Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 12 – The final day of Equifest III kicked off on Sunday, Aug. 12, crowning champions of many divisions in the Main Hunter Ring. The second portion of the Junior 3’6” Hunter division concluded following the under-saddle and over fences classes, with the championship title going to Avery Carlson and her mount Entendu.
Carlson and Entendu had a good start to the division on Saturday, finishing with blue ribbons in both of their over fences classes. Coming back to the ring Sunday morning, they completed smooth rounds to claim second place in the handy round and fourth place in the over fences. Carlson and Entendu also took first place in the under saddle, helping them secure the championship title. They then went on to earn third place in the Junior Hunter Classic on Saturday with a score of 153.
Carlson has had Entendu, owned by Gut Einhaus LLC, since May of this year, and just stepped up to the Junior 3’6” Hunter ring during this show. Carlson has been showing at the Lamplight Equestrian Center for years, but had to take a few years off due to her arthritis and Hashimoto’s disease diagnosis. She expressed her excitement to be making a successful comeback to the ring with the 9-year-old gelding who has been a lease horse for her.
Callie Rheinheimer and Ollivander were named the reserve champions in the Junior 3’6” Hunter division on Sunday. The pair earned both second and third place ribbons in the over fences on Saturday, and took fourth place in both the under saddle and over fences on Sunday.
In the Amateur-Owner 3’6” Hunter division, Silas Jaramillo and Ultigro claimed the championship title once again. Jaramillo and Ultigro earned first place in each one of their over fences classes over the weekend and took second in the under saddle to maintain their top placing. Mary Antonini and MTM Making Waves were awarded the reserve championship, earning first place in the under saddle, two second place ribbons in the over fences and handy, and one third place ribbon in the over fences.
The Lamplight Equestrian Center would like to thank all of its exhibitors and generous sponsors for another incredible three-week Equifest show series!
FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE
Avery Carlson – Junior 3’6” Hunter division champion
On Entendu:
“I just got him in May, he was a lease. I haven’t shown in a really long time because of my arthritis and Hashimoto’s, so this is my first time coming back in a really long time. It’s been about two or three years. I think he jumps the best — he really likes to snap his legs up high and he over jumps everything all the time. It’s really funny, his withers sometimes hit me in the chest! But I know he’s doing a good job when he does that.”
On her rounds:
“They were very smooth. I was really happy with how I’m finally getting my groove. I’ve never shown Junior Hunters before, so Equifest is my first time stepping up in the 3’6” division. I’m very happy to be back in the ring!”
On showing at Lamplight Equestrian Center:
“Equifest is my favorite Lamplight show! I’ve shown here for years, probably 12 to 14 years. I tore a couple meniscus then had this arthritis and Hashimoto’s diagnosis, so I’m happy to be back here.”