By Jennifer Wood and Sabrina Brashares for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Hunter competition finished in Ring 7 on Saturday with the naming of the Small Junior Hunter 3’6” 16-17 champion. Libbie Gordon and her own High Society took the title after they received three firsts, a third, and a seventh place ribbon.
Gordon, of Statesville, NC, is currently showing in her last junior year and trains with Ashland Farms. The division had 12 competitive entries, but they were no match for Gordon and High Society.
“He is the sweetest horse and also probably the best horse I’ve ever ridden,” said Gordon of the 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Diarado. “He tries his heart out every time I go into the ring.”
The pair won three of the four over fences classes and placed third in the under saddle. On Friday in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring, the pair earned a high score of 88 in the division.
“I thought he was such a good boy yesterday; he jumped everything super crisp,” commented Gordon. “It’s so nice showing in the Grand Hunter Ring. It’s such a nice size, and I can really get his stride open which allows him to jump well.”
Gordon plans on continuing the duo’s success this season in the Small Junior Hunter division. The rider does have next week’s $50,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular in the back of her mind as one of her goals.
“I’m crossing my fingers, but I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself to qualify,” explained Gordon. “My main goal with him is to continue being consistent. Hopefully we will go to Devon and indoors and remain consistent there as well.”
Augusta Iwasaki, of Calabasas, CA, rode Sara Hogan’s Hamilton to reserve champion in the division. The pair earned three seconds, a fifth, and an eighth place ribbon.
