Wellington, Fla. – Feb. 8, 2018 – The Green Hunter divisions came to a close during Week Five of the 2018 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) with top athlete Scott Stewart sweeping the Green Conformation Hunter championship aboard Harvard Hall, taking home blue’s in all four jumping rounds, as well as the model.
The pair started their week off right by winning both classes during the first day of competition with two scores of 87. They continued their winning streak into day two by winning both jumping rounds with impressive scores of 89 and 90.
Harvard Hall, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker, came to Stewart’s string just prior to the start of WEF. Stewart and the 7-year-old KWPN gelding have been champion each time they have stepped in the show ring and they show no signs of stopping. Stewart plans to show Harvard Hall during World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Week – Week Six of competition.
Reserve champion in the Green Confirmation went to Stephanie Bulgar’s Moonshot ridden by Sandy Ferrell.
The Green Hunter 3’6’ division started the day with Chris Payne taking the championship aboard Melissa Jacob’s Ovo. Payne rode the 7-year-old to first and third during the first day. They swept day two with two spectacular scores of 90. The pair also have plans to compete during WCHR week. The reserve championship went to Hemingway ridden by Sandy Ferrell.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Scott Stewart- Green Conformation Champion
On the horse:
“He’s been awesome! This is his fourth horse show- he’s been champion four times. He’s really easy, honest and straight forward.”
On day one’s rounds:
“He was really good yesterday. He won both rounds yesterday. I’m very happy with him!”
On the future with Harvard Hall:
“He’ll compete next week, which is WCHR week. Then he’s probably done until Kentucky Spring and then hopefully Devon for him.”
Chris Payne- Green Hunter 3’6’ champion
On the horse:
“He’s a 7-year-old that just came over in December and this is his third horse show. He’s not a very big horse, but he rides like one. He’s got a huge stride and scope. He’s the most straight forward, trying horse.”
On day one’s rounds:
“He was first and third yesterday. He won the handy – everything was very smooth. He does roll-back turns very well, then just explodes over the jump. It’s a lot of fun!”
On future plans for Ovo:
“We’ll do him next week [WCHR], of course. Melissa Jacobs just bought him and this will be her first week showing him in the amateurs. Next week, we’re going to focus on the big ring!”