2009 AHJF WCHR Pro Finals Press Kit

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

WELCOME TO THE 2009 WCHR PRO FINALS Dear Member of the Media: On behalf of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation (AHJF), we would like to welcome you to the annual AHJF WCHR PRO FINALS. These Finals have become the premier professional show hunter rider competition of the year. It is the event in which professional hunter riders most seek to compete. And, it is one example of what the AHJF, Inc. was created for; to breathe new life into the sport and to give professional hunter riders a chance to be showcased.

The AHJF is a member supported, non-profit amateur athletic corporation formed with the mission to “promote the equestrian sport of hunter-jumper competition and address the needs of industry participants. The organization emphasizes integrity, compassion and sportsmanship through its business programs, human services, ethics leadership and education.”

Over the past few years the AHJF has made great strides, which you will see by the enclosed press kit.

Contained in the pages that follow is information about the AHJF WCHR Pro Finals as well as about the other AHJF programs. This organization started at a time when the hunter sport was in trouble. Since its inception in 1997 the sport of hunters has seen significant growth. Huge thanks goes to the AHJF for the time and effort they have put into achieving this goal.

We at Press Link PR have been working with the AHJF since 2000 to spread the word. We invite you to join us in this effort. If there is information we can provide, someone to interview for a story, photos or footage that you need, please let us know. We are here to help you in any way we can to spread the word that the sport of hunters is alive and well and continues to grow and prosper throughout the United States.

Diana De Rosa (dderosa1@optonline.net) President, Press Link PR - Cell: 516-848-4867 Note to Photographers: This is an indoor arena setting and the lighting is very low. You will need a camera that can work in this low light situation as flash is not allowed.

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS FAST FACTS WHEN: Friday, October 2, 2009, 7:45 PM as part of the Capital Challenge Horse Show 7:15: Exhibitor Party on Concourse with Open Buffet presented by The Gochman Family 7:30: Various AHJF Awards Presentations in Arena (AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge Regional winners, Lifetime Achievement, Sportsmanship Award, etc.)

Post Event Reception: Press Conference and Dessert Buffet in Paddock Lounge WHAT: $7,500 Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals for the 2009 AHJF Professional WCHR title.

Sponsored by Stillwell Hansen, Inc. and the John R. Ingram Fund (The winner of the Championship will be presented with a media sponsorship package.)

WHERE: Prince George’s Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro, MD WHY: This is the only hunter competition for professional hunter riders where riders compete head to head after accumulating points throughout the year-long competition season. The top six ranked riders compete Friday night for one of the most sought after hunter rider titles.

CLASS SPECS: NO ENTRY FEE - Open to the top six professional riders in the National WCHR Final Standings, including points earned from the divisions at Capital Challenge and the WCHR Professional Challenge Class. All riders must provide a horse for the class and ride that horse in the first round. With the exception of Pre-Green horses, all horses are eligible. The class will be judged on presentation of the horse and style of the rider. The Class is scored under the open numerical system by multiple teams of two judges. Each team will present one score and the scores averaged for a single round total. Each rider will compete in three rounds on three different horses (assigned by a draw for the horses) over a course of eight to ten fences set at 3'6" and receive a score for each round. After three rounds the three best riders with the highest cumulative scores will advance to a fourth round on a horse they have not ridden. The fourth round will be a handy course where brilliance will be rewarded. The rider with the highest cumulative four round total will be the winner. In case of a tie for first place there will be a ride off to determine the winner.

COST: Spectators can come watch the event for FREE! WHAT THE JUDGE IS LOOKING FOR: Show hunters are judged on the style of the horse. The horse should look as if it could carry a rider smoothly, comfortably and safely over a course of natural style jumps. The horses should be both elegant and agile as they negotiate obstacles similar to those encountered on a foxhunt.

SPONSORS: Sponsored by Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., Presented by John R. Ingram Fund & The Ingram Family, Produced by The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc., Hosted by the Capital Challenge Horse Show, Winner is the Recipient of the AHJF Professional Title MEDIA CONTACT: Press Link, Cell: 516-848-4867; email: dderosa1@optonline.net AHJF CONTACT: AHJF, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508-835-8813, www.ahjf.org, email: ahjf@earthlink.net.

CAPITAL CHALLENGE: www.capitalchallenge.org

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

$7,500 WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS Ultimate Hunter Rider Pro Showdown Over the years the $7,500 WCHR Professional Finals have been won by the nation’s elite pro hunter riders. In 2008 a delighted Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, garnered her first Pro Finals victory. Sandy is attempting to qualify again to see if she can earn back her title on Friday evening, October 2nd, during the Capital Challenge Horse Show at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The class is sponsored by Stillwell-Hansen, Inc. and presented by John R. Ingram Fund & The Ingram Family.

In prior years the finals were dominated by John French, Redwood City, CA (2000 and 2006), Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA (2001 and 2005), Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX (2002, 2004, 2007), Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ (19998, 1999, 2003). For these and other pro riders these Finals are their one and only chance to rival each other for the most sought after professional hunter title.

It is a rivalry that reeks of camaraderie and love for their fellow horsemen. “It’s the one class where we are all rooting for each other,” commented Ferrell. “Trainers helping trainers, grooms helping grooms, and riders giving advice to other riders; that camaraderie is a great thing and one we don’t see in our other competitions.”

The horses are provided by the six riders who qualify for the class and with the exception of Pre-Green horses, all horses are eligible. The class is judged on presentation of the horse and style of the rider and is scored under the open numerical system by multiple teams of two judges.

Each rider competes in three rounds on three different horses over a course of eight to ten fences set at 3'6". The three best riders advance to a fourth handy hunter round on a horse they have not ridden. The rider with the highest cumulative four-round total is the ultimate winner.

The winner not only earns the most prestigious title available to a professional hunter rider, but the “All the Way” Perpetual Trophy donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan. The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy donated by The Karazissis Family is presented to the owner of the horse with the highest single round score. The winner also receives a $3,000 cash award from the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, which is now in its fourteenth year of hosting this class.

Through its support of professional hunter riders, the AHJF ensures coverage of both the championship and the winning ride by also giving the rider a year-long publicity sponsorship which is fulfilled by Press Link PR, an equine focused PR firm.

“The AHJF is a visionary organization. This sponsorship is a perfect example of how they do things that improve and promote the sport of hunters,” explained Diana De Rosa, president of Press Link. “Because of this approach there has been an amazing growth in all areas, including in the competition arena, in how many people own hunters and in the amount of coverage seen in equine focused media. We owe the AHJF thanks for having the foresight to think of innovative ways to promote this sport. The hunter horses and riders are the ones who are benefiting from their efforts."

For information about the AHJF or its programs, contact the AHJF at PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, call 508-835-8813, fax 508-835-6125, email ahjf@earthlink.net or visit their web site at www.ahjf.org.

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

THE AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS HELD ANNUALLY AT THE CAPITAL CHALLENGE HORSE SHOW IN LANDOVER, MD

PAST WINNERS 2008 – Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA 2007 – Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX (also 2002, 2004) 2006 – John French, Redwood City, CA (also 2000) 2005 – Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA (also 2001) 2004 – Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX 2003 – Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ and Wellington, FL (also 1998, 1999) 2002 – Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX 2001– Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA 2000 – John French, Redwood City, CA 1999 – Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ and Wellington, FL 1998 – Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ and Wellington, FL 1997 – Jennifer Alfano, Buffalo, NY (also 1996) 1996 – Jennifer Alfano, Buffalo, NY 1995 – Havens Schatt, Ocala, FL

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS RESULTS 1995-2008 2008: Sandy Ferrell, John French, Erin Duffy, Scott Stewart, Patricia Griffith, Jennifer Alfano RIDER Sandy Ferrell

RND 1 86.33/Wilson

RND 2 82/Type Cast 1+2 = 168.33

RND 3 89/Notoriety 1+2+3= 257.33

SCORE RND 4 88.33/Maddox

FINAL TOTAL 345.66

John French Erin Duffy

70.33/Type Cast

90/Notoriety 1+2 = 160.33 85.66/Magnolia 1+2 = 171.32 87/Class Action 1+2 = 161.33 84.66/Maddox 1+2 = 153.99 84.33/Wilson 1+2 = 168.16

92/Maddox 1+2+3= 252.33 91.66/Wilson 1+2+3=262.98 86/Magnolia 1+2+3= 247.33 85.66/Class Action 1+2+3 = 239.65 70.66/Cunningham 1+2+3 = 238.82

92/Class Action

344.33

66.66/Type Cast

329.64

Scott Stewart Patricia Griffith Jennifer Alfano

85.66/Class Action 74.33/Maddox 69.33/Notoriety 83.33/Magnolia

247.33 239.65 238.82

2007: Peter Pletcher, John French, Scott Stewart, Liza Boyd, John Bragg, Kirsten Coe RIDER Peter Pletcher

RND 1 90/Surella

John French Scott Stewart

89.66/Raise Roof 89.66/True

Liza Boyd

92.66/Sienna

John Bragg Kirsten Coe

89/Cunningham 87.5/Aston

RND 2 89.33/True 1+2 = 179.33 the

89.66/Aston 1+2 = 179.32 91/Raise the Roof 1+2 = 180.66 93/Cunningham 1+2 = 185.66 85.66/Surella 1+2 = 174.66 88.33/Sienna 1+2 = 175.83

RND 3 91.66/Raise the Roof 1+2+3= 270.99 90/Sienna 1+2+3= 269.32 88/Aston 1+2+3= 268.66

SCORE RND 4 90/Aston

FINAL TOTAL 360.99

90/Cunningham

359.32

90.66/Sienna

359.32

80.66/Surella 1+2+3=266.32 89.33/True 1+2 = 263.99 85.66/Cunningham 1+2+3 = 261.49

266.32 263.99 261.49

2006: John French, Scott Stewart, Peter Pletcher, Louise Serio RIDER Louise Serio Peter Pletcher John French Scott Stewart

RND 1 80.66/Locatelli 84.66/Larona 87/Locatelli 87.33/Intuition

RND 2 84.66/Intuition 1+2 = 165.32 87.33/Locatelli 1+2 = 171.99 85.16/Larona 1+2 = 172.16 83.66/Fortunate 1+2 = 170.99

RND 3 84.33/Fortunate 1+2+3= 249.65 90/Intuition 1+2+3= 261.99 85.33/Locatelli 1+2+3= 257.49 79/Larona 1+2+3=249.99

SCORE RND 4 74.33/Larona

FINAL TOTAL 323.98

84.66/Fortunate

346.65

89.33/Intuition

346.82

88/Locatelli

337.99

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

2005: Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher, Scott Stewart, Holly Orlando RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

FINAL TOTAL

Louise Serio

88.33/Perfect

90.66/Nantucket

90.66/La Caretta

94/Ramsey

363.65

1+2 = 178.99

1+2+3=269.65

Peter Pletcher

88/Nantucket

88.66/La Caretta

91.50/Ramsey

90.33/Perfect

358.49

1+2 = 176.66

1+2+3=268.16

Scott Stewart

87.66/Ramsey

92/Perfect

91.66/Nantucket

86/La Caretta

357.32

1+2 = 179.66

1+2+3=271.32

Holly Orlando

88.33/La Caretta

91.33/Ramsey

90/Perfect

78.33/Nantucket

347.99

1+2 = 179.66

1+2+3=269.66

347.99

2004: Peter Pletcher, Sandy Ferrell, Jenny Karazissis, Heidi Fish RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

FINAL TOTAL

Peter Pletcher

86.6

88.4

88.4

90.6

354/$2,750

Sandy Ferrell

87.6

85.4

89

91

353/$1,000

Jenny Karazissis

85.2

88.4

86.2

88.4

348.2/$750

Heidi Fish

83.2

85.4

87.9

86.8

343.3/$500

2003: Scott Stewart, Havens Schatt, Samantha Darling, Peter Pletcher RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

FINAL TOTAL

Scott Stewart

98.4

89.3

94

89.4

371.1

Haven Schatt

95.2

89

93.4

90.8

368.4

Samantha Darling

92.3

92.8

93.7

84

362.8

Peter Pletcher

92.8

88

90.6

81.8

353.2

2002: Peter Pletcher, Scott Stewart, Emily Williams, Sandy Ferrell RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

FINAL TOTAL

Peter Pletcher

88.7

88.2

89.2

92.6

358.7

Scott Stewart

86

84.60

88.60

91.80

351

Emily Williams

87.60

73.80

86.40

89.60

337.40

Sandy Ferrell

89.20

78.40

73.80

75.60

317

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

2008

2001

SANDY FERRELL JOHN FRENCH ERIN DUFFY SCOTT STEWART PATRICIA GRIFFITH JENNIFER ALFANO

LOUISE W. SERIO HAVENS SCHATT TIM GOGUEN KELLEY FARMER

2007

2000

PETER PLETCHER (3X) JOHN FRENCH SCOTT STEWART ELIZABETH BOYD JOHN BRAGG KIRSTEN COE

JOHN FRENCH SCOTT STEWART HOLLY ORLANDO KELLEY FARMER

2006

1999

JOHN R. FRENCH (2X) SCOTT STEWART PETER PLETCHER LOUISE W. SERIO

SCOTT STEWART (2X) HAVENS SCHATT PETER PLETCHER HOLLY ORLANDO

2005

1998

LOUISE W. SERIO (2X) PETER PLETCHER SCOTT STEWART HOLLY H. ORLANDO

SCOTT STEWART HOLLY ORLANDO PETER PLETCHER NANCY GREEN

2004

1997

PETER PLETCHER (2X) SANDY FERRELL JENNY KARAZISSIS HEIDI FISH

JENNIFER ALFANO (2X) BILL ELLIS RICK FANCHER CARLETON BROOKS

2003

1996

SCOTT STEWART (3X) HAVENS SCHATT PETER PLETCHER SAMANTHA DARLING

JENNIFER ALFANO CHARLIE WEAVER RUSSELL FREY JOHN FRENCH

2002

1995

PETER PLETCHER SCOTT STEWART EMILY WILLIAMS SANDY FERRELL

HAVENS SCHATT LESLIE STEELE ELIZABETH SOLTER MARTHA JACKSON

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

2009 WINNER PRIZES

$7,500 for the Class 1-$3,000, 2-$2,000, 3-$1,000, 4-$500, 5-$500, 6-$500

“All the Way” Perpetual Trophy To the winning rider: This trophy was donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan.

The Far West Farms Perpetual Trophy Donated by The Karazissis Family to the owner of the horse with the highest single round score.

$3,000 Pletcher Professional Incentive Award Sponsored Mr. & Mrs. George Pletcher.

Goshen Hill Grooms Award $500 Presented to each of the Grooms of the WCHR National Champions A THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS SPONSORS Carlene Blunt Claudine & George Pletcher Derbydown, Inc./Louise Serio Ecogold Essex Classics EquiFit Finally Farm, Inc. & The Towell Goshen Hill Foundation HND Stables, Inc/R. Bruce Duchossois Karen Long Dwight

Meridian Farm & Meridian Riding Pinnell Quail Hollow Tack/Ken & Didi MacKenzie Springtown Farm & Sissy Wickes The Danhakl Family The EMO Insurance Agency, Inc. The Steinhaus Family Whipstick Farm Ltd.

The 7,500 Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals for the 2009 AHJF Professional WCHR title is sponsored by Stillwell-Hansen, Inc., Presented by John R. Ingram Fund & The Ingram Family Produced by American Hunter Jumper Foundation Hosted by Capital Challenge Horse Show THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE FOR THIS CLASS – RIDERS MUST QUALIFY TO COMPETE .

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A TRIUMPH AFTER TRAGEDY HELPS SANDY FERRELL SPARKLE IN AHJF PRO FINALS AHJF’s WCHR Annual Winners Named in Pro, Amateur, Adult Amateur and Junior Divisions October 7, 2008 ‐‐ Upper Marlboro, MD – “It’s the camaraderie that means so much,” commented a cheerful Sandy Ferrell after winning the 15th annual $7,500 Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals for the 2008 AHJF Professional WCHR title, which took place on October 3rd during the eight‐day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The 2008 WCHR Professional Finals is sponsored by Stillwell‐Hansen, Inc., presented by John R. Ingram Fund & the Ingram Family, produced by the American Hunter‐Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and hosted at the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

“It’s the one class where we are all rooting for each other,” continued Ferrell, who was sparkling with energy and enthusiasm after her victory. “Trainers helping trainers, grooms helping grooms, and riders giving advice to other riders; that camaraderie is a great thing and one we don’t see in our other competitions. It is competitive but we are not out to prove anything. At a normal horse show it’s everyone out for him/herself.”

Sandy knows about rooting because not too long ago she was diagnosed and survived breast cancer and it was then that she learned that there was a huge cheering squad behind her. “It was the horses that helped get me through that,” admits Ferrell.

Ferrell, Bernville, PA, claimed the victory with a score of 345.66 just slightly over a fraction ahead of two‐time winner John French, Redwood City, CA (344.33) after an initial three rounds of six riders was paired down to three. In third was Erin Duffy, Pacific Palisades, CA (329.64). Finishing 4th was Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL (247.33), 5th was Patricia Griffith, Katonah, NY (239.65) and 6th was Jennifer Alfano, Buffalo, NY (238.82).

THE COMPETITION Riders had to qualify to compete in this class by earning points in WCHR recognized shows (of which there were 42 to choose from but only the top four count) throughout the U.S. in eight regions: Southeast, South Central, Central Mountain, Mid‐Atlantic, Southwest, Northeast and Midwest). The points from their best ride in WCHR recognized divisions earned at the Capital Challenge Horse Show is added to that total. Then, the top six riders from each region and the top 10 riders in the standings are invited to compete in the WCHR Challenge Class at the Capital Challenge. Those points are then combined with the overall points to determine the final six riders.

And things can change dramatically during the 10‐day Capital Challenge Horse Show. In fact, Griffith was able to move up from 23rd to 6th. Since this was her first time qualifying that achievement showed why you should never give up.

“I’m excited that we’ve got new people and for Patricia, the moon and the stars had to align exactly in order for her to get in this class and it did! I feel like it was really meant to be for her,” commented AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla.

In the Pro Finals, each rider must supply one horse and ride that horse first. The riders then alternate on the other horses.

Some top hunters were shown in this class including: Magnolia, a 7‐year‐old, 16.1H, Warmblood, mare, owned by Bright Star 158 LLC (supplied by Jennifer Alfano); Class Action, a 9‐year‐old, 16.3H, gray, Warmblood, gelding, owned by Bar X Ranch (supplied by Erin Duffy); Maddox, a 9‐year‐old, 16.1H, bay, Oldenburg, gelding, owned by Lissa Bachner( supplied by Scott Stewart); Notoriety, a 12‐year‐old, 16.3H, bay, Warmblood, mare, owned by Lexi Maounis (supplied by Patricia Griffin); Type Cast, a 6‐year‐old, 16.1H, bay, Warmblood, gelding, owned by Patricia Rose (supplied by John French), and Wilson, a 7‐year‐ old, 16.3H, brown, Warmblood, gelding, owned by Debbie Malony (supplied by Sandy Ferrell).

The riders were allowed to briefly warm‐up on their horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for the first three courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time. For the fourth round, the course was changed to a demanding Handy Hunter class and only the top three competed. This course was their chance to impress the judges.

GOING FOR THE WIN In the first round Ferrell took the early lead (86.33) followed by Duffy (85.66). In 3rd was Alfano (83.33), then Stewart (74.33), French (70.33) and Griffith (69.33). In the second round Duffy dominated the class after her first and second round scores were combined (171.32). Ferrell was 2nd (168.33), 3rd Alfano (168.16), 4th Stewart (161.33), 5th French (160.33), and 6th Griffith (153.99).

