Edited Press Release
It was a 1-2 finish for Scott Stewart in the Championship Round of the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Incentive Finals 3’-3’3” Section. Coming into today, Stewart was already having a good week. Day one, Stewart was second to Kate Conover and Shadow Ridge Farm’s Oceanside, with Florian, a Dr. Betsee Parker entry. Day two, Cerulean Blue stepped up to win the second round with Stewart in the irons for River’s Edge. Today was undoubtedly Florian’s day with scores from the three judges panels of 96, 92, and 93, respectively, for a total of 281, Dr. Betsee Parker’s 2016 Westphalian by Like Angel (Los Angeles) jumped unbelievable and set himself apart in a league of his own. Cerulean Blue was not far behind his stable mate Florian. Stewart piloted yesterday’s winner, the 2017 Oldenburg stallion by Diaron (Diarado) to scores of 91.5, 91, and 92.5 for a total of 275 to tie for second. Jennifer Hannan and Notorious, a Stephanie Bulger entry out of Bridgehampton, NY, matched Stewart and Cerulean Blue’s 275 point total with a 91 and a pair of 92’s to take home a red ribbon today as well.
In addition to taking home second place honors in the Final Round of the 3’-3’3” Green Section aboard Stephanie Bulger’s 2014 Westphalian mare, Notorious and Hannan topped the Tier II 3’-3’3” Section as well. Putting in consistent and impressive performances throughout the week with both Notorious as well as Rindy Dominguez’s Frosted, Hannan was further awarded the coveted Style of Riding Award.
The Style of Riding Award is awarded to the rider who best displays the American style of riding in the ring and sportsmanship outside of the competition arena. The most deserving recipient will be one who serves as a role model for preserving the integrity of the sport, and maintaining a standard of excellence and tradition in their riding.
Reflecting on the experience at Incentive Finals and her successes today, “This year I knew I had two special horses and I came out and
thought ‘I am just going to really focus on them and see how it goes,’ Hannan said, “It got a little easier each day, once I knew how the horses felt about the venue and the atmosphere after Day One we were able to relax a little bit yesterday, but then of course today is extra intense.”
Regarding the Final Round course, “I loved the two outside bending lines – that gives you a chance to gallop and show your horse off and they had nice oxers at the end that you could just gallop right up to and I think that is what this event is all about.”
Full results can be found here.
Original press release courtesy of Phelps Media/Kentucky Horse Shows.
