Fibonacci Finishes First in Green Hunter Incentive Stake

Lexington, Ky. – July 30, 2019 – The Kentucky Summer Classic held July 30 through August 4 kicked off Tuesday at the Kentucky Horse Park with the professional hunter divisions. In the spotlight was the Green 3’6”/3’9” Hunter Incentive Stake. Chris Payne and Fibonacci came away in the top position, while Kelley Farmer and Consent took the second place ribbon. Payne rounded out the top three with Bond.

Chris Payne and Fibonacci
Chris Payne and Fibonacci

Fibonacci, a 9 year-old KWPN gelding owned by Stillwater Farm LLC out of Pleasantville, Ohio, returned to the ring this week after a successful first week during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Payne and the flashy chestnut tied for Grand Hunter Champion, presented by Visse Widdel, last week alongside Farmer on Witness and Tim Goguen on Gossi. Payne and Fibonacci swept the Green 3’9” Hunter division during the first week of competition, winning all five classes.

Although the duo dominated their division last week, Payne noted Fibonacci’s slight freshness after a break from the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair. This week, Fibonacci was back on his game and turned in stellar rounds that earned him the top placing in both over fences classes in Tuesday’s Green 3’9” Hunter division. Payne is using the Kentucky Summer Horse Show and Kentucky Summer Classic to prepare Fibonacci for the Green Hunter Incentive Finals coming up in August during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show.

Chris Payne and Fibonacci
Chris Payne and Fibonacci

The Green Hunter Incentive Program, which is open to horses eligible to compete in Green Hunters 3′, 3’3″, 3’6″ and 3’9″, is designed to encourage the development of green horses. The program is multi-faceted and concludes with the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championship, held during the same week and at the same venue as the USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park August 13-18, 2019.

Hunter competition will continue on Wednesday, July 31, at 8:00 a.m. in the Stonelea Ring with the continuation of the Green 3’6” Hunters . The professional hunter divisions will conclude with the presentation of the Grand Hunter Championship, presented once again by Visse Widdel.

Chris Payne and Fibonacci
Chris Payne and Fibonacci

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Chris Payne – Green Hunter Incentive Stake 3’6”/3’9” winner

On Fibonacci:
“He rode beautifully that class. He was right back in the game. Jumped high and slow. He mentally settled from last week and remembered what he was doing and focused on the jumps. He has such a natural, beautiful jump that when he relaxes and focuses on the jump, he’s the winner.”

On what makes Fibonacci special:
“He’s an amazing athlete. He has huge scope, great jump style, is a beautiful mover and he has a good brain, so he has all the qualities and puts in a great effort.”

On preparing for Green Hunter Incentive Finals:
“This is what we’re doing to prepare for Incentive Finals! I’m just getting his head back in the game and let him do his thing.”

On showing at the Kentucky Summer Classic:
“I love it – it’s amazing. The horse show is amazing. It’s the best facility. Everybody keeps asking me why I don’t go to other places during the summer and I say ‘Why? This place has permanent stabling, amazing footing, amazing rings, great staff – why go anywhere else?’”

RESULTS

Green 3’6”/3’9” Hunter Incentive Stake
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner / Score
1. Fibonacci / Chris Payne / Stillwater Farm LLC / 89
2. Consent / Kelley Farmer / David Glefke & Kent Farrington / 88
3. Bond / Chris Payne / Shadowfax Equestrian LLC / 87
4. Closing Statement / Kelley Farmer / David Glefke / 86
5. As Quoted / Kelley Farmer / David Glefke / 85
6. Patent Pending / Keri Kampsen / Quail Run Partnerships / 82
7. Untouched / Kelley Farmer / David Glefke / 79
8. Balou Belle / Robin Rost Brown / Robin Rost Brown / 76

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