The third round was critical as it would determine what three riders went into the final round. After the third round Duffy maintained her lead (262.98) followed by Ferrell (257.33) for 2nd, French in 3rd (252.33).

French as the first to go in the Handy Hunter set the pace with a brilliant round, galloping to the first fence out of the gate, slicing corners with elegance and charging down to the last fence with boldness and accuracy. They finished duplicating their third round score (92) which when combined with his other scores gave him his 344.33 total.

Ferrell went next and impressed with the smooth tight turns but she also recognized that her horse was not quite as agile as French’s horse. “I thought rather than be too greedy I would play it smart.” Since she had a lead of five points over French, her final score of 88.33 was just enough to squeak by him (345.66). Up to that point Duffy had good fortune but in that final round a cross canter cost her valuable points, giving the victory to Ferrell (66.66/329.64).

Although Ferrell had competed in the class twice before this was her first time to win and victory sure brought a sparkle to her eyes. “I wouldn’t believe I’d won until they made the announcement and put the ribbon on my horse,” she admitted.

THE FINALS ARE LOVED BY THE PROS Four of the riders who qualified this year have competed in this class multiple times while the other two were competing for the first time. Even after all these years and multiple victories the veterans were still as determined to both qualify and win this very prestigious competition, which is the only one geared specifically for professional hunter riders.

“The fact that professionals still want to show in this class is a positive thing,” commented Perla. “It is still an important goal for them, and that is good for the sport...”

“It was really special this year how hotly contested it was until the last minute,” added AHJF president Geoff Teall. “This is the one class that gives the pro riders a chance to be noticed and show off and for it to be about them as riders.”

“It’s very exciting and I look forward to this every year. It’s also nice having some new riders in it,” explained Stewart, who was competing for the ninth time, with three victories.

Ferrell (third time) agreed, “I’m excited. My goal was to go in and do my best, keep my cool and most importantly have fun.”

Alfano (third time) commented, “When I did this class in 1996 and 1997 it was in a different format. They provided all of the horses. Now we provide the horses. I am excited to do it again. I had a blast. For the hunters it is a one of a kind class for us to do. To be able to switch horses is fun.”

Duffy was in her first Pro Finals. “I’m excited to do it. I like that it is similar to a USET or World Equestrian format in that you change horses and it’s a special class so it is fun to do. I didn’t think I would qualify since I only have one hunter but he (Rumba) is really good.”

It’s the title that matters most but along with that title come a lot of perks. Louise Serio, founder of the AHJF, was the inspiration behind this class. “As a hunter rider back then there were no goals and no pomp and ceremony like the jumper riders had. So we decided to initiate special events for the hunter riders and horses.”

“It is as much about the presentation of the class as it is about the class. It is the feature event of the night,” added Perla.

The riders have the AHJF and the sponsors to thank for not only the class but the pomp and ceremony, including a light show, rider recognition, buffet dinner, PR campaign surrounding the event, press conference, photo ops and more. The sponsors in unison with the AHJF feel it is important to reward the riders not only with money but also with recognition.

AHJF JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE Incorporated into the evening is another program sponsored by the AHJF called the Junior Hunter Challenge. It’s based around the grass roots horse shows (non USEF) and a special series of classes guided by a specific set of rules and regulations. The West Region winner was Lauren Wood from Rochester, MN and the East Region winner was Tiffany Pelton from Galesburg, MI. Their wins earned them a complimentary trip to the Capital Challenge Horse Show and a

chance to spend the weekend meeting the top professionals in the nation. They also had the opportunity to be photographed with the top six riders and to interact with their idols. It was a weekend that someone at their level could only dream about.

During their weekend they met with Linda Andrisani for a judging session, sat with noted riders and trainers Louise Serio and Havens Schatt for the Pro Finals, got a look behind the scenes at the barn with AHJF Board Member Amanda Steege, got a firsthand tour of the HEART Ambulance, met with course designer Michael Rheinheimer for a session in hunter course design and learned to walk the high junior/amateur jumper course with grand prix rider Danielle Torano.

Fifteen‐year‐old Lauren Wood, Rochester, MN, achieved her victory by riding South Bound Train, a 10‐year‐old, 15.3H, Appaloosa gelding who she’s owned for two years. Lauren’s parents, Kristin and Cameron, and trainer Vicki Holst took the journey with her to Maryland.

They all agreed that the Junior Hunter Challenge is a good learning experience “because the judge tells you what you need to work on,” commented Lauren. “We do our first round and then we go and talk to the judge and she would tell us what to do for the second phase and why we were placed the way we were. “ “They learn to think. The class is unbelievable. It makes them accountable for what they do because they know they are going to have to answer to a judge,” added Holst.

“It has helped Lauren grow up. She is more responsible, more focused. It makes her better at school. She is accountable to do well at school in order to do the horse thing,” added Kristin.

“Watching her ride and not getting any feedback and why you are placing or not in other classes is frustrating. This is a class that actually gives them feedback so they can improve on their riding. So, it’s been very helpful,” noted Cameron.

Pelton, 14, Galesburg, MI, rode No Doubt About Adam (nickname Adam), a 6‐year‐old, 16.3H, Appendix QH, bay, gelding she has had for 2 years.

“It seemed like an interesting class so I decided to try,” explained Pelton. “It was a new class on the circuit. It tested your riding skills. We had one round where there was a course that the show had made and then we had a test given by the judge. The test I liked the best was when the judge allowed us to make up our own course of fences. “ Pelton boards Adam at her grandmother’s Lou‐Don Farm also in Galesburg, where he spends lots of time turned out.

“I think it was a really good experience for me,” continued Pelton. “The class and coming here is a big thing because this is one of my biggest achievements so far. That was my goal and I am pretty happy I achieved it.

Who knows maybe this class will pave the way for Wood or Pelton to one day walk in Ferrell’s boots and all the other winners before to claim the title of World Championship Hunter Rider.

AMERICAN HUNTER‐JUMPER FOUNDATION The AHJF is a member‐supported non‐profit organization formed to further the development of the sport of show hunter competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF Investment Plan, and the AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge.

The AHJF also sponsors other featured events throughout the year, including the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach (February 14, 2009) and the Legacy Cup. At the Capital Challenge the Professional Championship honors were part of an overall World Championship Hunter Rider Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur‐ owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions.

A number of special awards were given out as well. Kenny Wheeler, Keswick, VA, was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to West Point, ridden by Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL and owned by Krista and Alexa Weisman, Sherborn, MA, who won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Farm Working Hunter Challenge went to Beyond, ridden and owned by Scott Stewart. Mindy Darst, Lebanon, OH, won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award.

MONEY, TROPHIES, PRIZES AND MORE This was the 15th year that the AHJF had hosted the World Championship Hunter Rider Professional finals. The winner not only received the trophy but also $3000 for the Pletcher Pro Incentive Award and the All The Way Trophy donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan. The Far West Farm Perpetual Trophy for the horse that earned the highest cumulative total was won by Wilson. In addition the winner received a sponsorship from the AHJF, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Ferrell as its winner. Press Link PR, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

A special thanks also goes to Capital Challenge co‐managers Oliver Kennedy, Brookville, MD and William Glass, Bokeelia, FL, who invited the AHJF to host its Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which has been home to these classes ever since. “The AHJF can only be as successful as the horse shows it partners with. Billy and Oliver do everything in their power, to support the AHJF activity at the Capital Challenge. Their support is key to our success here,” commented Perla.

For those interested in seeing the Finals in action go to this link: http://www.equestriansport.tv/. For Photos: http://www.presslinkpr.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=117434. For complete results go to the horse show link: http://www.capitalchallenge.org. Links to all of the above are available at www.ahjf.org.

For more information, the AHJF can be contacted at 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583‐0369, 508‐835‐8813, fax: 508‐835‐6125, or email: ahjf@earthlink.net.

RESULTS RIDER Sandy Ferrell John French Erin Duffy Scott Stewart Patricia Griffith Jennifer Alfano

RND 1 86.33/Wilson 70.33/Type Cast 85.66/Class Action 74.33/Maddox 69.33/Notoriety 83.33/Magnolia

RND 2 82/Type Cast 1+2 = 168.33 90/Notoriety 1+2 = 160.33 85.66/Magnolia 1+2 = 171.32 87/Class Action 1+2 = 161.33 84.66/Maddox 1+2 = 153.99 84.33/Wilson 1+2 = 168.16

RND 3 89/Notoriety 1+2+3= 257.33 92/Maddox 1+2+3= 252.33 91.66/Wilson 1+2+3=262.98 86/Magnolia 1+2+3= 247.33 85.66/Class Action 1+2+3 = 239.65 70.66/Cunningham 1+2+3 = 238.82

SCORE RND 4 88.33/Maddox

FINAL TOTAL 345.66

92/Class Action

344.33

66.66/Type Cast

329.64 247.33 239.65 238.82

SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Kenny Wheeler, Keswick, VA (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: West Point, ridden by Scott Stewart (owned by Krisa and Alexa Weisman) Total Points: 2023 (Jeffery Katz was a 38‐year‐old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Beyond, (rider/owner/Scott Stewart). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500. (1543 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

AHJF JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE: West Region: Lauren Wood, Rochester, MN; East Region: Tiffany Pelton, Galesburg, MI This annual competition provides a goal for junior riders currently competing at the non‐recognized level. Horse shows which hold the Challenge class all follow the same set of class specifications and judging criteria. The winners are invited to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as guests of the AHJF. Their agenda includes sitting with a horse show judge to learn how they mark their card, meeting the show vet and farrier and discussing their roles at the show, and spending time in the stables with barn managers to experience all that goes in to prepping horses for the show ring.

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Mindy Darst, Lebanon, OH (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ALABAMA CLAY CONFORMATION HUNTER AWARD: West Point (ridden by Scott Stewart) owned by Krista Weisman/Alexa Weisman), 2023 pts.

Awarded to the horse and owner of the WCHR high score conformation horse who has accumulated the most points at their best four WCHR shows plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunter divisions.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Krista and Alexa Weisman (owner of West Point who was ridden by Scott Stewart to 2023 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

HEARD A RUMOR AWARD: Osczar (19, Oldenberg, by Alla Czar, 17, gelding, bred by Maureen Martin, Louisville, KY, owned

by Dawn Fogel, trainer Rick Fancher. (Donated by Mimi Edwards and presented to a horse that has shown exceptional ability and epitomizes the important partnership of show hunter and hunter rider.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 2008 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Sandy Ferrell (86.33, 82, 89, 88.33 = 345.66), 2. John French (70.33, 90, 92, 92=344.33), 3. Erin Duffy (85.66, 85.66, 91.66, 66.66 = 329.64. 4. Scott Stewart (74.33, 87, 86 = 247.33); 5. Patricia Griffith (69.33, 84.66, 85.66 = 239.65); 6. Jennifer Alfano (83.33, 84.33, 70.66 = 238.82).

JUNIOR: 1. Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1868 pts.; 2. Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 1791 pts.; 3. Nicoletta Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1699 pts.; 4. Alise V. Oken, Charlotte, NC, 1584 pts.

PONY: 1. Lillie Keenan, New York, NY, 2272 pts.; 2. Shawn Casady, Harriman, TN, 1933 pts.; 3. Victoria Colvin, Loxahatchee, FL, 1783 pts.; 4. Ashley LeCroy, Asheville, NC, 1743.

AMATEUR‐OWNER: 1. Tammy Chipko, Thousand Oaks, CA, 1860 pts.; 2. Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1680 pts.; 3. Bridget Hallman, Oyster Bay, NY, 1495 pts.; 4. Caroline Morrison, Iron Station, NC, 1445 pts.

ADULT AMATEUR: 1. Wendy Kraus Lewis, Willoughby Hills, OH, 1676 pts; 2. Amy Brubaker, Pasadena, CA, 1666 pts; 3.

Marianne Cochran, Eagle, CO, 1594 pts; 4. Emily Woodall, New Caney, TX, 1554 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: John French, Redwood City, CA, 1590 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Tammy Chipko, Thousand Oaks, CA, 1418 pts.; Junior: Nicoletta Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1483 pts.; Pony: Hannah Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1417 pts.; Children’s: Whitney Downs, Coto De Caza, CA, 1694 pts.; Adult Amateur: Amy Brubaker, Pasadena, CA, 1393 pts.

MIDWEST: Professional: Havens Schatt, Ocala, FL, 1121 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Tracy Scheriff, Ramsey, NJ, 749 pts.; Junior: Stephanie Vijan, Westerville, OH , 1077 pts.; Pony: Meredith Darst, Lebanon, OH, 1055 pts.; Children’s: Audrey Layman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 546 pts.; Adult Amateur: Bradley Wolkoff, Carmel, IN, 907 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, 1400 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Lindsey Fishell, Kingwood, TX, 1186 pts.; Junior: Stacey Weems, The Woodlands, TX, 1143 pts.; Pony: Lucas Porter, Bartonville, TX, 1015 pts.; Children’s: Maret Delf, Plano, TX, 780 pts.; Adult Amateur: Emily Woodall, New Caney, TX, 1370 pts.

NORTH EAST: Professional: Amanda Steege, Bedminster, NJ, 1279 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 990 pts.; Junior: Danielle Cooper, Syosset, NY, 1198 pts.; Pony: Lillie Keenan, New York, NY, 1323 pts.; Children’s: Nina Montross, Bedford Hills, NY, 744 pts.; Adult Amateur: Kimberly Maloomian, Needham, MA, 1042 pts.

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Hunt Tosh, Cumming, GA, 1085 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Caroline Morrison, Iron Station, NC, 780 pts.; Junior: Sarah Ward, Atlanta, GA, 774 pts.; Pony: Elizabeth Butterworth, Grimesland, NC, 857 pts.; Children’s: Maddie Gardner, Charlotte, NC, 886 pts.; Adult Amateur: Bruce Duchossois, Aiken, SC, 340 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Keiri Kaneps, Elizabeth, CO, 1155 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Liza Dennehy, Denver, CO, 1079 pts.; Junior: Brooke Kennedy, Greenwood Village, CO, 1177 pts.; Children’s: Leighona Bernstein, Golden, CO, 1089 pts.; Pony: Megan MacPherson, Niwot, CO, 1300 pts.; Adult Amateur: Susanne R. Stroh, Elizabeth, CO, 1069 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Shelley Campf, Canby, OR, 1395 pts.; Amateur Owner: Angelique Wells, Olalla, WA, 1042 pts.; Pony: Caitlin Mahan, Kent, WA, 1164 pts.; Children’s: Taylor Harding, Tualatin, OR, 1025 pts.; Junior: Max Thompson, Woodinville, WA, 1262 pts.; Adult Amateur: Shawna Dash, Yarrow Point, WA, 1304 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, 1542 pts.; Amateur‐Owner: Zachary Parks, Charlottesville, VA, 1062 pts.; Junior: Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1232 pts.; Pony: Chloe Reid, Washington, DC, 1142 pts.; Children’s: Haley Funger, Potomac, MD, 611 pts.; Adult Amateur: Lysa Burke Horkan, Upperville, VA, 1004 pts.

PRESS LINK PR/Diana De Rosa 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735 Cell: 516‐848‐4867 E‐mail: dderosa1@optonline.net

CAPTIONS FOR PHOTOS #1 – The 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals took place October 3rd at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #2 – Sandy Ferrell aboard Maddox after winning the 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 3rd at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #2 – Sandy Ferrell takes his victory gallop aboard Maddox after competing in the 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 3rd at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #3 – Sandy Ferrell was named 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider after winning the WCHR Pro Finals, which took place October 3rd at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (l‐r) GeoffTeall, LouiseSerio, AmandaSteege, TiffanyPelton, LaurenWood. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #4 – Patricia Griffith, Jennifer Alfano, John French, Sandy Ferrell, Scott Stewart and Erin Duffy were the final six riders in the 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which took place October 3rd at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#5 ‐ AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Sandy Ferrell with the AHJF Junior Challenge winners (l‐r) Tiffany Pelton and Lauren Wood. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #5 – Amanda Steege in the gold blouse. #6– AHJF President Geoff Teall at the 2008 AHJF Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which took place October 3rd at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

AHJF JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE WINNERS MIX AND MINGLE WITH HUNTER ELITE Lauren Wood & Tiffany Pelton Enjoy a Weekend to Learn and Shine

November 17, 2008 ‐‐ Upper Marlboro, MD – Lauren Wood and Tiffany Pelton had lots of reasons to smile as the winners of the annual AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge. Their victory weekend included a chance to mix and mingle with some of the hunter world’s elite riders, horses, judges, course designers and more on the final weekend (October 3‐5, 2008) of the eight‐ day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. In 2004, the AHJF created an annual program known as the Junior Hunter Challenge. It is based around the grass roots horse shows (non USEF) and a special series of classes guided by a specific set of rules and regulations. This annual competition provides a goal for junior riders currently competing at the non‐recognized level.

Wood, Rochester, MN was the West Region winner and Pelton, Galesburg, MI, dominated the East Region. Their wins earned them a complimentary trip to the Capital Challenge Horse Show and a chance to spend the weekend meeting the top professionals in the nation and to interact with their idols. It was a weekend that someone at their level could only dream about.

During the weekend they met with Linda Andrisani for a judging session, sat with noted riders and trainers Louise Serio and Havens Schatt for the WCHR Pro Finals and got a look behind the scenes at barn etiquette with AHJF Board Member Amanda Steege. They received a firsthand tour of the HEART Ambulance, met with course designer Michael Rheinheimer for a session in hunter course design; learned to walk the high junior/amateur jumper course with grand prix rider Danielle Torano; were educated in national, international and Olympic rules and regulations from Steward Karen Golding and attended the Exhibitor Party.

The highlight of their victory was being part of the photo awards presentation after Sandy Ferrell won the 15th annual $7,500 Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals for the 2008 AHJF Professional WCHR title. At the end of the evening they attended the Pro Finals press conference and had their picture taken with Ferrell and the five other finalists.

LAUREN WOOD’S SOUTH BOUND TRAIN TO VICTORY Fifteen‐year‐old Lauren Wood, Rochester, MN, achieved her victory by riding South Bound Train, a 10‐year‐old, 15.3H, Appaloosa gelding who she’s owned for two years. Lauren’s parents, Kristin and Cameron, and trainer Vicki Holst took the journey with her to Maryland.

They all agreed that the Junior Hunter Challenge class is a good learning experience “because the judge tells you what you need to work on,” commented Lauren. “We do our first round and then we go and talk to the judge and she would tell us what to do for the second phase and why we were placed the way we were. “ “They learn to think. The class is unbelievable. It makes them accountable for what they do because they know they are going to have to answer to a judge,” added Holst.

“Competitive riding has helped Lauren grow up. She is more responsible, more focused. It makes her better at school. She is accountable to do well at school in order to do the horse thing,” added Kristin.

“Watching her ride and not getting any feedback and why you are placing or not in other classes is frustrating. This is a class that actually gives them feedback so they can improve on their riding. So, it’s been very helpful,” noted Cameron.

THERE WAS NO DOUBT ABOUT TIFFANY PELTON’S WIN Pelton, 14, Galesburg, MI, rode No Doubt About Adam (nickname Adam), a 6‐year‐old, 16.3H, Appendix QH, bay, gelding she has had for 2 years.

“It seemed like an interesting class so I decided to try,” explained Pelton. “It was a new class on the circuit. It tested your riding skills. We had one round where there was a course that the show had made and then we had a test given by the judge. The test I liked the best was when the judge allowed us to make up our own course of fences. “ Pelton boards Adam at her grandmother’s Lou‐Don Farm also in Galesburg, where he spends lots of time turned out.

