Lexington, Ky. – July 26, 2018 – Kelley Farmer and Aizlynn Radwanski’s Because started off the Kentucky Summer Horse Show in the same winning fashion in which they left the Kentucky Spring series by riding to the top to claim the Professional Hunter Grand Champion award, generously presented by Visse Wedell.
Farmer and the 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Because bested the High Performance Hunter division to claim the championship tricolor as well. The pair was unbeatable Thursday, winning both the High Performance Working Hunter and the High Performance Handy Hunter over fences. Wednesday Farmer rode the gelding to victory in the High Performance Working Hunter over fences and under saddle. They claimed the second place ribbon in both the High Performance Conformation Hunter over fences and under saddle as well as in the High Performance Working Hunter over fences.
Farmer returned to the Kentucky Horse Park on a high note after recently winning the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby by an impressive 10 points with Because during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. The winning duo also captured the High Performance Hunter Championship during both weeks of the spring series with countless blue ribbons in the High Performance Hunter division.
The Kentucky Horse Shows Grand Hunter Champion Awards are presented by Visse Wedell with champions awarded in the Professional, Amateur Owner, Junior, Pony, Adult Amateur and Children’s Divisions.
Hunter competition will resume in the Stonelea Ring Friday, July 27, at 8 a.m. with the Open Working Hunter while Sunday, July 29, will highlight the USHJA National Hunter Derby.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Kelley Farmer – Professional Hunter Grand Champion
On Because:
“He is owned by Aizlynn Radwanski and I show him in the High Performance and the High Performance Conformation divisions. He is a fantastic horse and has been champion almost every week that we have shown him in the High Performance this year! We had him in our barn before, for Jane Gaston, and it is lovely to have him back. He is always a winner and always tries hard and to have a horse that jumps the High Performance that easily and consistently is rare and really nice.”
On Kentucky Horse Shows:
“The great part about all of the Kentucky Horse Shows is that you know it will always be professional and well done. Hugh [Kincannon] does a beautiful job putting it all together – from top to bottom. With all of the staff they do a great job. We split our time between [Kentucky] and WEF and it’s fantastic for us because we don’t have to go far and the horses are happy here. There aren’t many facilities anywhere that are like this anywhere.”
On Grand Hunter Champion Sponsor Visse Wedell:
“People like Visse are great for horse shows and unfortunately we are losing them faster than we are gaining them. It’s a gift to have people that still care about the business like she does. I rode a horse for her 20 years ago with Don Stewart, who I was working for at the time, and we were Grand Champion at this same horse show – so it’s special to have that legacy. For me it’s an honor to have her presenting this award.”
Visse Wedell – Grand Hunter Champion Sponsor
On her sponsorship:
“I think it is important to celebrate and reward the best in all of the divisions and recognize them amongst their peers, as professionals, amateurs, juniors, children, and ponies. I think it makes the achievement even more special and not many horse shows do it anymore. I had a horse that was Grand Champion here 25-years ago and I remember how special that made me feel so I wanted to do my part in paying that back.”