Clara Propp of New York, New York, and Aquitaine Equine’s Arabesque earned the Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship, sponsored by Aubrey Hill Equestrian.
On their way to the overall Grand Junior Hunter 3’3” Championship, Propp and Arabesque received the Junior Hunter 3’3” 14 and Under division championship, sponsored by Hesslink*Williams. Propp was also presented with the Best Junior 3’3” Rider Award, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Tarumianz.
The pair earned two blue ribbons and one second place in the division. Propp piloted Arabesque to a high score of 87.25 to win the handy stake on the second day of competition.
“We won the under saddle on the first day which was really positive,” explained Propp. “I felt a little pressure the second day, but I wanted to go easy on myself and she ended up being really awesome. Her attitude when she gets to the ring is great. She never has a bad attitude about anything. She is always excited to work and do her job, which I think are really special qualities to have in a horse.”
Although Propp has competed at Capital Challenge for several years, her mount Arabesque is new to the show. This championship is also Propp’s first big victory at Capital Challenge.
“This is such a prestigious show, so it means a lot to win,” said Propp. “This is Arabesque’s first indoors, and she really rose to the occasion and jumped super. I stuck to my plan, and it all went better than I could have expected. Arabesque is only eight years old, so I was really proud of her. Earlier in the year we also won at Junior Hunter Finals, and that was her first Junior Hunter Finals. There were a lot of firsts this year!”
Reserve champion in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 14 and Under division went to Olivia Sweetnam aboard Sunset View Farm LLC’s Hobbs Lane.
Lauren Little captured the champion and reserve champion titles in the Junior Hunter 3’3” 15-17 division. Little piloted Little Brook LLC’s Surf’s Up to championship honors and Little Brook LLC’s Belgravia to reserve. The Best EMO 3’3” Junior Hunter Trip of the Show was also presented to Little after the rider scored an 89 with Belgravia.
Little’s success continued with Belgravia when they earned the top prize in the $2,500 WCHR Junior 3’3” Challenge. The duo earned a score of 88 to win the class.
The Stewart-Warner Cup, given in memory of Laurie Gilbert Stewart and Mary Warner-Brown by Donald E. Stewart, Jr. and Louise W. Serio, was awarded to Djuna Lauder.