“I think it was a really good experience for me,” continued Pelton. “The class and coming here is a big thing because this is one of my biggest achievements so far. That was my goal and I am pretty happy I achieved it. Who knows maybe this class will pave the way for Wood or Pelton to one day walk in Ferrell’s boots and all the other winners before to claim the title of World Championship Hunter Rider.

AMERICAN HUNTER‐JUMPER FOUNDATION The AHJF is a member‐supported non‐profit organization formed to further the development of the sport of show hunter competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF Investment Plan, and the AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge.

The AHJF also sponsors other featured events throughout the year, including the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach (February 14, 2009) and the Legacy Cup. At the Capital Challenge the Junior Hunter Challenge weekend was part of an overall World Championship Hunter Rider Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur‐owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders.

MONEY, TROPHIES, PRIZES AND MORE For more information, the AHJF can be contacted at 335 Lancaster Street, West Boylston, MA 01583‐ 0369, 508‐835‐8813, fax: 508‐835‐6125, or email: ahjf@earthlink.net.

For those interested in seeing photos of winners Lauren Wood and Tiffany Pelton go to: http://www.presslinkpr.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_i temId=117434 where you can find their photos on page 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

PETER PLETCHER AMAZES AGAIN IN WCHR PRO FINALS FOR THE MONARCH INTERNATIONAL TITLE AHJF’s WCHR Annual Winners Named in Pro, Amateur and Children’s Divisions October 7, 2007 -- Upper Marlboro, MD – “It’s amazing every time,” commented an exuberant Peter Pletcher after winning his third Monarch International Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title, which took place on October 5TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The 2007 WCHR Professional Finals is sponsored by StillwellHansen, Inc., presented by John R. Ingram Fund & the Ingram Family, produced by the American HunterJumper Foundation (AHJF) and hosted at the Capital Challenge Horse Show.

“The first time you are freaked out. The second time it’s still unbelievable. The third time I can’t believe how exciting it still is to win this class. It never gets dull. You are just as nervous every time,” concluded Pletcher.

Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, claimed the victory ahead of three-time winner Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL and defending champion and two-time winner John French, Redwood City, CA after an initial three rounds of six riders was paired down to three. The scores of the final three was the closest margin in the history of this class. Pletcher’s score of 360.99 was mere fractions ahead of 2nd place finishers John French and Scott Stewart who tied for second with a score of 359.32, but the way the class is structured the score of the tiebreaker judges broke the tie (88 for Stewart to 89 for French) to give French the 2nd place finish, just one spot lower than the previous year when he won it all. Finishing 4th was Liza Boyd (266.32), 5th was John Bragg (263.99) and 6th was Kirsten Coe (261.49).

THE COMPETITION Riders had to qualify to compete in this class by earning points in WCHR recognized shows (of which there were 50 throughout the U.S. in eight regions: Southeast, South Central, Central Mountain, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest and Midwest). AHJF tallies the points based on each rider’s top four WCHR shows. The top six riders from each region and the top 10 riders in the standings are then invited to compete at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the WCHR Challenge Class. Their top score in WCHR recognized divisions earned at the Capital Challenge is added to that total. Those points are then combined with the overall points to determine the final six.

The rounds were scored by three teams of two judges using the open numerical system. The judges were: Mark Jungherr, Amesburg, TX and Kip Rosenthal, Brewster, NY; Bobbie Reber, Wellington, FL and Shane George, Magnolia, TX; Brian Lenehan, Southern Pines, NC and Penny Waller, Santa Cruz, CA.

The riders alternated on riding six different horses which they each provided for the class. These included Peter’s mount Surella, owned by Mary Jane Stone, a 15.3h, bay, Warmblood mare. Cunningham, owned by Mary Slouka, is a 17.1h, Holsteiner stallion by Cassini 1 out of a Contender mare. Liza’s choice was Sienna, owned by Annie Gardner, a 15.3h, 9-year-old, bay, Dutch Warmblood gelding by Heartbreaker. Kirsten’s addition was Aston, owned by Heritage Farm, a 10year-old, 16.2h, Dutch Warmblood, bay gelding. Raise the Roof, a 15.3h, 9-year-old, grey, Warmblood gelding

by Mr. Blue owned by Cloe Baumrim was French’s choice. Scott chose True, owned by Glen Senk, a 10year-old, 16.3h, Belgium Warmblood gelding. The alternate was Tripple Lutz, owned by Samantha Harrison, a 16.1h, 6-year-old, bay, Warmblood gelding.

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for the first three courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time. For the fourth round, the course was changed to a demanding Handy Hunter class and only the top three competed.

GOING FOR THE WIN In the first round Boyd took the early lead (92.66) followed

by Pletcher (90). In 3rd was defending champion French and Scott Stewart (both with a score of 89.66). Bragg was in 5th (89) and Coe in 6th (87.50). In the second round Boyd again dominated the class after her first and second round scores were combined (185.66). In 2nd was Stewart (180.66), 3rd Pletcher (179.33), 4th French (179.32), 5th Coe (175.83), and 6th Bragg (174.66).

The third round was critical as it would determine what three riders went into the final round. While it appeared that Boyd had a very strong possibility of continuing her lead a mistake in a broken line was her demise. She got too close to the oxer and received a score of 80.66 for a three round total of 266.32. Ultimately that score would put her just outside the top three in the 4th spot. That “chip” gave the other riders the break they needed. After the third round it was Pletcher who went into the final round on the leading score of 270.99, followed by French (269.32) for 2nd, Stewart was 3rd (268.66).

Afterwards Boyd jokingly commented “the six strides (which was the right distance to that fence she chipped) looked very far away so I did seven.”

The final results were an interesting twist because despite the fact that the class was changed to allow an additional two riders to qualify, in the end it was the three past winners who made it into the final three. They entered in reverse order and Stewart put in a strong performance which gave him a score of 90.66 for the round and with his previous scores he finished on 359.32. It was French who went next and another strong round with a slightly lower score of 90 tied his score with Stewart’s but the tie-breaker put him 2nd.

Now it was up to Pletcher whose final score of 90 was just enough to give him his third WCHR Professional Finals win.

AHJF President Geoff Teall later commented, “This class for me was almost the nicest so far. I like the fact that it included more people and new people and yet in the end it was the veterans and past winners who won again.”

CAPITAL CHALLENGE IS THE HORSE SHOW FOR HUNTERS Three of the riders who qualified this year have competed in this class multiple times while the other three were competing for the first time. Even after all these years and multiple victories the veterans were still as determined to both qualify and win this very prestigious competition, which is the only one geared specifically for professional hunter riders.

“We are trying our best to stay at the top of the sport and maintain that for as long as we can. You always want to be the best and be the most competitive,” explained Stewart.

Pletcher agreed. “You want to stay at the top of the game and so you strive for it all year. You check those points over and over again and you email to see where you are in the standings. It’s a great goal. It’s just a rush and an added bonus to the sport.”

Thinking of all that it took to qualify against the best of the best Kirsten softly added, “The thought of trying to qualify for next year is daunting.”

While Boyd interjected, “You try to act as if it doesn’t matter, but it does!”

It’s the title that matters most but along with that title come a lot of perks. “There is no other show like this.

There’s so much publicity that surrounds it. Just from winning it last year I got a book of all the articles throughout the year that have talked about the program and the win,” explained French.

The riders have the AHJF and Monarch International to thank for some of those benefits. As one sponsor of this class they in unison with the AHJF want to reward the riders not only with money but also with recognition.

AHJF/DOVER SADDLERY JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE Another secondary bonus was presented to the winner of another program the AHJF sponsors with Dover Saddlery. It’s based around the grass roots horse shows (non USEF) and a special series of classes guided by a specific set of rules and regulations. The East Region winner was Kathryn Miller, Gainesville, FL and the West Region winner was Ursula Wise, Polson, MT. Their wins earned them a complimentary trip to the Capital Challenge Horse Show and a chance to spend the weekend meeting the top professionals in the nation. They also had the opportunity to be photographed with the top six riders and to interact with their idols.

It was a weekend that someone at their level could only dream about.

Ursula, 11, has only been riding for 18 months and takes lessons at Full Sale Farm with trainer Wanda Rosatti. She won on Sprite, a friend’s pony mare who Ursula says “likes red twizzlers. Kathryn, 12, has been riding for six years and now trains with Denna Johnson. She has four ponies that she regularly rides but it was on Pony Source (a pony who Kathryn says “licks you all the time, loves hot dogs and blows bubbles in the water trough”) owned by Full Partners Farm in Newberry, FL, that she earned the honor of traveling to the Capital Challenge.

While Ursula and Kathryn were thrilled with their victory it was their parents and trainers that really understood the depth of what they had won. “This is the most amazing opportunity for local kids,” commented Denna.

“The kids have something to shoot for. This gives them a chance, especially those on a limited budget, to have the opportunity to see the best riders, trainers, course designers, judges, and so many more top people in the nation. There isn’t anything for the local kids to shoot for. This is the only opportunity they have to strive for something unique and special.”

Their glee was what those who qualified to compete in the pro finals also went through before they set out on their present path. It was a seed that was planted along the way that helped all the qualified six riders to get into a field that gives them the job they enjoy going to every day.

For Kathryn that seed was planted when her mom came to school to pick her up. “I figured it out right away and rolled down the window and screamed that I had won the Dover class.”

Who knows maybe one day it will be Ursula or Kathryn who will change places with Pletcher and all the other winners before them to claim the title of Monarch International Professional World Championship Hunter Rider.

MONEY, TROPHIES, PRIZES AND MORE

A number of special awards were given out as well.

Pam Baker, Bealeton, VA, was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Ovation, ridden by Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL and owned by Molly Ohrstrom, Middleburg, VA, who won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Farm Working Hunter Challenge went to Truly, ridden and owned by Scott Stewart. Jack Hammond, Sommamish, WA, won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award.

This was the 14th year that the AHJF had hosted the World Championship Hunter ider Professional finals.

The winner not only received the trophy but also $3000 for the Pletcher Pro Incentive Award and the All The Way Trophy donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan. The Far West Farm Perpetual Trophy for the horse that earned the highest cumulative total was won by Raise The Roof. In addition the winner received a sponsorship from Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Pletcher as its winner.

Press Link PR, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

A special thanks also goes to Capital Challenge co-managers Oliver Kennedy, Brookville, MD and William Glass, Bokeelia, FL, who invited the AHJF to host its Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which has been home to these classes ever since.

RESULTS RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

Peter Pletcher John French Scott Stewart Liza Boyd John Bragg Kirsten Coe

90/Surella

89.33/True 1+2 = 179.33 89.66/Aston 1+2 = 179.32 91/Raise the Roof 1+2 = 180.66 93/Cunningham 1+2 = 185.66 85.66/Surella 1+2 = 174.66 88.33/Sienna 1+2 = 175.83

91.66/Raise the Roof 1+2+3= 270.99 90/Sienna 1+2+3= 269.32 88/Aston 1+2+3= 268.66 80.66/Surella 1+2+3=266.32 89.33/True 1+2 = 263.99 85.66/Cunningham 1+2+3 = 261.49

90/Aston

FINAL TOTAL 360.99

90/Cunningham

359.32

90.66/Sienna

359.32

89.66/Raise the Roof 89.66/True 92.66/Sienna 89/Cunningha m 87.5/Aston

266.32 263.99 261.49

SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Pam Baker, Bealeton, VA (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Ovation, ridden by Scott Stewart (owned by Molly Ohrstrom) Total Points: 1727 (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Truly, (rider/owner/Scott Stewart). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500. (1299 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

AHJF/DOVER SADDLERY JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE: Ursula Wise, Polson, MT and Kathryn Miller, Gainesville, FL This annual competition provides a goal for junior riders currently competing at the non-recognized level.

Horse shows which hold the Challenge class all follow the same set of class specifications and judging criteria. The winners are invited to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as guests of the AHJF and Dover Saddlery. Their agenda includes sitting with a horse show judge to learn how they mark their card, meeting the show vet and farrier and discussing their roles at the show, and spending time in the stables with barn managers to experience all that goes in to prepping horses for the show ring.

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Jack Hammond, Sommamish, WA (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ALABAMA CLAY CONFORMATION HUNTER AWARD: West Point (ridden by Scott Stewart) owned by Krista Weisman/Alexa Weisman), 1689 pts.

Awarded to the horse and owner of the WCHR high score conformation horse who has accumulated the most points at their best four WCHR shows plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunter divisions.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Molly Ohrstrom (owner of Ovation who was ridden by Scott Stewart to 1727 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

HEARD A RUMOR AWARD: Onyx (18 Year Old Holsteiner bred in California and now owned by Lilly Marshall, former owner/rider Robin Swindermann, former trainers Schristina Schlusemeyer, Bob Braswell and Jim Toon. (Donated by Mimi Edwards and presented to a horse that has shown exceptional ability and epitomizes the important partnership of show hunter and hunter rider.

DAVID PETERSON AWARD: Frank “Brownie” Dickerson David took great pride in the thorough preparation and beautiful turnout of the innumerable show horses he groomed at many top farms. This award, established by Kavar Kerr and Jim Anderson, is presented to a person in the industry who best exemplifies the qualities of hard work, devotion, and commitment to the care and well-being of horses in their charge.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 2007 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Peter Pletcher (90, 89.33, 91.66, 90 = 360.99), 2. John French (89.66, 89.66, 90, 90 = 359.32), 3. Scott Stewart (89.66, 91, 88, 90 = 359.32); 4. Liza Boyd (92.66, 93, 80.66 = 266.32); 5. John Bragg (89, 85.66, 89.33 = 263.99); 6. Kirsten Coe (87.50, 88.33, 85.66 = 261.49)..

JUNIOR: 1. Lucy Davis, Los Angeles, CA, 1938 pts.; 2. Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 1783 pts.; 3.

Nicoletta Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1724 pts.; 4. Stephanie Vijan, Westerville, OH, 1466 pts.

PONY: 1. Schaefer Raposa, Wellington, FL, 1655 pts.; 2. Victoria Colvin, Loxahatchee, FL, 1389 pts.; 3.

Meredith Darst, Lebanon, OH, 1379 pts.; 4. Shawn Casady, Harriman, TN, 1352 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Krista Weisman, Sherborne, MA, 1485 pts.; 2. Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1380 pts.; 3. Stephanie Barnes, Seattle, WA, 1325 pts.; 4. Caroline Morrison, Iron Station, NC, 1309 pts.

ADULT AMATEUR: 1. Laura Beckworth, Magnolia, TX, 1538 pts.; 2. Heidi Kim, Newport Beach, CA, 1299; 3.

Abigail (Abby) Converse, Austin, TX, 1219 pts.; 4. Glen T. Senk, Philadelphia, PA, 1208 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: John French, Redwood City, CA, 1439 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Tracy Sully, Aldergrove, BC, 1261 pts.; Junior: Lucy Davis, Los Angeles, CA, 1451 pts.; Pony: Hannah Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1264 pts.; Children’s: Halston Schrage, Los Angeles , CA, 1105 pts.; Adult Amateur: Heidi Kim, Newport Beach, CA, 1054 pts.

MIDWEST: Professional: Abigail Blankenship, Carmel, IN, 808 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Beth Bidgood, Westfield, IN, 481 pts.; Junior: Stephanie Vijan, Westerville, OH , 1257 pts.; Pony: Meredith Darst, Lebanon, OH, 1266 pts.; Children’s: Kalvin Dobbs, Carmel, IN, 748 pts.; Adult Amateur: Wendy Kraus Lewis, Willoughby Hills, OH, 726 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, 1238 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Becky Gochman, Houston, TX, 1148 pts.; Junior: Bailey Anderson, Dallas, TX, 930 pts.; Pony: Emma Roberts, Houston, TX, 516 pts.; Children’s: Maret Delf, Plano, TX, 529 pts.; Adult Amateur: Laura Beckworth, Magnolia, TX, 798 pts..

NORTH EAST: Professional: Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL, 1289 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1057 pts.; Junior: Alexandra Thornton, Bedminster, NJ, 981 pts.; Pony: Schaefer Raposa, Wellington, FL, 1287 pts.; Children’s: Madelyn Keck, Allamuchy, NJ, 820 pts.; Adult Amateur: Visse Wedell, North Salem, NY, 780 pts.

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Eliza Towell, Camden, SC, 1182 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Caroline Morrison, Iron Station, NC, 603 pts.; Junior: Alise V. Oken, Charlotte, NC, 866 pts.; Pony: Shawn Casady, Harriman, TN, 1096 pts.; Children’s: Sophie Read, Lake Mary, FL, 1054 pts.; Adult Amateur: Neill Sites, Atlanta, GA, 219 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Laurie Jueneman, Vail, CO, 1119 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Amelia Hershey, Boulder, CO, 1061 pts.; Junior: Olivia Chowdry, Golden, CO, 869 pts.; Children’s: Elizabeth Savoy, Parker, CO, 1429 pts.; Pony: Megan MacPherson, Niwot, CO, 1095 pts.; Adult Amateur: Jennifer Wallen, Denver , CO, 990 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Jill Pierce, Kirkland, WA, 973 pts.; Amateur Owner: Stephanie Barnes, Seattle, WA, 1152 pts.; Pony: Hayley Mesojednik, Kirkland, WA, 993 pts.; Children’s: Hannah Thornton, Bellevue, WA, 1192 pts.; Junior: Kendall Bourgeois, Sherwood, OR, 1155 pts.; Adult Amateur: Sarah Rice, Eugene, OR, 1075 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Tommy Serio, Keswick, VA, 1189 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Sheila Motley, Keswick, VA, 1153 pts.; Junior: Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1289 pts.; Pony: Chloe Reid, Washington, DC,1222 pts.; Children’s: Meredith Harris, Middleburg, VA, 1143 pts.; Adult Amateur: Lysa Burke Horkan, Upperville, VA, 757 pts.

CAPTIONS FOR PHOTOS

(Credit all Photos to ©Diana De Rosa Photo)

#1 The 2007 WCHR Pro Finals for the Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title took place October 5th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#2←The arena with the first course where the Finals for the 2007 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title took place on October 5th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #3→Peter Pletcher aboard Aston after winning the 2007 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 5th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (l-r Ringmaster with Geoff Teall, Amanda Steege and Hannah Von Heidegger). ©Diana De Rosa Photo #4 ← Peter Pletcher takes his victory gallop aboard Aston after competing in the 2007 WCHR Pro Finals for the Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 5th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #5→Peter Pletcher was named 2007 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider after winning the WCHR Pro Finals, which took place October 5th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #6↓(l-r) Kirsten Coe, Scott Stewart, Peter Pletcher, John French, Liza Boyd, and John Bragg were the final six riders who were competing for the 2007 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 5th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (2nd Photo: Scott Stewart, Liza Boyd, John French, Kirsten Coe, Peter Pletcher, John Bragg) ©Diana De Rosa Photos (3rd Photo: John Bragg, Kirsten Coe, Peter Pletcher, John French, Scott Stewart, Liza Boyd)

#7 ←The final six riders with the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge winners at the 2007 WCHR Pro Finals for the Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title, which took place October 5th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (l-r) Kirsten Coe, Scott Stewart, Peter Pletcher, Kathryn Miller, Ursula Wise, John French, Liza Boyd, and John Bragg.

#8→Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Peter Pletcher with the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge winners (l-r) Kathryn Miller and Ursula Wise.

JOHN FRENCH WINS HIS SECOND MONARCH PRO WCHR RIDER FINALS October 6, 2006 -- Upper Marlboro, MD – The generally quiet and reserved John French was all smiles when he won the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals. During the presentation he was almost giddy with laughter. He hadn’t expected to make it to the final four never mind win this prestigious class, which took place on October 6TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. French, Redwood City, CA claimed his second victory against three-time winners Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL and Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX and defending champion and two-time winner Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA. French’s score of 346.82 was less than a fraction ahead of second place finisher Pletcher (346.65). Third went to Stewart (337.99) with Serio placing fourth (323.98).

