Edited Press Release
June 24, 2023 – Stillwater, NY
Sydney Smith rode Antidote to top honors in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division to earn the Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” Champion title on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Saratoga Classic II, held during the 25th anniversary of Saratoga Horse Shows at White Hollow Farm in Stillwater, NY.
Smith, of Madison, CT, and Antidote, owned by Kristi Smith, stayed consistent throughout two days of competition to secure the tricolor ribbon. The pair won both over fences classes on Saturday and picked up two second place ribbons on Friday.
“I thought he went really well today,” said Smith. “He jumped great and got across the fences really nicely. He felt like he was jumping high but relaxed. Both courses flowed well and felt nice. Antidote is brave as can be, never spooks, and has a huge stride. He is also fun to be around and almost a little pony-like.”
Although Smith and Antidote are not a new pairing, the duo recently started competing at the 3’6” height and are off to a strong start.
“We got Antidote about two years ago in Vermont,” shared Smith of the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding sired by Lascadell. “He had been doing little jumper classes when we saw him, and the owner decided he did not want to be a jumper. In the beginning, we did some smaller hunter divisions and the equitation. We moved up to the Amateur-Owner 3’6” division this year.”
Reilly Cookingham of Red Hook, NY, and Whatatime, owned by Mary Lannan-Cookingham, secured the reserve championship in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’6” division.
Original press release courtesy of Jump Media.
