By Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Leading with a score of 85, Bennett Kitchens and Clearview were able to hold on to the top spot and win the Ariat National Adult Medal on Saturday.

Heading into the test portion of the class, only half a point separated first from second place, and another half a point between second and third.

Kitchens, of Shaker Heights, OH, is in her first amateur year and rides in the 3’6” Amateur-Owner Hunters as well, but keeps Clearview as her dedicated equitation and USEF Show Jumping Talent Search mount.

“He’s pretty perfect,” said Kitchens said of the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Hannah Dodd.

Walking into the class Kitchens had two main goals: “To be consistent to the jumps and put in a solid round,” she said.

“Then going back in for the test, the plan was the be conservative,” continued Kitchens. “We had to counter canter a jump after a rollback, and I’ve practiced doing lead changes to the counter canter from the correct lead, so I just wanted to make sure that I used what I’d practiced.”

The pair were also second in the NHS/THIS Adult Medal and fourth in the Bruno Delgrange Palm Beach Adult Medal and plan to continue competing in these classes throughout the season.

Of the 17 entries in the South Ring, Catherine Cowie came in second with Point Luck, and Anna Koenig aboard Chin Chim VR rounded out the top three.