Edited Press Release
OCALA- Fla.– March 4, 2022 – Brooke Kemper (USA) and Rocket J Squirrel won the CSI1* Classic Champions Welcome at Live Oak International. The CSI1* is a new addition to the schedule at the prestigious driving and show jumping event, offering more riders and horses the opportunity to compete in the world-class arena. The division is sponsored by Classic Champions, a nonprofit dedicated to the development and education of young jumpers. Renowned FEI 4* course designer Olaf Peterson Jr. set the power and speed-format track.
“I thought the course was lovely, it was a nice opening round for the CSI1* division,” said Kemper, who hails from Reddick, Florida.”It flowed nicely, there was a nice inside option. I thought it was a course that was great for all competitors.”
Rocket J Squirrel, a chestnut KWPN gelding (Crespo VDL x Razsja), is owned by the Shadow Pond Group. This was his first FEI outing.
“He is a 9-year-old that I have had since he was 6 and I have been developing him,” Kemper said. “I am very happy the way he jumped.”
Second and third-place honors went to Ocala resident Lawson Whitaker (USA), piloting her own Brownie and Cream (Quintero x Vanilla G), a 13-year-old Holsteiner mare and Finch Farm Clifford (Charlemagne Ego Z x Just a Trade), a 13-year old Warmblood gelding.