Before the class Capital Challenge show manager Billy Glass commented, “Tonight you guys are in the spotlight.

You are under a lot of pressure but it is a fun competition. I applaud you for your professionalism. We are all doing the best we can to make a good fair competition to pick out this year’s top World Hunter Rider.”

Co-manager Oliver Kennedy added, “This is the true test of a hunter rider’s ability to showcase their riding skills on a variety of different horses.”

After the class Pletcher commented, “It takes a lot of hard work to pull this all together. I love riding in this class. It is really fun to work all year long to get to this point. When it gets to the final four it’s great to know you are competing against the top riders in this sport. It just gets better every year.”

THE COMPETITION Riders had to qualify to compete in this class by earning points in WCHR recognized shows (of which there were 50 throughout the U.S. in eight regions: Southeast, South Central, Central Mountain, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest and Midwest). AHJF tallies the points based on each rider’s top four WCHR shows.

The top six riders from each region and the top 10 riders in the standings are then invited to compete at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the WCHR Challenge Class. Their top score in WCHR recognized divisions earned at the Capital Challenge is added to that total. Those points are then combined with the overall points to determine the final four.

Glass and Kennedy put a lot of time and effort into making this class as special as possible. “It’s pretty exciting,” commented Glass. “The best riders from all over the country come to compete at this horse show. There are more professional riders under one roof than you will ever see. It’s the best hunters and hunter riders in the world.”

This year the final National Point Standings which qualified the riders for the Finals were Scott Stewart, 2163 pts, who led the National Rider Award Standings, Louise Serio, 1868, Peter Pletcher, 1778, and John French, 1743.

The riders alternated on riding four different horses. These included Intuition, a 15.3H, 8-year-old bay Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Madaline and Rosemary Toulas. Locatelli is a 15.3 7/8H, 10-year-old, brown, German Warmblood, owned by Morgan Hill Partners. Larona is a 16.1H, 8-year-old Belgian Warmblood bay mare, owned by Jimmy and Danielle Torano. Fortunate is a 16.2H, 9-year-old, bay, Hanoverian gelding, owned by Crystal Row and Rolling Oaks Equestrian Center. The alternate was Guns and Roses, a 16.2H, 9-yearold, chestnut, Warmblood gelding, owned by Veronica Tracy.

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for the first three courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time. For the fourth, the course was changed to a demanding Handy Hunter course.

After the first round Stewart took the early lead (87.33) followed by French (87), Pletcher (84.66) and Serio (80.66).

After the second round while the high score of 87.33 went to Pletcher, the combined score total put French in the lead (172.16) followed by Pletcher (171.99), Stewart (170.99) and Serio (165.32). After round three Pletcher’s high score of 90 when combined with his earlier rounds turned the lead over to him (261.99), followed by French (257.49), Stewart (249.99) and Serio (249.65). A score of 89.33 to Pletcher’s 84.66 in the final round was what gave French just the slightest of an edge to win the 2006 title.

CAPITAL CHALLENGE IS THE HORSE SHOW FOR HUNTERS All of the riders who qualified this year have competed in the past in this class multiple times and yet their enthusiasm is still evident.

“It still holds the same appeal for me as it did when it was started 13 years ago,” noted Serio. “I am honored to be in this competition with these riders.

To get and compete here and hold your standings through the show is stressful and then to get in the class means a lot. Competing in the finals stretches your abilities a little bit. We show horses we don’t know and it’s a real challenge. To me it is a really big deal. There is nothing else like it.”

French was glad to be back in the game. He’d only qualified once before when he had the honor of winning the class. “I am glad I made it. I came here thinking I wouldn’t be doing this class. It’s important because you are riding in a special class against the top hunter riders. It’s good to do something where you are not just on a horse of your own that you show all the time. It’s modeled after the World Championship for the jumpers.”

Stewart admitted that despite the fact that he has competed before, “It’s not easy to make it. To stay in this group is difficult. It is a great accomplishment to stay with this level of riders. This is a yearlong competition for which you have to work your way up.”

Pletcher agreed with the prestige of this class. “Ultimately, it is the best riders we have in our country and I think that is proven over the year at the horse shows we all attend.”

AHJF President Geoff Teall noted, “What’s so great about this class is that we’ve done it enough to know and understand it and in this particular case even the riders are familiar with the format. We’ve had more time to concentrate on the quality of the class. It’s also really great that it’s the same team that represented us at Las

Vegas for the World Cup Hunter Challenge. It’s a great way for them to have that team spirit again. Even though they are competing for themselves they are also showing us how great they.”

Representing Show Circuit magazine, Joe Thorpe, trainer of Nicoletta Heidegger, remarked, “We are happy to sponsor something like this for the professionals. They are the hard working guys around here all times of the day and night and they deserve this chance to be showcased and honored for their talents.”

The rounds were scored by three teams of two judges using the open numerical system. The judges were: Mindy Minetto, Susan Ashe and Jim Clapperton, all three from Wellington, FL; Hap Hansen, Encinitas, CA; Randy Mullins, Germantown, TN; and John Roper, Franklin, TN. MONEY, TROPHIES, PRIZES AND MORE

At the Capital Challenge the Professional Championship honors were part of an overall World Championship Hunter Rider Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur-owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions. A number of special awards were given out as well. Olin Armstrong was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Boulevard Deir, ridden by Tim Goguen, Newtown, CT and owned by Janet Read, Wellington, FL who won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Hunter Challenge went to Grey Slipper, ridden by Louise Serio and owned

by Bridgett Hallman, Oyster Bay, NY. Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA, won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award. New this year was the AHJF Hunter Course Designer Award which was presented to Richard Jeffrey, Dorset, England.

This was the 13th year that the AHJF had hosted the Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which was sponsored by Stillwell Hansen, Inc./Carol and Gordon Stillwell Vornehm II and Joy Johnson. The winner not only received the trophy but also $3000 for the Pletcher Pro Incentive Award as well as a $1000 Cash Prize from Personalized Products and the All The Way Trophy donated by Elizabeth Busch Burke and Lysa Burke Horkan. New this year was an award for the horse that earned the highest cumulative total. The Far West Farm Perpetual Trophy was won by Intuition. In addition the winner received a sponsorship from Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of French as its winner. Press Link PR, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

A special thanks also goes to Capital Challenge co-managers Kennedy, Brookville, MD and Glass, Bokeelia, FL, who invited the AHJF to host its Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which has been home to these classes ever since.

RESULTS RIDER Louise Serio Peter Pletcher John French Scott Stewart

RND 1 80.66/Locatelli 84.66/Larona 87/Locatelli 87.33/Intuition

RND 2 84.66/Intuition 1+2 = 165.32 87.33/Locatelli 1+2 = 171.99 85.16/Larona 1+2 = 172.16 83.66/Fortunate 1+2 = 170.99

RND 3 84.33/Fortunate 1+2+3= 249.65 90/Intuition 1+2+3= 261.99 85.33/Locatelli 1+2+3= 257.49 79/Larona 1+2+3=249.99

SCORE RND 4 74.33/Larona

FINAL TOTAL 323.98

84.66/Fortunate

346.65

89.33/Intuition

346.82

88/Locatelli

337.99

SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Olin Armstrong, Staunton, VA (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Boulevard Deir, ridden by Tim Goguen (owned by Janet Read) Total Points: 1611 (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999.

The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Grey Slipper, (rider/Louise Serio, owner/Bridgett Hallman). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500. (1498 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

AHJF/DOVER SADDLERY JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE: Erin Larson, Oronaco, Minnesota and Caitlin Miller, Haslett, Michigan.

This annual competition provides a goal for junior riders currently competing at the non-recognized level. Horse shows which hold the Challenge class all follow the same set of class specifications and judging criteria. The winners are invited to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as guests of the AHJF and Dover Saddlery. Their agenda includes sitting with a horse show judge to learn how they mark their card, meeting the show vet and farrier and discussing their roles at the show, and spending time in the stables with barn managers to experience all that goes in to prepping horses for the show ring.

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ALABAMA CLAY CONFORMATION HUNTER AWARD: Boulevard Deir (ridden by Tim Goguen) owned by Janet Read, 1611 pts.

(Presented for the first time in 2004 by the Weisman Family. To be awarded to the horse and owner of the WCHR high score horse who has accumulated the most points at their best four WCHR shows plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunter divisions.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Janet Read (owner of Boulevard Deir who was ridden by Tim Goguen to 1611 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

HEARD A RUMOR AWARD: Lucky (16 Year Old Danish Warmblood bred by Peter Masden in Denmark), owner Samantha Hallman, Wellington, FL. (Donated by Mimi Edwards and presented to a horse that has shown exceptional ability and epitomizes the important partnership of show hunter and hunter rider.

AHJF HUNTER COURSE DESIGNER AWARD: Richard Jeffrey, Dorset, England This was new for 2006 and was established by the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, to honors a critical but sometimes overlooked person in the horse show sport, that of course designer.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 2006 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. John French (87, 85.16, 85.33, 89.33 = 346.82), 2. Peter Pletcher (84.66, 87.33, 90, 84.66 = 346.65), 3. Stewart (87.33, 83.66, 79, 88 = 337.99); 4. Louise Serio (80.66, 84.66, 84.33, 74.33 = 323.98).

JUNIOR: 1. Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 2032 pts.; 2. Nick Haness, Coto de Caza, CA, 1775 pts.; 3.

Lucy Davis, Los Angeles, CA, 1587 pts.; 4. Nicoletta Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1534 pts.

PONY: 1. Schaefer Raposa, Wellington, FL, 1851 pts.; 2. Lillie Keenan, New York, NY, 1846 pts; 3. Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1683 pts; 4. Megan Davis, Lutherville, MD, 1624 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Rachel Geiger, Malvern, PA, 1896 pts.; 2. Bridget Hallman, Oyster Bay, NY, 1691 pts.; 3.

Lesley Bulechek, Los Altos Hills, CA, 1548 pts.; 4. Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1506 pts.

ADULT AMATEUR: 1. Carol Cone, Weston, MA, 1604 pts.; 2. Holly Caristo, Hauppauge, NY, 1546 pts.; 3.

Victoria Watters-LeBlond, 1468 pts. 4. Bruce Duchossois, Aiken, SC, 1351 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA, 1270 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Katie Polk, Malibu, CA, 1186 pts.; Junior: Nicoletta Von Heidegger, Chatsworth, CA, 1404 pts.; Pony: Corinne Miller, Los Angeles, CA, 1239 pts.; Children’s: Melissa Doddridge, Tustin, CA, 1399 pts.; Adult Amateur: Tonia Cook Looker, San Dimas, CA, 828 pts.

MIDWEST: Professional: Tim Goguen, Newtown, CT, 980 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Leah Schwendeman, Belleville, IL, 892 pts.; Junior: Amelia McArdle, Barrington, IL, 1123 pts.; Pony: Megan Davis, Lutherville, MD, 1082 pts.; Children’s: Colleen Holton, Hilliard, OH, 1143 pts.; Adult Amateur: Carol Cone, Weston, MA, 1380 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Tracy Fenney, Flower Mound, TX, 1102 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Laurie Lewis, Oklahoma City, OK, 688 pts.; Junior: Erin Nelson, Flower Mound, TX, 1090 pts.; Pony: Emma Roberts, Houston, TX, 960 pts.; Children’s: Carson Gibson, Magnolia, TX, 752 pts.; Adult Amateur: DiDi Mackenzie, Flower Mound, TX, 1133 pts..

NORTH EAST: Professional: Scott Stewart, Wellington, FL, 1359 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1233 pts.; Junior: Alexandra Stathis, Short Hills, NJ, 1080 pts.; Pony: Schaefer Raposa, Wellington, FL, 1300 pts.; Children’s: Alexandra Thornton, Bedminster, NJ, 1003 pts.; Adult Amateur: Holly Caristo, Hauppauge, NY, 1050 pts..

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Hunt Tosh, Cumming, GA, 1171 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Lee Cesery, Jacksonville, FL, 667 pts.; Junior: Jack Hardin Towell, Camden, SC, 820 pts.; Pony: Alise Oken, Charlotte, NC, 1064 pts.; Children’s: Courtney Rodrigue, Longwood, FL, 621 pts.; Adult Amateur: Bruce Duchossois, Aiken, SC, 1131 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Keiri Kaneps, Elizabeth, CO, 839 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Ashley Dennehy, Greenwood Village, CO, 1115 pts.; Junior: Lindsay Sceats, Colorado Springs, CO, 883 pts.; Children’s: Paige Perla, Lone Tree, CO, 501 pts.; Pony: Megan MacPherson, Niwot, CO, 894 pts.; Adult Amateur: Nancy James Shaw, Fredericksburg, TX, 1138 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Jack Hammond, Sommamish, WA, 1116 pts.; Amateur Owner: Caroline Schultz, Sommamish, WA, 881 pts.; Pony: Ashley Pryde, Medina, WA, 1183 pts.; Children’s: Kelsey King, Monroe, WA, 842 pts.; Junior: Stephanie Barnes, Seattle, WA, 954 pts.; Adult Amateur: Sarah Olmsted, Federal Way, WA, 1159 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, 1165 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Alexa Weisman, Sherborn, MA, 1205 pts.; Junior: Kacy Jenkins, Potomac Falls, VA, 1154 pts.; Pony: Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD,1360 pts.; Children’s: Jordan Pischke, Middleburg, VA, 979 pts.; Adult Amateur: Lara McPherson, McLean, VA, 726 pts.

CAPTIONS FOR PHOTOS #1 – The 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals took place October 6th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #2 – Scott Stewart, John French, Louise Serio and Peter Pletcher were the final four riders in the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which took place October 6th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (2nd Photo: Scott Stewart, Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher, John French) (3rd Photo: Louise Serio, Scott Stewart, Peter Pletcher, John French ©Diana De Rosa Photo #3 – John French aboard Locatelli competing in the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #4 – John French aboard Intuition after winning the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Intuition won the new Far West Farm Perpetual Trophy as the horse who garnered the highest cumulative total. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #5 & #6 - John French aboard Intuition after winning the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (l-r Ringmasters with Geoff Teall, Nicoletta Heidegger and Joe Thorpe) ©Diana De Rosa Photo #7-(l-r) American Hunter-Jumper Foundation President Geoff Teall, Executive Director Michele Perla and Vice President Louise Serio. The AHJF is the creator and host of the annual Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo #8 - Annual AHJF hosted events.

©Diana De Rosa Photo

#1 - The 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

Stewart-French-Serio-Pletcher

Stewart-Serio-Pletcher-French

Serio-Stewart-Pletcher-French

#3 - John French aboard Locatelli competing in the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#2 - Scott Stewart, John French, Louise Serio and Peter Pletcher were the final four riders who qualified to compete in the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#4 - John French aboard Intuition after winning the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Intuition won the new Far West Farm Perpetual Trophy as the horse who garnered the highest cumulative total. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#5 & 6 - John French aboard Intuition after winning the 2006 Monarch International Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Finals which took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. (l-r Ringmasters with Geoff Teall, Nicoletta Heidegger and Joe Thorpe). ©Diana De Rosa Photo

#7-(l-r) American Hunter-Jumper Foundation President Geoff Teall, Executive Director Michele Perla and Vice President Louise Serio. The AHJF is the creator and host of the annual #8-Annual AHJF hostMonarch International Show Circuit ed events.

Magazine Professional World ©Diana De Rosa Championship Hunter Rider Finals which Photo took place October 6th at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

SERIO IS “CHARMED” IN MONARCH PRO WCHR RIDER FINALS The Victory Comes Down to the Very Last Ride!

October 7, 2005 -- Upper Marlboro, MD – “I was hoping the fourth time would be the charm for me,” said Holly Orlando. But that was not to be the case; in fact it was Louise Serio who was “charmed” and the ultimate winner in the 2005 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals. The event took place on October 7TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Orlando, Wellington, FL and Serio, Kennett Square, PA, were joined by defending champion Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX (who had won the event twice) and Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ (who is a three-time winner).

Orlando was second, third and with this ribbon was fourth twice, but that coveted first place ribbon continues to elude her.

This was Serio’s second time qualifying for the competition and her second victory. Serio’s smile said it all and her words reinforced her exhilaration.

“I was really excited. I think it was unexpected. Sometimes I have an idea I’m going to do alright but this time I didn’t have any expectations.

But as the class progressed I was very happy with my rounds. I was really proud of them.

“Going into the last round I knew it was close. I tried not to listen to the scores and stayed focused on what I was going to do. When I went into the ring I said I have to take my best shot. I didn’t circle. I went right to the first jump and that horse was just outstanding. I loved riding him.”

For Serio winning this class was the culmination of all the time and effort she puts into the sport.

“You work all year and it is acknowledgement of all the hard work you’ve done and the success that you’ve had and then you get to come and compete in a class like this with such great riders. It feels to me like a real accomplishment.”

JUST HAPPY TO BE ONE OF THE FINAL FOUR While winning is always the goal, all the riders were pleased to have qualified for the final four. Afterwards Pletcher said to fourth placed Orlando, “Pretty much for the winner it’s a great high. But even though you were fourth we are still the best in our sport. And that is a great thing.”

Serio was feeling the same way. “I feel honored to ride with those three other people. They are fantastic competitors. It was my night but it could have been anybody’s night. There’s an understanding between all of us that we all know we could win or not. We are very secure in what we do and plan on continuing it. They are happy for what I do and I am happy for them.”

That good sportsmen’s attitude was very evident in the press conference where the riders continued to laugh and joke with each other in between responding to the questions from the media.

CAPITAL CHALLENGE IS THE HORSE SHOW FOR HUNTERS Stewart chimed in with the rest of the riders adding, “You work all year long to do this class.”

Yet for Stewart and the other riders, it isn’t just about the Pro Title. It’s also the fact that the Capital Challenge has become the place to showcase the hunters.

“This is the most important horse show and the conditions are as perfect as they could be.

All the best hunter riders and hunter horses are here,” continued Stewart.

Pletcher agreed commenting, “I think this hunter horse show is the best one we have. When I was making our plans I said to everyone in my barn, let’s support this horse show and not do Harrisburg and Washington. This is to me the epitome of the hunters and I thank the AHJF for that. It’s special. It’s all about the hunters. Everyone is here.”

Echoed Orlando, “It’s been amazing for hunters and this horse show is more important to me to come here and win than at Harrisburg and Washington. I like that the hunters are spotlighted here. At most shows the jumpers are the biggest thing – the grand prix – but not really here; it’s kind of secondary here. I think we have Michele, Geoff and Louise to thank for having a horse show like this in the first place.”

Representing Show Circuit magazine, Joe Thorpe, trainer of Nicoletta Heidegger, remarked, “The Prince George’s Equestrian Center is an ideal location to showcase the hunters and it is one reason why we come all the way from California to compete at this event. Show managers Billy Glass and Oliver Kennedy know how to ‘put on a show.’ Coming from both sides of the fence as both an exhibitor and a sponsor we are able to view this show from more than one perspective and appreciate the attention given to even the smallest details. We thank both the AHJF and the management for making this a special show for the hunters.”

Added President Geoff Teall, “We also need to thank the Capital Challenge Horse Show Managers Oliver Kennedy and Billy Glass for running such a nice show.”

