Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street Ride Away Pre-Green Working Hunter Win at Quentin Fall Classic

© Devaney Iglesias: Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street_
Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street Ride Away Pre-Green Working Hunter Win at Quentin Fall Classic

Littlestown, Pa. – Sept. 1, 2016 – The main hunter ring was off to an early and successful start on Thursday, September 1 for the Quentin Fall Classic. Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street had a series of great rounds in the 3’3” Pre Green Working Hunter to claim a lead heading into Friday’s final rounds, when the championship title will be awarded.

“He’s so fun,” Panetta shared. “Everything is really easy on him. He has a huge step. He’s really brave and such a fun horse. That’s what I love about him.”

With a two-year partnership established, Panetta and her grey Oldenburg gelding have continued to grow and improve. After finishing in third place in their first over-fences round, the duo returned to the ring and secured the blue ribbon. A second-place finish in the under saddle gave the horse-and-rider duo an edge heading into the final rounds.

© Devaney Iglesias: Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street
Alexandra Panetta and Gray Street

“He’s pretty slow,” she explained. “He takes quite a bit of leg, but not too much. He’s not impressed by a whole lot, so you just have to squeeze him. He’s great though, he’ll do anything you want him to do. He takes good care of me.”

Panetta smiled as she described the big personality of the 7-year-old, “He’s hilarious. He’s always dirty and always tired. He cracks me up. He’s a good boy. I’m having a blast with him.”

Earlier in the day, Ken Krome earned two first-place finishes in the over-fences portion of the 3’ Pre-Green Working Hunter aboard Ego, as well as a second-place finish in the under saddle.

“He’s a solid ride,” Krome said. “He doesn’t sway too much either way. You just need to keep him there and let him figure it out. He knows his job. He’s got a great attitude. His natural pace is fantastic, and he’s probably the smartest horse I’ve ridden. He enjoys his job.”

© Devaney Iglesias: Ken Krome and Ego
Ken Krome and Ego

The Maryland native has been working with the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood for about a year. Krome and Ego’s owner, Chelsea Director, have been working hard to get the horse through the ranks each show, starting him in the Pre-Green classes just last winter.

Sharing his thoughts on Swan Lake Horse Shows, Krome said, “We like it here. It’s close to home. The footing is always good and its good competition. The jumps are always nice and it’s great to bring young horses.”

Mary Lisa Leffler closed out the day with a set of wins in the over-fences portion of the $200 Performance Working Hunter division of the day.

“Cartagena BD is a pretty straightforward ride,” Leffler said about her mount. “She loves her job. She’s got a great presence. She perks her ears and she’s a good jumper.”

© Devaney Iglesias: Mary Lisa Leffler and Cartagena BD
Mary Lisa Leffler and Cartagena BD

Expressing her gratitude for Swan Lake Horse Shows, Leffler said, “The footing is great and the jumps are beautiful. The management is always great to work with.”

The 2016 Quentin Fall Classic will continue through the weekend, and will feature the $2,500 USHJA National Derby and Hunter Classics on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 8 a.m.

Find more about the Quentin Fall Classic online at www.swanlakehorseshows.com.

Featured Sponsor: Saratoga Horseworks

Saratoga Horseworks’ products are not only produced in the United States, but are comprised of high quality, innovative materials that are manufactured in the states. Staffed with active equestrians, the company continues to produce a quality product that not only looks good, but makes caring for your equine companions that much easier. The company generously provided the summer dress sheets that are awarded to the Grand Champions of each horse show.

“Saratoga Horseworks is proud to sponsor Swan Lake Horse Shows 2016 competition season,” Marketing Coordinator Dani Martindale said. “Similar to our own goals of providing quality custom horse clothing designed to make caring for equine companions easier, Swan Lake Horse Shows provides competitors a quality show experience at an affordable price tag.”

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