At the Lexington Spring Encore, the Winbrooke Farm Perpetual Trophy, presented by Brooks Cushman in memory of Edwin S. Crooks to the Grand Green Hunter Champion, was awarded to Superlative, owned by Grace Owens and ridden by Chris Wynne of Virginia Beach, Virginia. 

Wynne commented, “We’ve had him [Superlative] since he was 3 years old and he has had many jobs throughout his career. He’s been a kid’s horse, he did the Pre Greens and Children’s Hunters, the Junior Hunters and now the Adults on weekends. He has such a big personality and he just loves his owner [Grace Owens].”

“The best thing about Superlative is that he gives 100% over every jump he does. It doesn’t matter if the jump is 4′ or 2′. He just keeps giving it his all, every time. He is an incredible jumper and he makes me look really good, or at last a lot better, because he is just that type of horse,” he said.

“We’re really happy to be here in Lexington and doing well at the Virginia Horse Center,” he added.

The presenting sponsor, Brooks Cushman, is a life-long horsewoman and has been a Board Member of the Virginia Horse Center Foundation since 2019. The Winbrooke Farm Perpetual Trophy is awarded in memory of Cushman’s husband Edwin S. Crooks who was also a life-long horseman and is named after their farm in Middlebrook, Virginia

The Robert M. Reel Perpetual Trophy, presented by the Kenneth Wheeler Family to the Grand Conformation Hunter Champion was awarded to Genuine, owned by Peg Seals and ridden by Winn Alden of Warrenton, Virginia. Reserve Champion was Superlative, owned by Grace Owens and ridden by Chris Wynne of Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Alden commented, “I’ve always loved this horse [Genuine] when I watched Peg [Seals] ride him. I’ve been riding him now for a little over a year and I think he is one of the best jumpers ever. He is very particular, and so am I, and I think that’s what I love so much about him,” she said.

Robert (Bob) Reel was the Virginia Horse Center’s founding Chief Executive Officer. Bob’s significant contributions and vision remain relevant today as the Virginia Horse Center Foundation strives to further enhance the world-class equestrian facility. After 18 years at the Horse Center’s helm as the founding chief executive, Bob unexpectedly passed away in 2003. Though leaving the profound loss of his experience and inspiration, the Horse Center will continue to honor Bob’s legacy with the perpetual trophy.