Wellington, Fla. – Feb. 21, 2019 – Already passed the halfway mark of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), Week Seven is well underway at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Thursday saw 20 competitive entries complete the Green 3’6” Hunter division, where Sara Taylor piloted Noah, a 9-year-old gelding owned by Ingrid Avera, to the championship tricolor. Elizabeth Towell Boyd and Who’s It, a 9-year-old gelding owned by Bridget Hallman, took home the reserve with consistent rounds over the two days of showing.
The division brought tough competition, with top professionals such as Havens Schatt, Victoria Colvin and Peter Pletcher showing off their horses’ abilities. During Wednesday’s over fences classes, over 10 horses earned scores over 80 in both rounds, with many being separated by just half of a point. Thursday saw competitors continue to up their game, as horses outperformed themselves from the day before.
On the first day of the division, Taylor and Noah took top honors in both over fences with scores of 86 and 87. Their score of 82 in the stake class on Thursday solidified their place in the winner’s circle. Noah is a horse that Taylor and Avera believe to be very special, and they are happy they took their time with him, allowing him to develop to where he is today.
Who’s It and Boyd also had a consistent two days, scoring an 80 and 81 over fences on Wednesday, and winning the under saddle on Thursday morning. Their winning over fences score of 92 on Thursday secured them the reserve championship title.
Week Seven of WEF continues through Sunday, Feb. 24, as the amateurs take to the hunter rings on Saturday and Sunday to compete for their respective tricolor ribbons.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Sara Taylor – Green 3’6” Hunter division champion
On Noah
“His owner, Ingrid Avera, bought him three years ago and we have been taking our time with him because we knew he was going to be special. He has a very enthusiastic jump so he’s a lot of fun to have in the show ring — you can float the reins and always get a good jump. He’s really fun in the barn. He’s a bit of a dog and super easy going. He goes on all of the trails and doesn’t spook at anything. At home, we ride in the fields and trail ride and he is lovely.”
On their plans for the rest of the season
“Ingrid just said she was going to book her hotel at Devon, so hopefully we do Devon! Here at WEF, since he was so good this week, we will probably give him next week off and then finish the circuit out. Ingrid also plans to show him hopefully this weekend, so we are excited about that!”