THE COMPETITION Riders had to qualify to compete in this class by earning points in WCHR recognized shows (of which there are 46 throughout the U.S.). AHJF tallies the points based on each rider’s top four WCHR shows. The top six riders from each region and the top 10 riders in the standing are then invited to compete at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the WCHR Challenge Class. Their top score in WCHR recognized divisions earned at the Capital Challenge is added to that total. Those points are then added to the overall points to determine the final four.

This year the final National Point Standings which qualified the riders to be in this class were Pletcher (2131 pts), who led the National Rider Award Standings; Orlando (2089 pts); Serio (1986 pts.) and Stewart (1863 pts.).

The riders alternated on riding four different horses which they had not ridden before. These included La Caretta, a 17.1 hand, gray Warmblood gelding, owned by Whitney Roper; Nantucket, a 16.2 hand, bay Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Kiera Piscia; Perfect, an 8-year-old, 15.3 hand, brown, Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Debbie Connors-Lopez; and Ramsey, an 8-year-old, 17.1 hand, bay Warmblood gelding, owned by April Wehle.

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for all four courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time.

The rounds were scored by three teams of two judges using the open numerical system. The judges were Shane George, Magnolia, TX and Brian Lenehan, Southern Pines, NC; Mark Jungherr, Amesbury, MA and Phillip DeVita, Apopka, FL; and Tammy Provost, Westfield, IN and Kim Dorfman, Aiken, SC. The Challenge was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc., The Levick Family and Jaguar Equestrian, presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and included a media sponsorship by Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine.

IT CAME DOWN TO THE LAST ROUND The class began with Orlando whose first horse was a bit spooky. She finished on a score of 74.33, but later was given a reride on the alternate horse and ended up tied with Serio with the top score in the first round (88.33).

Pletcher followed with 88 and Stewart was trailing just slightly (87.66). After round two Stewart and Orlando were leading (179.66), while Serio was third (178.99) and Pletcher fourth (176.66).

After the third round, Serio was standing third (269.65) but in that final round when Orlando (who came in on a score of 269.66) had a chip at one fence and Stewart (who was leading at the time with 271.32) had a very long distance to one fence, that opened the door just slightly for Pletcher who came in with a 268.16. When Serio entered as the last rider to go, she was facing scores of 347.9 from Orlando, 357.32 for Stewart and 358.49 for Pletcher. Serio knew she had to put in one of the best rounds of the night on her final horse. And when the scores of 92, 95 and 95 went up on the scoreboard after a brilliant round on Ramsey, she clinched the title. Serio won with a total of 363.65.

AMERICAN HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION It was the AHJF that started the trend towards innovation in hunters beginning back when it was founded in 1992. It is a member-supported non-profit organization. The AHJF was formed to further the development of the sport of show hunter competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, AHJF Educational Programs, the AHJF 401k and Profit Sharing Plan, and the AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge.

The AHJF also sponsors other feature events throughout the year, including the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach (February 18, 2006), which is done as an AddBack competition with $12,000 going to the winner and the Legacy Cup in at the Kentucky Springs Horse Show, May 10-21, 2006.

MONEY, TROPHIES, PRIZES AND MORE At the Capital Challenge the Professional Championship honors were part of an overall World Championship Hunter Rider Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur-owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions. A number of special awards were given out as well. Joe Darby was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Rio Renoir, ridden by Holly Orlando and owned by Thomas/Cynthia Deibert/Why Wait Farm, who won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Hunter Challenge went to Ocean Park, ridden

by Peter Pletcher and owned by Lynn Walsh. Rachel Geiger, Malvern, PA, won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award.

This was the eleventh year that the AHJF had hosted the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals. The winner not only received the trophy but also a Jaguar XJS customized saddle. John Moncada, President of Jaguar Equestrian USA, was there to present the saddle to the winner.

Serio also received a sponsorship from Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Serio as its winner.

Press Link PR, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

A special thanks also goes to Capital Challenge comanagers Oliver Kennedy, Brookville, MD and Billy Glass, Bokeelia, FL, who invited the AHJF to host its Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which has been home to these classes ever since.

RIDER

RND 1

RND 2

RND 3

SCORE RND 4

FINAL TOTAL

Louise Serio

88.33/Perfect

90.66/Nantucket

90.66/La Caretta

94/Ramsey

363.65

1+2 = 178.99

1+2+3=269.65

Peter Pletcher

88/Nantucket

88.66/La Caretta

91.50/Ramsey

90.33/Perfect

358.49

1+2 = 176.66

1+2+3=268.16

Scott Stewart

87.66/Ramsey

92/Perfect

91.66/Nantucket

86/La Caretta

357.32

1+2 = 179.66

1+2+3=271.32

Holly Orlando

88.33/La Caretta

91.33/Ramsey

90/Perfect

78.33/Nantucket

347.99

1+2 = 179.66

1+2+3=269.66

347.99

RESULTS SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Joe Darby, Southern Pines, NC (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Rio Renoir, ridden by Holly Orlando (owned by Thomas/Cynthia Deibert/Why Wait Farm) Total Points: 1969 (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Ocean Park (rider/Peter Pletcher, owner/Lynn Walsh). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500.

(1574 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

AHJF/DOVER SADDLERY JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE: Jacquine Meyers, Lansing, Michigan and Laura Behrenbeck, Rochester, Minnesota.

This annual competition was specifically designed to provide a goal for junior riders currently competing at the nonrecognized level. Horse shows which hold the Challenge class all follow the same set of class specifications and judging criteria. The winners are invited to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as guests of the AHJF and Dover Saddlery. Their agenda includes sitting with a horse show judge to learn how they mark their card, meeting the show vet and farrier and discussing their rolls at the show, and spending time in the stables with barn managers to experience all that goes in to prepping horses for the show ring.

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Rachel Geiger, Malvern, PA (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ALABAMA CLAY CONFORMATION HUNTER AWARD: Truly (ridden by Scott Stewart), owned by Molly Ohrstrom, The Plains, VA (Presented for the first time in 2004 by the Weisman Family. To be awarded to the horse and owner of the WCHR high score horse who has accumulated the most points at their best four WCHR shows plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunter divisions.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Thomas/Cynthia Deibert/Why Wait Farm(owner of Rio Renoir who was ridden by Holly Orlando to 1969 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 2005 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Louise Serio (88.33, 90.66, 90.66, 94 = 363.65, $2,750), 2. Peter (87.6, 85.4, 89, 91 = 353, $1,000), 3. Jenny Karazissis (85.2, 88.4, 86.2, 88.4 = 348.2, $750), 4. Heidi Fish (83.2, 85.4, 87.9, 86.8 = 343.3, $500) JUNIOR: 1. Jack Hardin Towell, Jr., Camden, SC, 1789 pts.; 2. Nicoletta Von Heidegger, pts.; 3. Kacy Jenkins, Potomac Falls, VA, 1527 pts.; 4. Lexy Reed, Ocala, FL, 1522 pts.

PONY: 1. Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 2018 pts.; 2. Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1944 pts; 3. Schaefer Raposa, Wellington, FL, 1855 pts.; 4. Alexandra Arute, Avon, CT, 1594 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Caroline Moran, Wellington, FL, 1862 pts.; 2. Avery Dimmig, Rougemont, NC, 1766 pts.; 3. Mary Ann Weisberg-Perry, Burbank, CA, 1519 pts.; 4. Lee Kellogg, Andover, NJ, 1506 pts.

ADULT AMATEUR: 1. Cathy Hayes, Los Angeles, CA, 1781 pts.; 2. Amy Brubaker, Pasadena, CA, 1402 pts.; 3. Nancy James Shaw, Englewood, CO, 1375 pts.; 4. Holly Caristo, Hauppauge, NY, 1372 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: John Bragg, Redwood City, CA, 1425 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Mary Ann WeisbergPerry, Burbank, CA, 1519 pts.; Junior: Stephanie Danhakl, Pacific Palisades, CA, 1369 pts.; Pony: Olivia Esse, Los Angeles, CA, 1330 pts.; Children: Hannah Goodson Cutt, Beverly Hills, CA, 1553. pts.; Adult Amateur: Cathy Hayes, Los Angeles, CA, 1395 pts.

MIDWEST: Professional: Ken Smith, Wellington, FL, 887 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Jamie Planck Martin, Jackson, MS, 747 pts.; Junior: Jennifer Hauser, Carmel, IN, 726 pts.; Pony: Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 1366 pts.; Children’s: Madison Miller, Franklin, TN, 537 pts.; Adult Amateur: Wendy H. Kraus Lewis, Willoughby Hills, OH, 875 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Russell Frey, Argyle, TX, 959 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Therese Peck, Flower Mound, TX, 886 pts.; Junior: Erin Nelson, Flower Mound, TX, 941 pts.; Pony: Emma Roberts, Houston, TX, 1034 pts.; Children: Jewel Croswell, Houston, TX, 279 pts.; Adult Amateur: Laura Beckworth, Magnolia, TX, 1053 pts..

NORTH EAST: Professional: Holly Orlando, Wellington, FL, 1377 pts.; AmateurOwner: Lee Kellogg, Andover, NJ, 1189 pts.; Junior: Carolyn Kelly, New York, NY, 1013 pts.; Pony: Reed Kessler, Bedford Corners, NY, 1332 pts.; Children: Paige Allardice, Sagaponack, NY, 746 pts.; Adult Amateur: Visse Widell, New York, NY, 830 pts..

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Hunt Tosh, Cumming, GA, 1263 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Lee Cesery, Jacksonville, FL, 1075 pts.; Junior: Jack Hardin Towell, Camden, SC, 1029 pts.; Pony: Alise Oken, Charlotte, NC, 732 pts.; Children: Maggie Schottenfeld, Alpharetta, GA, 856 pts.; Adult Amateur: Roberta Previ, Orlando, FL, 432 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Keiri Kaneps, Elizabeth, CO, 944 pts.; AmateurOwner: Ashley Dennehy, Greenwood Village, CO, 1071 pts.; Junior: Sarah Tredennick, Littleton, CO, 927 pts.; Children’s: Kelley Buringa, Golden, CO, 1018 pts.; Pony: Sara Ketcham, Vail, CO, 1059 pts.; Adult Amateur: Nancy James Shaw, Englewood, CO, 1144 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: :Nancy Free, Buckley, WA, 1021 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Tracy Sully, Aldergrove, BC, Canada, 1023 pts.; Junior: Nicole Bourgeois, Sherwood, OR, 1163 pts.; Pony: Amanda Moore, Bothell, WA, 1080 pts.; Children: Kendall Bourgeois, Sherwood, OR, 1167 pts.; Adult Amateur: Jeni Ellison, Kirkland, WA, 1055 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, 1300 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Parris Cozart Collins, Charlottesville, Va, 749 pts.; Junior: Kacy Jenkins, Potomac Falls, VA, 1173 pts.; Pony: Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD,1404 pts.; Children: Haley Schaufeld, Lovettsville, VA, 607 pts.; Adult Amateur: Polly Cooley, Upperville, VA, 1038 pts.

CAPTIONS FOR PHOTOS 01 – The 2005 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider took place October 7th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 02 – Louise Serio won the 2005 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which took place October 7th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 03 – (l-r for photos taken in lounge) Scott Stewart, Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher and Holly Orlando were the final four riders in the 2005 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals, which took place October 7th at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 04 – Holly Orlando. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 05 – Peter Pletcher. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 06 – Scott Stewart. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 07 – Louise Serio. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 08 – Geoff Teall, President of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 09 - Michele Perla, Executive Director of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 10 – Joe Darby was the winner of the AHJf Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 11 – Rachel Geiger was the winner of the AHJF Sportsmanship Award which was presented to her by Michael Bosley. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 12 – Jennifer Waxman was the 2005 WCHR National Pony Champion. ©Diana De Rosa Photo 13 - Jack Hardin Towell, Jr. was the 2005 WCHR National Junior Champion. ©Diana De Rosa Photo

PLETCHER WINS SECOND PRO WCHR RIDER TITLE AHJF Continues to Change the Face of the Hunters with Innovative Challenge Showcasing Professional Hunter Riders October 8, 2004 -- Upper Marlboro, MD -- Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, was bubbling with enthusiasm after he won the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 8TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. This was his fifth time competing in the class and his second victory.

Pletcher as the last rider to go needed close to a 90 point score to secure the win. Figuring he had nothing to lose, Pletcher decided to go for broke. His final score of 90.6 put him one point ahead of second place finisher Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA to clinch the victory in this coveted class. And that victory was sure sweet for Pletcher. “It’s such a great feeling. It was so close and I respect all three of the other riders and to win…It felt great.”

This year the final four in the National Point Standings were Ferrell (1890 pts); Pletcher (1748 pts); Heidi Fish (1807 pts.), Hebron, IL (who won the WCHR Professional Challenge Class) and Jenny Karazissis, Calabassas, CA (who led the National Professional Standings with 1914 points).

Karazissis, who finished third, was surprised that “I wasn’t nervous. It was my first time and it was really fun and the horses were great.”

Fourth place finisher, Fish, thought “It’s a blast,” despite the fact that after her horse refused a jump in the first round the judges opted to take advantage of the option to use an alternate horse, since riders were competing on donated horses they had never ridden before. This meant that Fish was given time to school before again making her first complete round. But she took it in stride.

Before the class took place Pletcher used his experience to offer advice to the other riders but added that it didn’t matter if you came in fourth. “We are all winners whether you are first or fourth. We worked hard to get here and it’s fine wherever we place. The fact that we made it in this class is the greatest achievement.”

The Challenge was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc., The Levick Family and Jaguar Equestrian, presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and included a media sponsorship by Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine.

THE COMPETITION In order to be named to one of the four spots for the Professional Rider Finals, riders had to qualify during the year by competing in WCHR recognized shows (of which there are 40 throughout the U.S.).

AHJF keeps point totals based on each rider’s top four WCHR shows. Added to that is their top score (in WCHR recognized divisions) earned at the Capital Challenge.

The top six riders from each region and the top 10 riders in the standing are then invited to compete at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the WCHR Challenge Class (the one Fish won). Those points are then added to the overall points to determine the final four.

The riders alternated on riding four different horses which they had not ridden before.

These included Cento, a 16.1 hand grey gelding (by Double Cento) owned by Bliss Heers; Matrix, a 5-year-old bay Warmblood gelding, owned by Montoga, Inc.; Foyle Primetime, an 8-year-old brown Dutch/Irish Warmblood gelding, owned by Chetana Daniels; and Maverick, a 17.1 hand bay gelding owned by Don Stewart Stables).

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for all four courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time.

Pletcher warned the riders beforehand to pay attention to the course they were on knowing how easy it was to confuse the courses and go off course.

The rounds were scored by five judges using the open numerical system. The four riders who qualified were being judged by Jeff Ayers, Sellersville, PA; Russell Frey, Argyle, TX; Hap Hansen, Encinitas, CA; Mike Rosser, Southern Pines, NC; and Steve Wall, Waukesha, WI. The judges were really impressed with the riders and with Pletcher’s final round.

“Where else could you go and have four of your best professionals school your horses,” explained Frey, adding that the horses got better after each round. “Everyone rode great. They are all winners and that’s why they got here.”

Ayers agreed noting that here you had the top hunter riders competing on horses they’d never ridden before and you could see the horses improve as a result of this.

Rosser noted, “I thought the class and the riders were exceptional. Where else can you have four of the best professional riders all in one spot?”

Wall supported everyone else adding, “They all rode really well. Each time they went the horses went better. It was a lot of fun to judge.”

Hansen agreed, “They rode beautifully.”

IT CAME DOWN TO THE LAST ROUND While Pletcher was leading going into the last round, Ferrell looked like she may have taken that victory away from him when she had the highest score of the day (91) on her final horse. But Pletcher knew he had nothing to lose, so he went for broke on his final horse and the judges noticed. That courage earned him the next to highest score of the night (90.6).

The class began with Ferrell taking the early lead with a score of 87.6 (Pletcher86.6, Karazissis-85.2, Fish- 83.2). In the second round Karazissis and Pletcher tied with a score of 88.4 but when the scores of all the rounds were combined it was Pletcher leading with 175 with Karazissis not far behind (173.6), then Ferrell (173) and Fish (168.6). In round three the high score went to Ferrell (89), but overall Pletcher maintained the lead with 263.4 (Ferrell-262, Karazissis-259.8, Fish-256.5).

With only one round to go it was a fight to the finish. Fish went first and scored 86.87 for a final tally of 343.3. Then Ferrell put in a brilliant round (91) and her tally went to 353, putting a lot of pressure on the final two riders. Karazissis then scored 88.4 and totaled 348.20. Now it was Pletcher’s turn and he met the challenge. His total of 90.6 gave him a final total of 354, the closest margin in the history of this class. Pletcher’s bold performance was met by a loud applause from the audience and all five judges later agreed that his final round had impressed them, especially his bold gallop to the last stand alone jump.

THE PLAN AND PREPARATION Once the riders had qualified and before competing in the class the riders met with AHJF Vice President Louise Serio, Executive Director Michele Perla, Announcer Kenny Kraus and Show Manager Billy Glass to discuss strategy, the plan for the event and to express their thoughts about this annual event.

Pletcher, who won the class in 2002, was bubbling with enthusiasm as he encouraged Fish and Karazissis, who were competing in this competition for the first time, to have fun. “Everybody works together,” he commented. “It is not cut throat like the way it is in the other classes throughout the year.” Pletcher explained that the first year you compete in this class “it’s nerve wracking,” as it was his first time. Afterwards he realized that had he just relaxed he would have had a lot more fun. “It’s important not to worry and just to have fun doing it. It’s about not letting the nerves get to you.”

Fish, who had lived in Texas for 21 years but now lives in Illinois, was going to do her best to take Pletcher’s advice, adding, “I am really honored to be a part of this especially with the people I am riding with.” Fish secured her spot by winning the WCHR Professional Rider Challenge just two days earlier. She took the win in that class with only 1/10 of a point lead.

Karazissis felt very much like Fish. “I feel honored to be riding against some of the people I admire and respect.

This class has been a goal of mine. It’s a great thing for the hunters.” Karazissis added (after taking in all the information provided at the meeting), “I’m grateful for all the information. I’m going to be really careful. I’m hoping I don’t go off course and I’m going to try to have fun just like Peter said.”

Ferrell agreed with Pletcher recalling how nervous she was in 2003 when she competed for the first time. She planned to not get nervous this time around. Ferrell applauds the AHJF for having a class like this, the only one of its kind throughout the year. “It is a great opportunity for us to be recognized.”

Pletcher echoed Ferrell. “It’s a great class. It’s special and I really like it. It’s just a great class.”

Teall recalls the very first class ten years ago and how different it was back then. Then they had to encourage people to enter the class. Now, “they know about it, plan for it and try to qualify. It’s a BIG deal!”

Teall went on to explain that over the years they’ve tweaked the class after figuring out what would make it better.

He recalls in the beginning thinking, “I hope this works.” He added, “We had to really sell it and now it sells itself.

People really work to get in it. They really want to get there and they start the next day trying to qualify for the next year.”

Serio agrees, “The fight to get in is amazing. It is the end goal. It is really important. Here they are highlighted and made to feel really important. No one else does this.”

Teall went on to say that “it’s a great test for them and their skills and their experience. It’s a great learning tool.

They can really show themselves off and they do. They show off and try and win based on their skills and not their horses.”

Serio supported that theme noting, “For one time as professionals we make the choice that is best for us as riders.

You can go and do what you want.”

Perla added, “this is the only thing the professional riders have to put their own name on. Their names are usually hidden behind the horses but in this class it’s all about them. And they really have a great time.”

RISING TO THE TOP At the Capital Challenge the Professional Championship honors were part of an overall World Championship Hunter Rider Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur-owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions. A number of special awards were given out as well. Linda Hough was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Ocean Park, ridden by Peter Pletcher and owned by Lynn Walsh, who won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Hunter Challenge went to Gray Slipper, ridden by Louise Serio and owned by Bridgett Hallman. Archie Cox won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award.

