[LEFT] Max Montoya and his pair competing at the 2013 Hermitage Classic. [RIGHT] Steve Wilson and his Lipizzans claimed the Advanced Pair Horse division.
Hermitage Classic Showcases Top Driving Competition; Family and Social Events By Lindsey LeMaster
Photos: Andrew Hyslop
photo: Karen Churchill
driving
First-class equestrian competition and entertainment was guaranteed at the fourth annual Hermitage Classic, September 13-15, in Goshen, KY. This U.S. Equestrian Federation-sanctioned combined driving event (CDE) showcased top driving competition and social events on the grounds of historic Hermitage Farm. Event proceeds benefitted Oldham Ahead, a local nonprofit committed to preserving farmland. General admission for weekend competition was free and open to the public. In addition to the exciting competition, weekend activities included the Classic Kids Zone, featuring pony-pulled carriage rides and a petting zoo; the Classic Vendor Village, with local merchants and artists; and equestrian demonstrations from the local mounted games association and a six-in-hand Clydesdale draft horse demonstration by Brelee Clydesdales from Troy, Ontario, Canada. Hermitage was thrilled to have an increased number of entries in this year’s Classic, and the competitors spanned generations and geography. Kent Brownridge from Connecticut was the winner of the Advanced Single Horse class with his Dutch Harness Horse, Nendrini. Esther “Boots” Wright drove up from Florida to win the Intermediate Pair Pony with her German Riding Ponies. The Preliminary
Avery Wilson competes in the Preliminary Single Pony class with MMH Winterson’s Gold. »
Single Pony class was hotly contested, with experienced competitors including Avery Wilson, the 12-year-old grandson of Hermitage owner Steve Wilson. Avery was driving MMH Winterson’s Gold (aka “Spike”), a Haflinger gelding. Steve Wilson drove his Lipizzan pair to victory in the Advanced Pair Horse class. And, watching Casey Zubek with his Advanced four-in-hand of Dutch Harness Horses was one of the highlights of the event. The officials for the 2013 Hermitage Classic were some of the best in the world. Renowned FEI driving judge Dr. Klaus Christ of Germany was the president of the jury. Martha Hanks-Nicholl was a ground jury member, who had just returned from officiating at the World Pair Driving Championships in Slovakia. The international level course, complete with seven lovely obstacles and a new windmill hazard, was designed by Barry Hunter of England. Impressive, perfect, and spectacular were some of the descriptive words used for the Hermitage CDE. Combined driving, a three-phase test of athletic endurance, mental stamina, and precision for both the horse and
driver, has an extra challenge generated by the addition of a vehicle. Horses and ponies, without benefit of rider, must exhibit the highest level of training and willingness to perform. Contestants can communicate with the horse only through voice, reins, and the touch of a whip. Hermitage Farm wishes to thank its generous event sponsors: 21c Museum Hotels, Blue Grass Motorsport, BrownForman Corporation, Elite Horse Transport, James and Misdee Miller of Hillcroft Farm, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Harrods Creek Farm, Kentucky Boardworks, Korbel Champagne, Live Oak International, McCall Group, Mindsalt, David T. Orthwein, Republic Bank, Sterling G. Thompson Co., The Voice-Tribune, YUM! Brands Foundation. For more information, visit hermitagefarm.com. November 2013
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