By Summer Grace for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.

Despite less than ideal weather conditions, 11 competitors showed up to the Animo Adult Amateur Hunter Middle (Section B) division at the Rost Arena to determine who would become champion. Hailing all the way from Chicago, IL, Catharon Miller emerged with the victory aboard her own Colorado 222. 

Miller delivered several solid rounds with the 11-year-old Westphalian gelding (Cornado I x Apria) which earned her placings including a first, second, and third. The championship was the first for the pair who only became partners last summer when Colorado suddenly found himself without an owner.

“Colorado’s owner rode in my barn, and she passed away this year so it is incredibly special to be able to keep him in the barn and honor her,” explained Miller. “I had always seen what an amazing horse he was with her, and when I got to try him he just made me feel so confident. He is sweet, forgiving, and a great teammate.”

“We are always riding for her memory, but today I truly think she was with us,” finished Miller of Colorado’s late owner.

The reserve champion title went to Hadley, MA, resident Julie Hogan and Quixotic. Hogan and Linda Evans’s seven-year-old Canadian Sport Horse gelding (Sir Caletto x Good Girl S) swept up placings that included a first, second, fourth, and sixth to land just behind Miller in the final tally.