Edited Press Release
Mackenzie Greer had a pretty special final show as a junior. On Friday night of National Sunshine Series II at Desert International Horse Park (DIHP), she took the win out of 56 entries in the CPHA Style of Riding Championships – South aboard Lo Visto Van’t Hulgenrode.
“I just got him actually,” she said of the 11-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Diarado x Colman). “I haven’t had much time to ride him since I’ve been back east. This is my second show with him and he’s actually my jumper. He’s supposed to take me up to the 1.40m and grand prix level but we decided before we do that he’s going to do my last equitation class. It’s a very new partnership and I couldn’t have asked for him to be any better.”
Set in a jumper-style format, the prestigious final welcomed junior and amateur athletes to contend a first-round track. Riders with clear rounds and scores 70 and above were invited back to jump off, with 15 total returning for the tie-breaking round.
The time allowed was tight in the jump-off, forcing riders to kick it into gear, but Greer had her horse’s jumper talent and experience on her side. “You need to jump clear and time allowed is very important so he definitely helped me out there because he’s so careful and efficient. He has a huge stride which was amazing for some of the leave-outs in the second round.”
Greer has high hopes for her partnership with Lo Visto Van’t Hulgenrode. Prior to climbing the jumper ranks and heading towards grand prix events one day, she hopes to compete soon in the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search classes as well with her new partner.
With this win under her belt she’s even more confident in her ability to achieve big things in her riding career. “It’s amazing because a lot of the equitation prepares you for the jumpers and this class especially,” Greer continued. “Being efficient, clear, and within the time but also making it look smooth and effortless is a big deal and plays a big part in the jumpers when you get to bigger jumps.”
As for how the win feels, Greer responded, “Very surreal because it’s my first medal final win. To end it on this note couldn’t have been more special.”
With a season ahead of her at DIHP, she plans to use the venue’s schedule to get to know her new partner even further, but to kick it off with a big win gives her all the confidence she needs to build her partnership. “They have made so many amazing updates and changes here,” she said of DIHP. “They’re making it feel so special. Especially with all these night classes; it makes it feel so important and it’s so nice as a rider to feel so celebrated.”
Final Results: CPHA Style of Riding Championships
1. Lo Visto Van’t Hulgenrode / Mackenzie Greer / Mackenzie Greer
2. Casalino / Grace Russo / Grace Russo
3. Little Big Won / Marina Boudreau / Malibu Valley Farms, Inc
4. For Keeps / Jake Endicott / Grace Russo
5. Cavaljo / Paige Walkenbach / Spyglass Hill
6. Clearing / Emme Tangen / Emme Tangen
7. Starstruck / Avery Glynn / Granite Bay Investments LLC
8. Vivant / Georgia Bass / Georgia Bass
9. Cetello / Ella Dyson / Ella Dyson
10. Cambalache / Violet Tatum / Violet Tatum
