By Brooke Goddard
PARKER, Colo.— LEG Shows & Events kicked off four weeks of Premier competition at the Colorado Horse Park on Wednesday with Summer in the Rockies VI (July 8-12). In Thursday’s 1.35m Open Welcome Classic, it was Katharin Gualtieri trained by John McConnell who clinched the win aboard her own Castalano.
“He gives me everything – no matter what,” Katharin said of her homebred Oldenburg gelding. “I have owned him since the day he was born and now he’s 18-years-old.”
With a full-time job and two young children, Katharin has little time to train but she makes the most of all her rides. “The break from the showing due to the pandemic has not affected my riding much,” she shared. “I am used to only showing in the summer. On the days I can’t ride I have two good friends who help me exercise Castalano, known as ‘Tony’ around the barn. He stays fit and I try to ride him as often as possible.”
The course, designed by Mauricio Garcia of Puerto Rico, was well-suited to the pair. “Since my horse is so adjustable, the course was great for us,” Katharin explained. “There were a few bending lines where you had to be very accurate. The final fence after the triple combination was especially challenging. In the jump-off, we were the only ones who dared to take all the inside turns and I think that’s what sealed the win for us.”
Like many riders right now, Katharin is grateful to be back in the show ring. “LEG Shows & Events is doing everything they can to produce a great show while following the local regulations,” she expressed. “The fact that we get to show is really important. LEG has done a great job with these shows. I grew up showing at The Colorado Horse Park and have always loved the facility. The International Ring is big and open with quality footing and pretty jumps. It feels good out here – and I’m thankful to be back.”
Katharin is planning on competing at all four weeks of Summer in the Rockies and will be riding in the $25,000 LEG Grand Prix on Saturday with her Castalano.
Stay tuned for additional news and results from Summer in the Rockies VI and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with horse show happenings.
We are looking forward to seeing all of your #RibbonsintheRockies over the next four weeks!
Upcoming Dates
- Summer in the Rockies VII (WCHR) – July 15-19, 2020
- Summer in the Rockies Cont’d I – July 22-26, 2020
- Summer in the Rockies Cont’d II – July 29- Aug. 2, 2020
- Colorado Fall Preview – Sept 3-6, 2020
- Colorado Fall Classic– Sept 10-13, 2020
