By Kate Pettersen and Sabrina Brashares for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
The Hygain Feeds Green Hunter 3’ division wrapped up on Thursday morning in Ring 6 with Kelley Farmer aboard Roseann Messina’s Night Moves earning the tricolor ribbon for the week. Farmer piloted Night Moves to three firsts, a second, and a third place ribbon.
Night Moves, a six-year-old Hanoverian by Belantis, is a new ride for Farmer, of Wellington, FL. This was the gelding’s first week showing at WEF, and Farmer made sure that it was a successful one.
“He just got down here, and Scott Petrie called me and told me he had a nice, young horse and asked if I would ride him,” explained Farmer. “The first time I sat on him was Tuesday, and he is a really lovely young horse. He has all the quality in the world.”
Night Moves is currently for sale, but Farmer hopes to continue to show the gelding in the Green Hunter 3’ division until he sells. The pair won both classes on the second day of competition and also won the $1,000 USHJA Green Hunter Incentive 3’ with a score of 92.
“The horse really has all the parts,” described Farmer. “He is quiet and also has quality, talent, and is a beautiful mover. He has a great way of going and a beautiful expression.”
Scott Stewart piloted Rivers Edge’s Fine Art to reserve champion in the division. Stewart, of Wellington, FL, and Fine Art received two firsts and two second place ribbons.
The Pre-Green Hunter 3 and 4 Year Old division also finished on Thursday with Cooper Dean, of Fayette, AL, riding Larry Glefke’s Figure of Speech to win every class.
“He was great yesterday, and I think the experience he got yesterday helped him be even better today,” said Dean of the four-year-old Holsteiner by Casall. “With these young horses they just need time in the ring, and luckily he is nice enough that even when he has an okay round he can still win it. He has the look.”
Although Figure of Speech has just started his horse show career, the gelding has proven to be a winner. Dean and Figure of Speech have already earned several tricolor ribbons together this season.
“It’s a lot of fun riding the young horses that we have because they are all top prospects and have a lot of potential,” commented Dean. “I enjoy helping develop young horses that turn into great, experienced ones down the line.”
Competition will continue on Friday with the $37,000 Palm Beach Equine Clinic 1.45m Qualifier CSI2* and the $50,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup CSI4* taking place on the Derby Field at the Equestrian Village. Also happening at the Equestrian Village, the $25,000 Hermès Under 25 Grand Prix Team Event will be held in the Global International Arena. The $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby will be featured in the International Arena.
