Wellington, Fla. – February 18, 2018 – World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week came to a close Sunday afternoon with the 3’3” Older Junior Hunter Classic taking over the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Ring. Caroline Ratigan and her own mount Trust took home the blue with two consistent scores of 87.
Ratigan and the 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding rounded out their already successful week having been champion in the 3’3” Older Junior Hunter division. The two have been a team for three years and show no signs of stopping. Ratigan believes Trust is starting to come into his own and show maturity. The Pennsylvania-native was excited she got the chance to show not only in the Grand Hunter Ring during Week Six but also in the International Ring – a ring usually only open to jumper competition.
Seventeen horse and rider combinations started the class. The top 12 young athletes and their mounts were asked to return for a second round. Ratigan and Trust laid down a smooth first round to receive the highest score of 87. The duo came back last in the second round to produce another flawless round and add another 87 to their score, finishing with a total of 174 points.
Second place went Erin Floyd aboard Don Stewart’s Canal Street. The pair finished with a score of 167. Coming in close behind for third was Elly Ficca and her own Cleopatra’s Smile with a final score of 166.
The Winter Equestrian Festival continues at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for Week Seven on Feb. 21, 2018.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Caroline Ratigan- 3’3” Older Junior Hunter Classic winner
On the horse:
“I’ve had him for three years. He’s been such a good boy. He’s the sweetest horse in the barn. He’s really started to come into his own this year – he’s been such a pro out in the ring. He’s been really great!
On WCHR Week:
“It went really well! He was champion earlier in the week and then to win the classic was really the icing on the cake. It was really fun to ride in the International Ring and then I liked that the classic was in the Grand Hunter Ring – it was a little more low key. It was just overall a very good week!”
On winning a big class:
“It’s so exciting! I have to thank Ken Berkley, Scott Stewart and Richard Slocum for everything they have taught me. Their entire program is phenomenal and I’ve been lucky enough to been able to ride with them. It’s been really great.”
RESULTS
Place / Rider / Horse
WCHR 3’3″ Junior Hunter Classic 16-17
1. Caroline Ratigan / Trust
2. Erin Floyd / Canal Street
3. Elly Ficca / Cleopatra’s Smile
4. Ella Bostwick / Ecko
5. Erin Floyd / Cymplify
6. Taia LaPointe / Fantasy Boy
7. Sarah Ekola / Zanzibar
8. Rachel Darby / Eskulturo
9. Emily Sun / Casa Loma
10. Emma Jolly / Well Played