Claire Azar and Capitol Hill Lead Junior 3’6” 16-17 Hunter Division in Equifest I

Wayne, Ill. – July 28, 2018 – Action in the Main Hunter Arena at the Lamplight Equestrian Center in the first week of Equifest I continued into the weekend, seeing plenty of stacked classes and close competition. The Small and Large Junior 3’6” 16-17 Hunter division, as well as the Junior Hunter Classic, took the center stage for the day.

Claire Azar and Capitol Hill
Claire Azar and Capitol Hill

In the combined Junior 3’6” 16-17 Hunter division, 17-year-old Claire Azar was off to a good start on Saturday, putting in clean rounds aboard her own Capitol Hill. The horse and rider combination also claimed second place in the Junior Hunter Classic with a total score of 165.5.

Azar began a partnership with the 6-year-old gelding just over a year ago, and has seen a good deal of development in their talent as a pair in that short time. Taking him to show during the winter circuit in Florida as well as the Devon Horse Show earlier this year, Azar has been happy with Capitol Hill’s easy going and fun nature.

Also placing well in second in the Junior 3’6” Hunter 16-17 division was Brian Moggre and Calido’s Son, owned by Mimi Rothman. Moggre also piloted Abigail Davenport’s Mid Knight Memories to a second place finish in the division.

Brian Moggre and Mid Knight Memories
Brian Moggre and Mid Knight Memories

In Amateur Owner 3’6” 36+ Hunter division, Silas Jaramillo and Ultigro took an early lead after earning both first and second place ribbons in their over fences classes. Mary Antonini secured first and third place finishes with her mount MTM Making Waves, as well as second and third place finishes aboard The Governor.

Sarah Morris and Gidget clinched a win in the Amateur Owner Classic, earning a total score of 174. Kathy Chiaf and her gelding Silver Lining finished just behind Morris in second place, taking home a score of 169, and Holly Labry and Riverside rounded out the top three with a score of 166.

Competition at the 2018 Chicago Festival of the Horse will resume Sunday, July 29, with the Amateur Owner 3’3″ 18-35 Hunter division at 8 a.m.

FROM THE WINNERS CIRCLE

Claire Azar – Junior 3’6” Hunter division leader

On Capitol Hill:
“We got him a little over a year ago, and he had never shown in the United States before. He’s just over 6-years-old so he’s come a long way. He’s one of those horses that you just never want to get off! He’s just fun to ride and very brave.”

On her rounds:
“I thought they felt really good. I just wanted them to be really smooth and we only had to make minimal adjustments.”

On her future plans with Capitol Hill:
“We went to Florida this year and did the circuit there, then he went to Devon. We did Balmoral and some Kentucky shows in there. Hopefully I’ll be going to indoors this year for Medal Finals and maybe even do the Pennsylvania National Horse Show if he gets qualified!”

 

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