This was the tenth year that the AHJF had hosted the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals. The winner not only received the trophy but also a Jaguar XJS customized saddle. John Moncada, President of Jaguar Equestrian USA, commented, “We are very strong in dressage and show jumpers worldwide and now are making our move into the U.S. hunter market. We feel that there can be no better place to showcase our saddle to today’s hunter rider’s then by presenting the World Champion Professional Rider with one of our saddles, which we will tailor to their needs.”

Pletcher also received a sponsorship from Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Pletcher as its winner. Press Link of America, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

A special thanks also goes to Capital Challenge co-managers Oliver Kennedy, Brookville, MD and Billy Glass, Bokeelia, FL, who invited the AHJF to host its Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show, which has been home to these classes ever since.

RESULTS 2004 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Peter Pletcher (86.6, 88.4, 88.4, 90.6 = 354, $2,750), 2. Sandy Ferrell (87.6, 85.4, 89, 91 = 353, $1,000), 3. Jenny Karazissis (85.2, 88.4, 86.2, 88.4 = 348.2, $750), 4. Heidi Fish (83.2, 85.4, 87.9, 86.8 = 343.3, $500) SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Linda Hough, Wellington, FL (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Ocean Park, r/Peter Pletcher, o/Lynn Walsh Total Points: 1626 (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Gray Slipper (rider/Louise Serio, owner/Bridget Hallman). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500. (1402 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

AHJF/DOVER SADDLERY JUNIOR HUNTER CHALLENGE: Shana O’Connor, Terryville, CT and Felicia Davis, Rivertown, Utah.

This annual competition was specifically designed to provide a goal for junior riders currently competing at the nonrecognized level. Horse shows which hold the Challenge class all follow the same set of class specifications and judging criteria. The winners are invited to the Capital Challenge Horse Show as guests of the AHJF and Dover Saddlery. Their agenda includes sitting with a horse show judge to learn how they mark their card, meeting the show vet and farrier and discussing their rolls at the show, and spending time in the stables with barn managers to experience all that goes in to prepping horses for the show ring.

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Archie Cox, Los Angeles, CA (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base.

The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ALABAMA CLAY CONFORMATION HUNTER AWARD: Popeye K, owned by Elizabeth Spencer & Spencer Ranch, Keswick, VA (Presented for the first time in 2004 by the Weisman Family. To be awarded to the horse and owner of the WCHR high score horse who has accumulated the most points at their best four WCHR shows plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in the Green and Regular Conformation Hunter divisions.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Lynn Walsh (owner of Ocean Park who was ridden by Peter Pletcher to 1626 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 1. Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA, 1695 pts.; 2. Sandy Ferrell, Bernville, PA, 1519 pts., Heidi Fish, Hebron, IL, 1489 pts; 4. Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1452 pts.

JUNIOR: 1. Stephanie Danhakl, Pacific Palisades, CA, 1793 pts.; 2. Jack Hardin Towell, Jr., Camden, SC, 1725 pts.; 3. Addison Phillips, New York, NY, 1570 pts.; 4. Sloane Coles, The Plains, VA, 1464 pts.

PONY: 1. Alexandra Arute, Avon, CT, 1571 pts.; 2. Sofie Applegate, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, 1563 pts.; 3.

Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1553 pts.; 4. Jessica Springsteen, Colts Neck, NJ, 1501 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Leah Schwendeman, Belleville, IL, 1793 pts.; 2. Caroline Moran, Bedford, NY, 1778 pts.; 3. Ellen Toon, South Salme, NY, 1740 pts.; 4. Francesca Caroli, St. Placide Quebec, Canada, 1720 pts.

ADULT AMATEUR: 1. Becky Gochman, Houston, TX, 1820; 2. Carolyn Becker, Woodland Hills, CA, 1562 pts.; 3.

Carol Cone, Weston, MA, 1508 pts.; 4. Lauren Agni, Buckley, WA, 1469 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: Jenny Karazissis, Calabasas, CA, 1695 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Mary Ann Weisberg-Perry, Los Angeles, CA, 1314 pts.; Junior: Stephanie Danhakl, Pacific Palisades, CA, 1378 pts.; Pony: Olivia Esse, Los Angeles, CA, 1250 pts.; Children: Katrina Gargiulo, Aptos, CA, 1210 pts.; Adult Amateur: Carolyn Becker, Woodland Hills, CA, 1389 pts.

MIDWEST: Professional: Heidi Fish, Hebron, IL, 1018 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Leah Schwendeman, Belleville, IL, 1285 pts.; Junior: Rachel Tulipan, Nashville, TN, 978 pts.; Pony: Jennifer Waxman, Chagrin Falls, OH, 1315 pts.; Children: Elizabeth Votruba, Gates Mills, OH, 777 pts.; Adult Amateur: Wendy H. Kraus Lewis, Willoughby Hills, OH, 924 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Russell Frey, Argyle, TX, 1360 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Didi Mackenzie, Flower Mound, TX, 1062 pts.; Junior: Caroline Gilley, Dallas, TX, 672 pts.; Pony: Emma Roberts, Houston, TX, 1150 pts.; Children: Caroline Gibson, Magnolia, TX, 970 pts.; Adult Amateur: Johnnie Martin-Carey, Argyle, TX, 1257 pts..

NORTH EAST: Professional: Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1426 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Ellen Toon, South Salem, NY, 1196 pts.; Junior: Addison Phillips, New York, NY, 1370 pts.; Pony: Alexandra Arute, Farmington, CT, 1228 pts.; Children: Paige Allardice, Sagaponack, NY, 739 pts.; Adult Amateur: Pamela Vance, Amenia, NY, 1149 pts..

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Hunt Tosh, Cumming, GA, 841 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Kimberley A. Quinn, Charlotte, NC, 637 pts.; Junior: Jack Hardin Towell, Camden, SC, 1181 pts.; Pony: Lauren Hogan, Tampa, FL, 1002 pts.; Children: Maggie Schottenfeld, Alpharetta, GA, 975 pts.; Adult Amateur: Bruce Duchossois, Aiken, SC, 1082 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Paul Rohrbach, Elizabeth, CA, 1056 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Karen Tanner-Smith, Littleton, CA, 620 pts.; Junior: Katie Rosenzweig, Phoenix, AZ, 1033 pts.; Pony: Sara Ketcham, Vail, CO, 182 pts.; Adult Amateur: Page Tredennick, Littleton, CO, 1230 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Jill Pierce, Kirkland, WA, 1129 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Tracy Sully, Aldergrove, BC, Canada, 1069 pts.; Junior: Jill Folkestad, Wilsonville, OR, 1030 pts.; Pony: Amanda Moore, Bothell, WA, 1238 pts.; Children: Kendall Bourgeois, Sherwood, OR, 930 pts.; Adult Amateur: Lauren Agni, Buckley, WA, 1185 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Tommy Serio, Keswick, VA, 1111 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Francesca Caroli, St. Placide, Quebec, Canada, 1285 pts.; Junior: Erin N. Hastings, Silver Spring, MD, 1167 pts.; Pony: Nellie Ann Foosaner, Middleburg, VA, 1258 pts.; Children: Marisa Messina, McLean, VA, 895 pts.; Adult Amateur: Alex Johnson, Portsmouth, VA, 1130 pts.

CAPTIONS 1-Peter Pletcher won the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 8TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Here he is being presented with the All The Way Trophy by Show Manager Oliver Kennedy, Kitty Barker and AHJF Vice President Louise Serio. Pletcher also a Jaguar XJS customized saddle (right rear). Diana De Rosa Photo

2-Peter Pletcher won the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 8TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Here he is being presented with the Media Sponsorship by (l-r) AHJF President Geoff Teall, Vice President Louise Serio and Show Circuit Magazine publisher Joe Thorpe. Diana De Rosa Photo

3-Peter Pletcher won the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 8TH during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Diana De Rosa Photo

4-The top four riders who qualified to compete in the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider (l-r) Sandy Ferrell, Heidi Fish, Peter Pletcher, Jenny Karazissis. Diana De Rosa Photo

5-The top four riders who qualified to compete in the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider (l-r) Peter Pletcher, Jenny Karazissis, Heidi Fish, and Sandy Ferrell. Diana De Rosa Photo

6-The top four riders and the judges for the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class (l-r) Peter Pletcher, Russell Frey, Sandy Ferrell, Jeff Ayers, Heidi Fish, Mike Rosser, Steve Wall, Jenny Karazissis, Hap Hansen. Diana De Rosa Photo

7-The 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class was judged by the open numerical judging system. The five judges who judged the class were (l-r) Russell Frey, Jeff Ayers, Mike Rosser, Steve Wall, and Hap Hansen. Diana De Rosa Photo

8- AHJF/Dover Saddlery Junior Hunter Challenge winners (l-r) Felicia Davis, Rivertown, Utah and Shana O’Connor, Terryville, CT. Diana De Rosa Photo 9-Jenny Karazissis was one of the final four riders to compete in the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class. Jenny finished third overall. Diana De Rosa Photo 10-Sandy Ferrell was one of the final four riders to compete in the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class. Sandy finished 2nd overall. Diana De Rosa Photo 11-Geoff Teall is the President of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, the organization that created the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class. Diana De Rosa Photo 12&13-Michele Perla is the Executive Director of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, the organization that created the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class. Diana De Rosa Photo

14-Co-Show Managers of the Capital Challenge Horse Show Billy Glass and Oliver Kennedy. Diana De Rosa Photo

15-The winner of 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class received a Jaguar XJS customized saddle. Diana De Rosa Photo

16-The American Hunter Jumper Foundation hosted the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class.

Diana De Rosa Photo

17&19-The winner of the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class received the All The WayTrophy. Diana De Rosa Photo

18-The two silver horses pictured here is the Amateur Owner Challenge Perpetual Trophy.

One of the trophies given out by the AHJF as part of the WCHR Finals. Diana De Rosa Photo

20&22-The winner of the 2004 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Class received a cooler. Diana De Rosa Photo

21-The AHJF hosted the WCHR Finals at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Here are many of the trophies and ribbons given to the winners. Diana De Rosa Photo

23-The World Championship Hunter Rider award finals were presented at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Diana De Rosa Photo

SCOTT STEWART WINS 2003 MONARCH WCHR TITLE AT CAPITAL CHALLENGE October 4 -- Upper Marlboro, MD -- Scott Stewart’s wide grin and dancing eyes said it all after he won the 2003 Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title on October 3rd during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. With this win he had set a record by claiming his third Professional WCHR title.

“I’m very excited. This is a great and fun class. It highlights the hunter riders and the industry,” he commented, visibly showing how happy he was to have won it again.

In fact, Stewart won the class in 1998 and 1999 and in 2001 he placed second to Louise Serio and in 2002 second to Peter Pletcher.

The Challenge was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc. and Jack Schock and First Savings Mortgage Corporation, presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and included a media sponsorship by Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine.

“For my whole year I have this show as a goal,” added Stewart. The American Hunter Jumper Foundation’s support of the professionals has really helped give him and many of the hunter riders more recognition.

Stewart was one of four riders who had qualified for this final competition, including second place finisher Havens Schatt, Ocala, FL (who led the National Professional Standings with 1998 points); Stewart (1949 points), Flemington, NJ; defending champion Peter Pletcher (1811), Magnolia, TX and first time competitor Samantha Darling (1784), Ocala, FL. THE COMPETITION The riders alternated on riding four different horses which they had not ridden before. These included Straight Talk, a 16.3 hand bay gelding owned by Jennie Hobs; Mr. Darci, a 9-year-old Warmblood gelding, owned by Samantha Stimell; Antiqua, a 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, owned by Holland Coffee and Sandra Willekes; and Crescendo, a 9-year-old, 16.2 hand liver chestnut Warmblood gelding, owned by Pine Hollow Stables and on loan by The Wetherill Family.

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the 3’6” course in the ring. And while the fences were the same for all four courses, the order in which they were jumped changed each time.

The rounds were scored by five judges using the open numerical system. The four riders who qualified were being judged by Sue Ashe, Wellington, FL; Scott Hofstetter, Ocala, FL; Randy Mullins, Collierville, TN; Phillip Devita, Apopka, FL and Jeff Wirthman, Island Lake, IL. A FIGHT TO THE END Stewart earned his victory in one of the toughest classes ever. It wasn’t until the very last round that Stewart took over the lead. “I was pretty relaxed,” explained Stewart. “I had such a great week, that I would have been happy even if I came in fourth.”

The class began with Schatt taking the early lead with a score of 90.8 (Stewart – 89.4, Darling – 84, Pletcher – 81.8). In the second round Stewart claimed the high score of 94 but when the scores of all the riders were combined it was still Schatt leading with 184.20 with Stewart close on her heels totaling 183.40 (Darling – 177.7 and Pletcher 172.4). In round three Darling took her turn when she earned the highest score of 92.8, but it was still Schatt leading the way with her cumulative score of 273.2 (Stewart 272.7, Darling 270.5, Pletcher 260.4).

Then the war was on in the final round. Schatt went first and put in such a brilliant round with a score of 95.2 that it appeared her final tally of 368.4 was unbeatable. Darling had another good round but not quite good enough to take over the lead as she scored 92.3 with a final total of 362.8.

Even as Stewart entered the arena it seemed all but impossible that he could take over the lead. But in this class surprises never cease and when the scores went up on the screen the crowd gasped – 98 – 98 – 98 – 99 and 99 for a fourth round total of 98.4 and a cumulative total of 371.1.

Stewart had taken over the lead by less than three points. The crowd cheered knowing that even with one more rider to go, Stewart had claimed the title. In fact there was no way that Pletcher could have taken over the lead. He totaled 92.8 and earned the lowest overall score of 353.2. But even as the last rider he was smiling. It had been a fun class and Pletcher knew that Stewart had earned his victory.

BEFORE THE COMPETITION Once the riders had qualified and before competing in the class the riders met with AHJF President Geoff Teall, Vice President Louise Serio and Show Manager Billy Glass to discuss strategy, the plan for the event and to express their thoughts about this innovative class.

“The spirit of the class is good competition and good fun,” commented Billy Glass.

The riders look forward to this class. “I always want to get in,” commented Stewart who was not feeling his best and admitted that he was “going to go to sleep” before returning for the evening competition.

The fact that Pletcher was the 2002 winner made him even more determined. “It would be great to win it again and I’m going to have even more incentive going into tonight,” he commented. When asked why, Pletcher added, “because these are the top four riders of our business and we work hard to qualify for this class and it’s a hard class to win and I want to win it twice. I think showing in the hunters is hard but when everyone gets together you really want to get out there and try.” Even after the class Pletcher’s enthusiasm did not diminish. “It is a great class to ride in with a lot of enthusiasm. It’s the end all!”

Schatt is another staunch supporter. Schatt, who won the class in the 90s, commented, “I think it profiles the hunter riders and it’s nice for the owners of the horses to know that they have nice enough horses to qualify to be ridden in this class.” Schatt went on to talk about the media sponsorship by Show Circuit Magazine and the fact that horse shows should honor the winner of this class at other shows the way they recognize the jumper riders.

“This is the best hunter rider in the country and it would be a nice thing for the other horse shows to announce this throughout the year when the winner competes. If they do it for the grand prix riders, why not do it for the World Champion Hunter Rider.”

Commented Darling, “I’m just happy to be here and honored to be in it. In the beginning of the year I didn’t set my goals on this class but once I got closer to the top in the standings I started to work towards it.”

“The best thing about this class is it is totally different. There is nothing else like it in the hunters. People really love to watch it and the audience support is so great. We are asking the riders to do something they don’t normally do. It’s one of the few things in the sport of hunters that happens fast, is easy to follow, exciting to watch, and different from what the spectators normally see,” added Teall, Wellington, FL. “The riders are competing so hard to get into this class,” commented Serio, Kennett Square, PA. “It’s exciting to see them have such a great opportunity to go in a class like this. It is one of the few goals that you can have that shows off the riders and their skills. It’s less about the horses and more about the riders.”

RISING TO THE TOP A number of special awards were given out. Betty Oare was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Pavé, ridden by Schatt. Pavé’s owner, Caroline Moran, won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Hunter Challenge went to Chopard, ridden

by Stewart. Bob Crandell won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award.

This was the ninth year that the AHJF had hosted the Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine Professional World Championship Hunter Rider finals. The winner not only received the trophy but also a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, a saddle that Olympic Gold Medalist Coffin researched and designed himself which is based around the comfort of the horse. “That was my favorite class so far,” commented Justin Kenney who presented the saddle. “I thought everyone rode great and it was fun to the very last jump.”

Stewart also received a sponsorship from Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Stewart as its winner. Press Link of America, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship.

RESULTS 2003 PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Scott Stewart (98.4, 89.3, 94, 89.4 = 371.1), 2. Havens Schatt (95.2, 89, 93.4, 90.8 = 368.4), 3. Samantha Darling (92.3, 92.8, 93.7, 84 = 362.8), 4. Peter Pletcher (92.8, 88, 90.6, 81.8 = 353.2)

SPECIAL AWARDS AHJF OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Betty Oare (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Pavé, Havens Schatt (owner/Caroline Moran) Total Points: 1998 (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Chopard (rider/Scott Stewart, owner/Krista Weisman, trainer/Gary Duffy). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom receives a check for $500. (1595 points) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin and China Blue Farm, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Bob Crandell (Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Caroline Moran (owner of Pavé who was ridden by Havens Schatt to 1998 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 1. Havens Schatt, Ocala, FL, 1998 pts.; 2. Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1949 pts.; 3. Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, 1811 pts.; 4. Samantha Darling, Colts Neck, NJ, 1784 pts.

JUNIOR: 1. Elizabeth Coughlin, Lutherville, MD, 1482 pts.; 2. Charlie Jayne, Elgin, IL, 1412 pts.; 3. Nancy S. Amling, Palm Beach, FL, 1370 pts.; 4. Paige Johnson, The Plains, VA, 1320 pts.

PONY: 1. Samantha Schaefer, Westminster, MD, 1384 pts.; 2. Alexandra Arute, Avon, CT, 1374 pts.; 3. Sofie Applegate, Atherton, CA, 1363 pts.; 4. Katherine Newman, Upperville, VA, 1285 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Betty Oare, Warrenton, VA, 1645 pts.; 2. Caroline Moran, Bedford, NY, 1586 pts.; 3. Meghan Moran, Malvern, PA, 1423 pts.; 4. Barbara Swavely, Castle Rock, CO, 1373 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: Patrick Spanton, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, 1430 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Katie Polk, Malibu, CA, 1085 pts.; Junior: Karlyn Wilhelm, Moorpark, CA, 891 pts.; Pony: Sofie Applegate, Atherton, CA, 1363 pts.; Children: Kate Zucker, Pacific Palisades, CA, 1509 pts.; Adult Amateur: Amy Brubaker, Pasadena, CA, 1638 pts..

MIDWEST: Professional: Heidi Austin-Fish, Hebron, IL, 829 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Leah Schwendeman, Belleville, IL, 864 pts.; Junior: Charlie Jayne, Elgin, IL, 1162 pts.; Pony: Stephanie Vijan, New Albany, OH, 822 pts.; Children: Christy Russo, Miami, FL, 675 pts.; Adult Amateur: Wendy H. Kraus Lewis, Willoughby Hills, OH, 921 pts.

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Tracy Fenney, Flower Mound, TX, 1130 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Therese Peck, Flower Mound, TX, 1055 pts.; Junior: Bailey Anderson, Dallas, TX, 1026 pts.; Pony: Lindsey George, Magnolia, TX, 994 pts.; Children: Caroline Gibson, Magnolia, TX, 469 pts.; Adult Amateur: Becky Gochman, Houston, TX, 750 pts..

