Bautista, CA, and Lucky Strike. French and Lucky Strike, owned by Kent Farrington LLC, earned two firsts, a fifth and a seventh place.

Friday will bring more hunter competition, with the Adult Amateur Younger Section A finishing up in the Rost Arena.

Photo Credit: Photos © Sportfot, Official Photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival. These photos may be used only in relation to this press release and must include photo credit.