By Kate Pettersen and Sabrina Brashares for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
The Green Hunter 3’6” division, sponsored by Equine Tack and Nutritionals, wrapped up on Thursday in the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Leading the class with 38 points, Scott Stewart piloted Rivers Edge’s Nottingham to the championship.
Nottingham is a very new ride for well-known hunter professional Stewart. The coming nine-year-old Oldenburg gelding by Verdi was recently purchased from the European Select Auction and began his already impressive hunter career last week.
“Last week was his first time showing, and he was champion,” said Stewart. “And now he was champion again. He has just been great. He is usually so easygoing and looks through the bridle very well. You can just let go of the reins and gallop around.”
The pair stayed at the top of the class both days of competition, finishing with two firsts and three second place ribbons. Stewart, of Wellington, FL, navigated Nottingham to a high score of 92 on Thursday to win the stake class.
“This morning he got a little green in the High Performance,” commented Stewart. “He is new to the hunter route so he just got a little ‘jumpery.’ He then came back this afternoon, and he felt really made up and nice. He is really special to ride around a course.”
Stewart is looking forward to continue showing Nottingham this season and developing the horse’s hunter career. With two championship titles already earned, Stewart is hoping that they will be able to go to the Devon Horse Show.
“I think he will do a few derbies,” explained Stewart. “I don’t know if it will happen, but ideally he would get into Devon. After that he will show at Upperville [Colt and Horse Show].”
Reserve champion was awarded to John French and Kent Farrington LLC’s Babylon. French, of San Juan Bautista, CA, and Babylon earned two firsts, a third, and a sixth place ribbon.
