By Kim Beaudoin and Sabrina Brashares for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Hunter riders entered the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring on Saturday to compete for the tricolor ribbon in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” 36 and Over division. After two days of competition, Becky Gochman and Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Mythical received first, second, and fifth place ribbons to earn the championship title.
Gochman, of Wellington, FL, and Mythical have been partnered for several years and are no strangers to the winner’s circle. Mythical is considered an important member of the Gochman family, having also been ridden by both Mimi and Sophie Gochman.
He is really a favorite of our barn,” commented Gochman of the 17-year-old Westphalian gelding by Cornet Obolensky. “He comes out and knows his job, and I just have to let him be who he is. We know each other so well by now, so I trust him completely. He is just so special. He’s like a big pony, and I’m so thankful for him. He is one of my best friends.”
The pair produced a beautiful round on the first day of competition, earning a score of 85 to take home a red ribbon. On the second day, Gochman piloted Mythical to a high score of 88 to win an over fences class.
“By the time we went in for our second round, we were both more aware and awake and we knew what our job was,” explained Gochman. “He really fulfilled any ask that I gave him. He was beautiful, and it was really fun to end on a good note.”
Gochman aims to continue having a successful season, while also keeping her horses happy and healthy.
“My goals with all my horses are just to have a good time. It’s all icing on the cake at this point,” described Gochman. “We all have fun, human and horse, and that’s my major goal. This year I’m mainly just thrilled that horse showing is one of the sports that can happen during this pandemic, and I think that WEF has done a wonderful job.”
Reserve champion of the division went to Nancy Hooker of Wellington, FL, and Richard Prant’s Winter Stroll. Hooker piloted Winter Stroll to a first and second place.
Sunday will be the final day of competition for second week of WEF, with the $137,000 Restylane Grand Prix CSI3* and the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix happening on the Derby Field at Equestrian Village. The $30,000 CP Grand Prix will take place in the International Ring and the Junior Hunter 3’3” 15 and Under champion will be named in the Rost Arena.