NORTH EAST: Professional: Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1308 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Mimi Tashjian, Greenwich, CT, 1044 pts.; Junior: Caitlin Donovan, New York, NY, 1134 pts.; Pony: Alexandra Arute, Farmington, CT, 1233 pts.; Children: Molly Hay, Ridgefield, CT, 314 pts.; Adult Amateur: Pamela Vance, Amenia, NY, 1111 pts..

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Scott Hofstetter, Ocala, FL, 874 pts.; AmateurOwner: Lee Cesery, Jacksonville, FL, 639 pts.; Junior: Jack Harden Towell, Camden, SC, 1200 pts.; Pony: Julianna Fischer, Lake Worth, FL, 964 pts.; Children: Jason DiGioacchino, Wellington, FL, 329 pts.; Adult Amateur: Bruce Duchossois, Aiken, SC, 1259 pts.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Paul Rohrbach, Elizabeth, CA, 1190 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Barbara Swavely, Castlerock, CO, 1195 pts.; Junior: Kate Hart, Englewood, CO, 898 pts.; Pony: Tommi Clark, Parker, CO, 723 pts.; Children: A. Grace Van Dyke, Edwards, CO, 67 pts.; Adult Amateur: Nancy James Shaw, Englewood, CO, 842 pts.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Jack Hammond, Sammamish, WA, 1093 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Tracy Sully, Aldergrove, BC, Canada, 1057 pts.; Junior: Betsy Christianson, Bothell, WA, 769 pts.; Pony: Amanda Moore, Bothell, WA, 1130 pts.; Children: Nicole Jones, Renton, WA, 1133 pts.; Adult Amateur: Tamara Judy, Normandy Park, WA, 1040 pts.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Sandy Ferrell, Churchville, MD, 1149 pts.; Amateur-Owner: Betty Oare, Warrenton, VA, 1145 pts.; Junior: Elizabeth Coughlin, Lutherville, MD, 1279 pts.; Pony: Nellie Ann Foosaner, Middleburg, VA, 1097 pts.; Children: Taylor Brown, Palmyra, VA, 927 pts.; Adult Amateur: Marianna Bishop, Charlottesville, VA, 1167 pts.

PETER PLETCHER WINS CHRONICLE PROFESSIONAL WCHR TITLE Peter Pletcher took a moment to take it all in after he won the 2002 Chronicle of the Horse Professional World Championship Hunter Rider title. The Challenge was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc. and Jack Schock and First Savings Mortgage Corporation, presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and hosted on October 4, during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. Four riders qualified for the final competition: Sandy Ferrell, Churchville, MD; Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ; Emily Williams, Wellington, FL and Pletcher, Magnolia, TX. He and the others had competed in this class before and felt that “doing it before helped. Emily was more nervous because this was her first time.” For Pletcher it was his third try and his first victory. “I’m really glad,” he admitted. “I’ve wanted to win this class ever since they started it.

It’s a very special class for me to win.”

The riders alternated on riding four different horses which they had not ridden before. These included Special Delivery, a 12-year-old grey Dutch gelding by Largos owned and trained by Geoff Teall; Notra Dame, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare owned by Megan McGuire, and trained by Amanda Steege-Herrara; Capito, a 10-year-old chestnut Warmblood gelding, owned by Karen Healey; and Gandolf, a 10-year-old bay, Hanoverian gelding, owned

by Sue Grange and trained by Don Stewart.

Pletcher had the high score (92.60) on Special Delivery, while Ferrell scored 89.20, Williams 86.40 and Stewart 84.60. Notra Dame, loved being ridden “soft,” explained Pletcher. “The softer you rode her the better.” Again Peter took the high mark of 89.20 (Stewart 86, Ferrell 75.60 and Williams 73.80).

It was Stewart who took the leading score of 91.80 on Capito (Pletcher 88.20, Williams 87.60, Ferrell 73.80).

Williams took the leading score of 89.60 on Gandolf (Pletcher 88.70, Stewart 88.60, Ferrell 78.40).

The riders were allowed to briefly warm-up on their first horse but for all subsequent rides they had to go directly to the course in the ring. When the final scores were tallied Pletcher had the highest total of 358.70. Then it was Stewart (351), Williams (337.40) and Ferrell (317).

JUDGING THE RIDERS After a yearlong selection process based on points, the Professional Division riders were narrowed down to the top four who then rode off for the title. Similar to a World Championship, the riders competed over a 3’6” course on each of four horses provided by the show.

In hunters the horses are judged on form over fences and when they jump from a comfortable distance their form is shown off the best. So, as the riders go around the course their goal is to bring their horse to the optimal distance for each fence. However, unlike other hunter classes, the winner in this class was the rider and not the horse.

The five judges scored by the open numerical system. The rider with the highest cumulative total was the winner. The four riders who qualified were being judged by Ronnie Beard, Wellington, FL; Jim Clapperton, Columbia, MD; Brian Lenehan, Southern Pines, NC; Matt Collins, Culpeper, VA and Patrick Rodes, Argyle, TX. “The key to scoring this class is you don’t score each round, you score how each rider does on each horse,” commented Lenehan.

“Peter showed he could ride all four horses well and that was the clincher, whereas the others had trouble with at least one,” noted Clapperton.

“There was no on in that class that on any given day couldn’t win that class,” added AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla.

THIS CLASS IS FOR THE RIDERS The riders look forward to this class. “It’s an excellent class, a great concept,” said Pletcher.

“It happens fast and it’s fun. It’s great for the audience. They can follow it and it’s something totally different. The riders really enjoy it and the crowds come,” added Teall, President of the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF).

“There’s no other class like it and it gives the hunter visibility,” added Louise Serio, AHJF Vice President.

“It gives us a little something extra to work for because this is strictly for the riders,” said Ferrell.

“It is a great class because it highlights the hunter riders,” noted Stewart, who also added that the AHJF “is wonderful because it showcases the hunters and keeps people interested in doing hunters.”

“It was so much fun. I hope to get to do it many more times. It’s something different and they made it very special,” said Williams. “Plus it was fun seeing how every horse goes with the different riders…and the fact that you’ve never ridden them before is good. I had a blast!”

Williams had also won the Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award which is voted on by the other riders. She was especially pleased about this because her mom, Lynne (who recently lost her battle with cancer) was the first recipient of the award in 1997. “My mom was such a good sport and always gracious,” commented Williams.

“Winning that class made my whole year.”

AMERICAN HUNTER JUMPER FOUNDATION The AHJF was founded in 1992 by Louise Serio, Geoff Teall and Kavar Kerr. At that time it had 400 members and four designated member shows in each of five regions. Today the AHJF has 1,000 members and 48 designated shows in 8 regions.

The AHJF was created for the purpose of rewarding the hunter riders who are often overlooked when compared to the jumpers. Beyond the awards program, the AHJF also has an Emergency Relief Fund, the Retired Equine Placement Service, and a BSA 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. It works towards educating spectators and encourages grass-roots organizations. The AHJF is a non-profit, member and sponsor-supported organization.

The AHJF also sponsors a few more featured events throughout the year, including the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach (February 15, 2003), which is done as an Add-Back competition with $12,000 going to the winner.

The riders are very appreciative of how the AHJF has increased interest in hunters.

“Everything they do is so great,” commented Williams, “everything…from the scoring, to the perfectly manicured rings, to the smallest details.”

At the Capital Challenge the Professional Championship honors were part of an overall World Championship Hunter Riders Awards Program, which included junior, professional, amateur-owner, adult amateur, children’s and pony hunter riders. The program was established by the AHJF to recognize and reward excellence among hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions. A number of special awards were given out as well. The late Victor Hugo Vidal (August 2002) was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Heard A Rumor Award was presented to Prince Charming owned by Caroline Moran (Bedford, NY). The Jeffery Katz Memorial Award went to Marvin, ridden by Ferrell. Marvin’s owner, Mrs. Gary B. Peterson, won the Rox Dene Award. The China Blue Hunter Challenge went to Strapless, ridden by Williams.

AWARDS AND MORE This was the eighth year that the AHJF had hosted the Chronicle of the Horse Professional Rider award. The winner not only received the trophy but also a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, a saddle that Olympic Gold Medalist Coffin researched and designed himself which is based around the comfort of the horse. “It’s great for us to be here.

The AHJF is a group of people who are trying to do the right thing for hunters and that is the key,” commented Justin Kenney who presented the saddle. “It’s a hard class. You take your saddle and your skill and go on to the next horse.”

Pletcher also received a sponsorship from the Chronicle of the Horse, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Pletcher as its winner. Press Link, an equine focused PR firm, handles that sponsorship. The Chronicle and the AHJF should be applauded for their foresight to ensure that someone who wins such an important award is not overlooked.

The AHJF was able to present trophies, money and prizes to the winners of the various awards thanks to the Chronicle and Tad Coffin as well as C.M. Hadfield’s Saddlery, Derbydown Inc., Equitex/Cynthia Krantz, Finish-Line Horse Products, Hodges Badges Co., Linda Robinson, Merrill Lynch, Quail Hollow Tack, Rein-Aid Productions, Sandra Brown and Hobby Horse/Marge Vance.

RESULTS 2002 CHRONICLE OF THE HORSE PROFESSIONAL WCHR: 1. Peter Pletcher (88.70, 88.20, 89.20, 92.60), 358.70; 2. Scott Stewart (86, 84.60, 88.60, 91.80), 351; 3. Emily Williams (87.60, 73.80, 86.40, 89.60), 337.40; 4.

Sandy Ferrell (89.20, 78.40, 73.80, 75.60) 317.

SPECIAL AWARDS OLD SPRINGHOUSE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: The late Victor Hugo Vidal (Presented to a person who exemplifies great support and lifetime commitment to the sport of hunter and jumper competition.)

JEFFERY KATZ MEMORIAL AWARD: Marvin, Sandy Ferrell (owner/Mrs. Gary Peterson) Total Points: 2120 (459 Capital Challenge, 465 Middleburg Classic, 399 Saratoga I, 393 Lexington Spring and 404 Upperville) (Jeffery Katz was a 38-year-old trainer from Chicago who was killed in a car accident in 1999. The award goes to the horse/rider combination that accumulates the most points in the 1st Year Green, 2nd Year Green, or Green Conformation Hunter Divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

DERBYDOWN TROPHY FOR THE TRIP OF THE SHOW: Kelly Farmer, Without Risk (scored an average of 96 in the Future Hunter Class) (This award acknowledges the professional rider earning the highest numerical score.)

CHINA BLUE FARM WORKING HUNTER CHALLENGE AWARD: Strapless (rider/Emily Williams, owner/Clara Lindner, groom/Emily Hamilton, trainer/Tom Wright). The owner, rider and trainer each receive a check for $3,500 and the groom (Emily Hamilton) receives a check for $500.

(1582 points: 294 Capital Challenge, 405 Florida Classic, 265 Kentucky, 420 Hampton Classic, and 198 Turfway Classic) (Donated by Priscilla Tamkin, this award honors the horse and rider combination that accumulates the most points in either of the 4’ hunter divisions at their best four WCHR shows, plus their divisions at the Capital Challenge.)

THE HEARD A RUMOR AWARD: Prince Charming (16year-old Dutch Warmblood by Zion), owner/Caroline Moran (Bedford, NY) (Presented to a horse who has shown exceptional ability and epitomizes the partnership of show hunter and hunter rider. Donated by Mr. & Mrs. Dean Edwards in memory of their talented show hunter.)

WINTER’S RUN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD: Emily Williams (The award was especially momentous as Emily’s mother, Lynne recently lost her battle with cancer. Lynne was the first recipient of this award in 1997.)

(Sponsored by Tricia Bosley in memory of her mother Sylvia Hechter. The boot trophy is one of Sylvia’s treasured Vogel boots which was bronzed and mounted on a walnut base. The purpose of the award is to encourage better sportsmanship throughout the entire horse show community.)

ROX DENE AWARD: Mrs. Gary B. Peterson (owner of Marvin who was ridden by Sandy Ferrell to 2120 points) (Donated by Elaine and Chanda Boylen, this award is presented to the Owner of the WCHR High Score Horse ridden by a professional, which has accumulated the most points using the four best WCHR sanctioned shows plus the divisions at the Capital Challenge.

FINAL RESULTS OF THE WCHR NATIONAL PROGRAM PROFESSIONAL: 1. Sandy Ferrell, Churchville, MD, 2120; 2. Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1970; 3. Peter Pletcher, Magnolia, TX, 1907; 4. Emily Williams, Wellington, FL, 1789.

JUNIOR: 1. Charlie Jayne, Elgin, IL, 2030 pts.; 2. Cody Baird, Greenwich, CT, 1846 pts.; 3. Elizabeth Coughlin, Lutherville, MD, 1822 pts.

PONY: 1. Sofie Applegate, Atherton, CA, 1633 pts.; 2. Sarah Chovnick, Brookville, MD, 1604 pts.; 3. Alexandra Skiffington, Wellington, FL, 1603 pts.

AMATEUR-OWNER: 1. Kara Hofstetter, Ocala, FL, 1737 pts.; 2. Caroline Moran, Bedford, NY, 1586 pts.; 3. Robin Sinderman, South Salem, NY 1562 pts.

FINAL RESULTS FOR REGIONAL STANDINGS SOUTHWEST: Professional: John Bragg, Petaluma, CA, 1255; AmateurOwner: Alison Agley, Pasadena, CA 1143; Junior: Jamie Taylor, Tarzana, CA, 1319; Pony: Tess Albrecht, Hidden Hills, CA, 1469; Children: Gabby Applegate, Atherton, CA, 1128; Adult Amateur: Bridget Twomey, Petaluma, CA, 1325.

MIDWEST: Professional: Rick Fancher, Crestwood, KY, 840; Amateur-Owner: Dawn Fogel, Louisville, KY, 908; Junior: Clara Lindner, Cincinnati, OH, 888;

Pony: Alexander Skiffington, Wellington, FL, 1407; Children: Amateur: Leslie Fishback, Versailles, KY, 966.

Molly Schmiege, Wilmette, IL, 328;

Adult

SOUTH CENTRAL: Professional: Tracy Fenney, Flower Mound, TX, 918; Amateur-Owner: Didi Mackenzie, Flower Mound, TX, 803; Junior: Alex Beckstett, Magnolia, TX, 827; Pony: Lindsey George, Magnolia, TX, 1100; Children: Julia Kahn, Houston, TX, 384; Adult Amateur: Laura Beckworth, Magnolia, TX, 470.

NORTH EAST: Professional: Scott Stewart, Flemington, NJ, 1115; Amateur-Owner: Mimi Tashjian, Greenwich, CT, 1091; Junior: Whitney Roper, Rumson, NJ, 812; Pony: Alexandra Arute, Farmington, CT, 1129; Children: Carolyn Kelly, New York City, NY, 472; Adult Amateur: Pamela Vance, Amenia, NY, 804.

SOUTH EAST: Professional: Scott Hofstetter, Ocala, FL, 1239; Amateur-Owner: Kara Hofstetter, Ocala, FL, 1237; Junior: Erin Stewart, Ocala, FL, 1214; Pony: Lauren Hogan, Tampa, FL, 891; Children: Maggie Schottenfeld, Alpharetta, GA, 485; Adult Amateur: Victoria Watters-Round, Wellington, FL, 512.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN: Professional: Emily Hook, Phoenix, AZ, 466; Amateur-Owner: Cathy Morris-Schmitt, Englewood, CO, 550; Junior: Kate Hart, Englewood, CO, 1209; Pony: Grace Van Dyke, Edwards, CO, 776; Children: Jessica Lizarraga, Littleton, CO, 581; Adult Amateur: Karen Franklin Tanner, Littleton, CO, 939.

NORTH WEST: Professional: Jack Hammond, Sammamish, WA, 1293; Amateur-Owner: Tracy Sully, Aldergrove, BC, Canada, 1069; Junior: Lauren Crooks, Sonohomish, WA, 983; Pony: Amanda Moore, Bothell, WA, 1120; Children: Catherine Kranda, Medina, WA, 877; Adult Amateur: Amy Levenson, Poulsbo, WA, 1179.

MID ATLANTIC: Professional: Sandy Ferrell, Churchville, MD, 1650; Amateur-Owner: Betty Oare, Warrenton, VA, 1253; Junior: Elizabeth Coughlin, Lutherville, MD, 1283; Pony: Sarah Chovnick, Brookville, MD, 1290; Children: Lauren Graves, Crozet, VA, 809; Adult Amateur: Jack D. Schock, Middleburg, VA, 967.

LOUISE SERIO ADDS ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP TO HER TREASURE CHEST OF TROPHIES Serio Wins Chronicle Professional WCHR Hunter Rider Challenge “I’ve had a long career but this is one class I’d never won,” commented Louise Serio, Kennett Square, PA, after winning the 2001 Chronicle of the Horse Professional World Championship Hunter Rider Challenge. She earned the combined highest record-setting score of 361.10 after the five judges scores were tallied. Serio finished less than a point ahead of Havens Schatt, Wellington, FL (360.70); Tim Goguen, Gurnee, IL (355.8) and Kelley Farmer, Lake Zurich, IL (340.50) on October 5th. The championship was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc., presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) and hosted during the eight-day Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. WHAT IS THE CHRONICLE PROFESSIONAL RIDER CHALLENGE The Chronicle of the Horse Professional WCHR Challenge was created seven years ago, not too long after the AHJF was founded (1992). Since the AHJF (a non-profit, member and sponsor-supported organization) was created for the purpose of rewarding hunter riders with more money and acknowledgements for their efforts, this was a way to give the professionals (the trainers of many of the riders and the horses) a chance to goal for something special.

The professional riders accumulate points throughout the year at designated shows and then compete at the Capital Challenge. The four who accumulate the most points then compete using a format, which is similar to a World Championship. The competitors jump a 3’6” course on each of four horses provided by the AHJF. They either have never ridden these horses before or not in the past two years.

The five judges scored by the open numerical system. The rider with the highest cumulative total was the winner. The four riders who qualified were being judged by Liza Dennehy, Denver, CO; Jim Clapperton, Buckner, KY; Jeff Wirthman, Island Lake, IL; Russell Frey, Hume, VA; and Rob Bielefeld, Ithaca, NY.

“The rider ends up with the right score,” added Clapperton. “It leaves no room for controversy. The average makes it work.”

Dennehy noted, “as a professional the riders are hoping to make it to the final four as this is a very prestigious class to ride in.”

“This class is a big deal because you work all year to be in it. Then you get to ride four different horses without getting to know them.

It shows what we can do,” commented Farmer.

Unlike other hunter classes, where the horse is named the winner, in this case it was the rider who won. However, it is still the overall look that is being judged and very often it is how the rider rides the horse that determines how well the horse goes in the class. It is the rider who is communicating to the horse such things as pace and length of stride. The use of the riders hands and legs also come into play. For example, Bielefeld noted that one of the horses “would flip his head a bit but because she (Serio) was so soft he did not do that with her. She made him more relaxed.”

The judges are looking for the best rider, not the best horse and mistakes such as rails down are not as important in this class as they are in other hunter classes unless the judge feels it was the rider’s fault.

In general, hunter horses are judged on form over fences and when they jump from a comfortable distance their form is shown off the best. So, as the riders go around the course their goal is to bring their horse to the optimal distance for each fence.

Michele Perla, Executive Director of the AHJF, noted ”This is the only class of its kinds that puts professionals against professionals on horses they’ve never ridden judged in a format that is about seeking the best rider. Often hunter classes are about the horse but with this format the judges can compare rider against rider on each of four horses.”

