Darien, Conn. – June 11, 2019 – The first day of the 88th Annual Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show, presented by the Lindsay Maxwell Charitable Fund, took place Tuesday, taking place at the scenic and historic Ox Ridge Riding and Racquet Club. Kicking off competition in the hunter ring was the Green 3’ Hunters, sponsored by Associated Refuse Hauler, with Joanne Arakelian and Marisa Jenkins’ Bodacious capturing a commanding lead on day one thanks to their top finishes in two over fences classes and the under saddle. In the Green 3’3”/3’6” Hunters, Kiley Prime and Watermark turned in three exemplary performances to ride away as the early frontrunners.
With the first half of the division’s classes completed following Tuesday’s portion of competition, only a handful of points separated the Green 3’ Hunter division’s top contenders. Arakelian and Bodacious were able to capture the lead after walking away with two blue ribbons, one from an over fences class and one in the under saddle. The pair easily navigated Eric Mayberry’s eight fence course, showcasing the mare’s open stride and confidence in the ring despite not being shown in a few years.
This marks Arakelian’s first show with Bodacious, and she is pleased with his performance in the ring. Bodacious, a 9-year-old Hanoverian mare, also shows in the Children’s Hunter division with Arakelian’s daughter, Georgina Arakelian. Headed into Wednesday’s championship crowning, Juliana Starbuck and Showtime are hot on the heels of the leading pair with results of first over fences, plus two second place finishes over fences and in the hack.
Later in the day, the Green 3’3”/3’6” Hunter division took place with exhibitors vying for the lead on day one of competition. Leading the division after two over fences classes and the under saddle was Prime and her own Watermark, who captured the win in both over fences classes. Prime and the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood have positioned themselves at the head of the pack heading into day two of competition in the Green 3’3”/3’6” Hunters, with two more opportunities over fences Wednesday to solidify themselves as the division’s best performers.
Competition at the 88th Annual Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show will continue Wednesday, June 12, with the Hunter Ring highlighting a number of divisions, starting the day with the remainder of the Green 3’ Hunter division. The awarding of the Grand Professional Hunter Champion will highlight the day’s hunter competition.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Joanne Arakelian – Green 3’3” Hunter leader
On Bodacious:
“This is Bodacious and she is very green. She just started showing again, as she hasn’t shown in a few years. She is the new ride and my daughter will also ride her in the Children’s Hunters. She is 9 years old and this is our first show with her. She feels amazing. She was a little nervous about the brush for the first time, but she was good.”
On competing at Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show:
“It looks beautiful here and there are a ton of horses. It just got finished here and it’s so exciting. Everything looks amazing and now it’s considered a Heritage Show, so we’re all very excited about that.”
For more information, please visit www.oxridge.com.