Frey noted that Serio had won among a class, which had “an extremely strong group of riders.” The judges were in agreement that out of the four horses Serio rode three of them better than any of the other riders.

“She was flat out better,” concluded Dennehy.

Serio’s free style of riding hunters showed up from the beginning. In the first round she scored 92 (Schatt 88.8, Goguen 87.6, Farmer 84.6).

In the second round she almost broke last year’s winner’s (John French’s) record individual score when she totaled 95 (he earned 95.5) on a big grey (Farmer 87.3, Goguen 87.2, Schatt 87.1). The third round Goguen (93.6) earned the highest score with Serio (87.8) not far behind (Schatt 77.8, Farmer 75). Farmer had some tough luck in that class when her horse almost ran

out at one of the fences but she got him back on track just in time. It was only in the last round that a rail down placed Louise at the bottom of the pack on a round that would have scored much higher (Schatt 94.8, Farmer 90.8, Goguen 87.4, Serio 86.3). It made the class more exciting because the scores were so tight you weren’t sure if Serio was in the lead until the final scores were announced. While the spectators waited and wondered, for the judges it was a clear victory for Serio.

“She was the best!” commented Frey.

HER FIRST TIME ENTERING Serio has had a long and lucrative hunter career but for the seven years that the Capital Challenge has held the Chronicle Professional Challenge she never even kept tabs of her points. Serio, who is one of the founders of the AHJF, waited because of her association with the organization, but it was her fellow hunter riders that finally encouraged her to enter. “This was the first time I ever maintained my points,” explained Serio, who undoubtedly could have qualified for the past seven years if she had wanted to. “It was easier to distance myself and even now I was reluctant to do it because I didn’t want to jeopardize the program.”

Serio grew up loving horses as a child and began riding with her mother, Mary Warner Brown. In 1984 she began her own teaching and training business called Derbydown Inc. In 1992 Serio won Chronicle of the Horse’s Show Hunter Horseman of the Year because of “her creativity and dedication to promote the hunter industry.” Over the years Serio has ridden and trained top championship hunters, including Harbor Bay, Irresistible, Magic Word, French Quarter and Catch a Spark. In 1990 Serio won the Protocol Trophy on Harbor Bay, for accumulating the most points in the same year on a Working Hunter at Devon, Harrisburg and Washington. In 2001 she won the WEF Circuit Champion 1st Year Green award on Red Panda. These are only a few of many examples of her prominent career in the horse industry.

AMERICAN HUNTER JUMPER FOUNDATION The AHJF was founded in 1992 by Serio (now serving as its Vice President), Geoff Teall and Kavar Kerr.

At that time it had 400 members and four designated member shows in each of five regions. Today the AHJF has 1,000 members and 48 designated shows in 8 regions.

The AHJF also sponsors a few more featured events throughout the year, including the $50,000 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach (February 16, 2002). This was formerly a $100,000 event but the AHJF members voted to decrease the purse because they felt it was the right thing to do after the World Trade Center tragedy. “There is a sadness that I feel,” noted Serio. “I feel guilty. We live the most privileged life. What I get to do, whom I get to know and the animals I get to ride. We need to really appreciate that. That was a humbling experience. We don’t need to offer $100,000…$50,000 is plenty,” noted Serio. Additionally, the second annual Legacy Cup, a hunter show which features add-back

money, will take place May 1-5, 2002 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. Last year Serio earned top honors at the Legacy Cup after winning the leading trainer and leading rider awards.

At the Capital Challenge Serio’s Professional Championship honors were part of an overall awards program, which included junior, amateur and pony hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows plus their performance at the Capital Challenge determined the ultimate champions. The Junior Hunter Championship award went to Cody Baird. Julianna Befler won the Pony Hunter Championship. A number of special awards were given out as well. Howard Lewis (OH) was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Heard A Rumor award, which is presented by Mr. & Mrs. Dean Edwards to a horse that has shown lifetime achievement in both the professional and amateur hunter divisions, was presented to Clyde Barrow owned by Bridgette Hallman (LI, NY). The Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award went to Nora Fredrickson.

A DESERVING WINNER Serio went home with $2,750 as well as a media sponsorship from the Chronicle of the Horse, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of Serio as its winner. Serio also won a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle, a saddle that Olympic Gold Medalist Coffin researched and designed himself.

Capital Challenge co-managers Oliver Kennedy and Billy Glass deserve praise for the way they showcased the event. Their goal is to make it more of a show and thus the event is preceded by a light show and followed by a friends and exhibitors party. “It is an important event because it is where we host all our finals. People compete all year to qualify through the WCHR program. The AHJF and Capital Challenge started as a team. We teamed up because we wanted to have better presentations. We wanted to make it a very special event. We wanted to bring numerical scoring to an indoor show. The Capital Challenge has gone above and beyond our expectations,” commented Serio.

“This class puts the show back into the horse show – the presentations, the prizes, the trumpeters – the light shows…it’s exciting,” added Bielefeld.

“For the AHJF this is the best way to showcase our professionals and their abilities in a different and fun way. It also gives a sense of the riders competing and not the horses. It is the same four riders, the same four horses – rider against rider, ” commented Teall.

“I think it gets more and more important each year. It’s really neat to see the people that try to achieve it. It has provided another goal. It is the year-end event. We work all year to get here. To win it was really special,” concluded Serio.

FRENCH APPEAL IN THE SUPERBOWL FOR HUNTER RIDERS John French Wins WCHR Professional Hunter Rider Award “Horses like John French,” remarked Jack Towell, Camden, SC, one of the five judges who scored French as the 2000 Chronicle of the Horse Professional World Championship Hunter Rider. French finished with the highest total of 360.80 on October 6th. The championship was sponsored by Carol & Gordon Stillwell, Stillwell Hansen, Inc., presented by the American Hunter Jumper Foundation and hosted during the Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. French, who was born and raised in Maryland, now resides in Redwood City, CA. It had been two years since he had come East to compete at this show. His horse Keltic (who is owned by Kathy and Alex Mendez) was First Year Green Champion and was the recipient of the Rox Dene Award, presented to the Overall High Scoring WCHR Horse of the Year. However, it wasn’t Keltic he rode as the finals require the four riders to compete on four different horses they’ve never ridden before. Each rider takes a turn jumping each of the four horses over similar courses.

The four riders who had qualified after a year-long selection process included the 1998 and 1999 defending champion Scott Stewart (NJ), Holly Hays (CT), winner of the 1997 and 1999 National Horse Show WCHR Hunter Classic Challenge and Kelly Farmer (IL), while Stewart, Hays and French had competed in this championship before, this was Kelly’s first time.

When the riders were finished it was French who took it all. “Some riders had little things go wrong,” explained French. “I didn’t have any problems.”

“The horses went the smoothest for him,” added Philip DeVita, Apopka, FL, who was also judging the class. “He is a non-interfering rider. He doesn’t force anything on them.” Added Towell, “He’s invisible.”

The other three judges were Susan Ashe, Wellington, FL; Brian Lenehan, Southern Pines, NC and Randy Mullins, Collierville, TN.

The class started out with every rider putting in a fairly consistent round the first time out until Hays entered on her first mount. After an obviously difficult ride with her horse spooking around the course, the judges opted to use the replacement mount. Hays came back and put in a brilliant round scoring in the low 90s, which at the time French thought would surely put her in the lead.

However, Hays had problems with her second mount when she overrode a line and got too close to one of the jumps. The mistake earned her a score of 72, which lost her valuable points that were hard for her to make up despite three other good scores.

Both Stewart and Kelly were fairly consistent but lower scores than French on the same horses made the difference. French felt part of his victory was “just being relaxed, because the horses can sense it. The more relaxed you are the better they go.”

Before French entered the ring he gave himself four things to focus on, besides staying really relaxed.

To begin with he reminded himself that this was supposed to be fun. Second he told himself to breath around the entire course. His third objective was to look up over the jumps and to think about his position. Finally, his goal was “don’t doubt yourself. If you worry about the distance, you get too nervous. If you think about something else, the distance comes up.”

In hunters the horses are judged on form over the fences and when they jump from a comfortable distance their form is shown off the best. So, as the riders go around the course their goal is to bring their horse to the optimal distance for each fence. In fact, Hays’ one major distance mistake may have been what lost her the championship, while the fact that French had no major mistakes won it all for him.

French knows what it is like to make a mistake and lose it all. “Four years ago I was leading up until the fourth round,” he explained. Going into the final round, French’s horse “spooked at the first jump and I ended up last.” So, this victory was extra special. “This is an award that really goes to the rider,” explained French, who felt he was the inspiration behind the class. Ten years ago when a few riders were sitting around talking he suggested having a show where the riders switched horses.

Having the AHJF make his idea a reality “is great for the hunter industry,” he commented. “I am really grateful that they have done this for the riders.”

AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla agrees. “It’s put the professionals on a level playing field. It strips away the owners and the horses and asks for the riders to show what they can do. It separates the experienced hunter riders from the green ones and it is interesting to watch how the different horses reacted to the different riders.”

President of the AHJF, Kavar Kerr added, “I think it gives the public a chance to see how talented these riders are. It’s also exciting to see them perform under a different format because this is the only hunter class for the hunter rider.”

The AHJF was founded in 1992 by Louise Serio (now serving as its Vice President ), Geoff Teall and Kavar Kerr. At that time it had 400 members and four designated member shows in each of five regions.

Today the AHJF has 1,000 members, 40+ designated shows in 8 regions.

The AHJF was created for the purpose of rewarding the hunter riders who are often overlooked when compared to the highly paid and heavily sponsored show jumper riders. Beyond the awards program, the AHJF also has a retirement plan and scholarships. It works towards educating spectators and encourages grass-roots organizations. The AHJF is a non-profit, member and sponsor-supported organization.

The AHJF also sponsors a few more featured events, including the AHJF $100,000 Hunter Classic Spectacular of Palm Beach, which will take place on February 17, 2001. Additionally, the AHJF Legacy Cup, a new show for hunters, will debut May 1-6, 2001 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, VA. The 2001 Legacy Cup winner will earn $25,000 and the purse will be $100,000 plus 50% of all entry fees. Returning a high portion of the money to exhibitors is a key ingredient of the event.

French’s Professional championship honors were part of an overall awards program, which included junior, amateur and pony hunter riders. In order to qualify, a rider’s top four WCHR shows count towards awards and then these riders compete directly against one another at the Capital Challenge. Daniel Torano (FL) won the Amateur Hunter Championship. Georgina Bloomberg (NY) was the winner of the Junior Hunter Championship and Addison Phillips (NY) won the Pony Hunter Championship.

Additionally L.P. Tate was the winner of the Old Springhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. The Heard A Rumor award, which is presented by Mr. & Mrs. Dean Edwards to a horse that has shown lifetime achievement in both the professional and amateur hunter divisions, was presented to Harbor Bay. The Winter’s Run Sportsmanship Award went to Olin Armstrong.

In the Professional Division the riders are narrowed down to the top four who then ride off for the annual title. Similar to a World Championship, the riders compete over a 3’6” course on each of the four horses provided by the show. The five judges score by the open numerical system. The rider with the highest cumulative total is the winner.

This was the ninth year that the AHJF had hosted this award. French not only received the trophy but also a Tad Coffin Performance Saddle. French also received a sponsorship from the Chronicle of the Horse, which designates money to be used specifically to ensure coverage of both the championship and of French as its winner. Press Link, an equine focused PR firm, has been hired to handle that sponsorship and has a targeted plan to reach out to French’s local media as well as equine publications to help arrange interviews and provide photos. Press Link will also blanket the equine media by distributing articles and photos (upon request). Someone who wins such an important award should not be overlooked.

Kerr felt French was a very deserving winner. “He rode beautifully in what is truly the Superbowl for the hunter riders.”

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

AHJF RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS CONTACT: Diana De Rosa PHONE: (516) 848-4867

EMAIL: dderosa1@optonline.net FAX: (631) 773-6165

START: Immediately END: Oct. 2 at 10 PM

SUBJECT: 2009 AHJF HUNTER CLASSIC SPECTACULAR 15 SECOND

THE AMERICAL HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS HOSTING THE WORLD CHAMPION HUNTER RIDER PRO FINALS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 7 PM, AT PRINCE GEORGE’S EQUESTRIAN CENTER IN UPPER MARLBORO, MD. FREE ADMISSION. VISIT THE WEB SITE WWW.AHJF.ORG. -END-

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THE AMERICAL HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION, A NON-PROFIT EQUESTRIAN ORGANIZATION, IS HOSTING THE WORLD CHAMPION HUNTER RIDER PRO FINALS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 7 PM, AT PRINCE GEORGE’S EQUESTRIAN CENTER IN UPPER MARLBORO, MD. FREE ADMISSION. THIS EVENT FEATURES TOP NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SHOW HUNTER RIDERS AND OFFERS A PURSE OF $7,500. IT IS ONE OF THE NATION’S PREMIER HUNTER COMPETITIOINS. RIDERS MUST QUALIFY TO COMPETE IN THIS ANNUAL EVENT. ADMISSION IS FREE. VISIT THE WEB SITE WWW.AHJF.ORG. -END-

60 SECOND

THE AMERICAL HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION, A NON-PROFIT EQUESTRIAN ORGANIZATION, IS HOSTING THE WORLD CHAMPION HUNTER RIDER PRO FINALS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 7 PM, AT PRINCE GEORGE’S EQUESTRIAN CENTER IN UPPER MARLBORO, MD. FREE ADMISSION. CALL ?????? FOR MORE DETAILS. THIS EVENT FEATURES TOP NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL SHOW HUNTER RIDERS AND OFFERS A PURSE OF $7,500. IT IS ONE OF THE NATION’S PREMIER HUNTER COMPETITIOINS. RIDERS MUST QUALIFY TO COMPETE IN THIS ANNUAL EVENT. THIS NO ENTRY FEE QUALIFYING CLASS FOR PROFESSIONAL HUNTER RIDERS IS THE ONE EVENT PRO RIDERS ASPIRE TO COMPETE IN ANNUALLY. SANDY FERRELL, LAST YEAR’S WIN, WILL ATTEMPT TO RETAIN HER WCHR PRO TITLE. SHOW HUNTERS ARE JUDGED ON THE STYLE OF THE HORSE AS THEY JUMP FENCES IN THE INDOOR ARENA DURING THE CAPITAL CHALLENGE HORSE SHOW.

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO SEE THE NATION’S TOP PROFESSIONAL HUNTER RIDERS AND

HORSES COMPETE. DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS INCREDIBLE WORLD CHAMPION HUNTER RIDER PRO FINALS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2ND AT 7 PM, AT PRINCE GEORGE’S EQUESTRIAN CENTER IN UPPER MARLBORO, MD. ADMISSION IS FREE. VISIT THE WEB SITE WWW.AHJF.ORG. -ENDPRESS LINK PR, 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735, Cell: 516-848-4867, email: dderosa1@optonline.net

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

AMERICAN HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION FAST FACTS WHAT IS THE AHJF: A member supported, fully operating, non-profit member and sponsor-supported amateur athletic organization, which is tax exempt under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3).

Its purpose is to promote the

equestrian sport of hunter competition. It is the parent organization, which has developed the World Championship Hunter Rider Program (WCHR), a nationally sought after awards program for world-class hunter rider competition. Each year the winner of the Professional Rider Finals is honored with a media sponsorship.

MISSION: “To promote the equestrian sport of hunter-jumper competition and address the needs of the industry participants. The organization emphasizes integrity, compassion and sportsmanship through its business programs, human services, ethics leadership and education.”

ADDRESS: PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369 CONTACT INFO: 508-835-8813, FAX: 508-835-6125, for membership questions and other information email: AHJF@earthlink.net. Web site: www.ahjf.org.

MEMBERSHIP: Patron Member: $1,000 & Higher; Lifetime Member: $2,000; Contributing Member: $100-$999; Basic Member: $50-$99; Family Member: $125 (a family is defined as related members residing in one household). You must complete a membership form for each family member. Membership Renewals on December 1 of each year. Annual Membership applications and fees must be received in the AHJF membership office 10 days after the completion date of a WCHR Show or 7 days prior to the start of the final show in a Region for points from that show to count towards WCHR Awards.

WHY WAS IT FOUNDED: The AHJF was created in 1992 for the purpose of rewarding the hunter riders who are often overlooked when compared to the highly paid and heavily sponsored show jumper riders. Other goals include spectator education, a retirement plan, scholarships and encouraging grass-roots organizations. They want to be for the hunter riders what the Grayson Foundation is for racetrack employees.

WCHR AWARDS: The WCHR Awards Program sanctions a limited number of shows throughout the U.S. and Canada.

The program offers both national and regional awards. Member shows are selected by a membership vote and are subject to renewal or cancellation at the discretion of the exhibitors. The AHJF also receives feedback on the show via evaluation cards provided to the competitors. These are given to the show managers with the sole purpose of improving the overall quality of horse shows.

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ANNUALLY FEATURED AHJF EVENTS THIS IS THE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ALL AHJF EVENTS MEDIA CONTACT: Press Link cell: 516-848-4867 or email: dderosa1@optonline.net AHJF CONTACT: AHJF, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, 508-835-8813, AHJF@earthlink.net

FEBRUARY 20, 2010, 6:00-10:00 PM - AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular - Saturday WHAT: The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation Hunter Classic Spectacular WHERE: Winter Equestrian Festival, 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, FL 33414. Event will take place in the International Arena.

WHY: This is a major fundraiser for the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. (AHJF) and its programs. The AHJF was formed to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition.

Programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF Junior Hunter Challenge, the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund and the AHJF 401k and Profit Sharing Plan.

OCTOBER 2, 2009, 7:00 PM – AHJF/WCHR Pro Finals - Friday WHAT: AHJF/World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals WHERE: Prince George’s Equestrian Center, 14955 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 DETAILS: World Championship Hunter Rider Professional Finals for the 2009 AHJF World Championship Hunter Rider title. (The winner of the Championship will be presented with a unique media sponsorship package.) This is the only Hunter competition for Professional Hunter riders in the sport where riders go head to head after accumulating points on their best rides of the horse show. The top four are asked to compete on horses they have never ridden; the horses are kept confidential throughout the show.

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

THE AMERICAN HUNTER-JUMPER FOUNDATION STORY Louise Serio’s dream was to create an organization whose purpose would be to reward hunter riders (and their horses), who are often overlooked when compared to the highly paid and heavily sponsored show jumper riders. Louise joined forces with a few key people to create the World Championship Hunter Rider Association in 1991. While creating an organization that would benefit the riders in competition, she also wanted to care for them in other ways. Therefore, in 1992 the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. was established as the parent organization. The AHJF was founded with a broader purpose: to focus on spectator education, provide emergency support within the hunter/jumper community, develop a retirement plan for the industry, offer scholarships and encourage grass-roots organizations to become more educated. One of the most successful programs is the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, to help those who suddenly find themselves in a difficult situation.

HISTORICAL DATA The real beginnings of the AHJF were in 1991 when the concept of the World Champion Hunter Rider Association (WCHRA) originated when Serio and Geoff Teall developed an awards program designed to recognize hunter riders. The then national WCHRA awards were presented at the 1992 Washington International Horse Show.

In August of 1992, the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. was founded because of the apparent need and ideas of the members that extended beyond the awards program. The original WCHRA was dissolved with the founding of the new organization but the awards program became the first program and remains a vital part of the AHJF. In 1993, the Awards program was expanded to include National Awards for ponies and Regional children and adult hunters.

In March of 1994, the AHJF Business Support Association (AHJF BSA, Inc.) was formed to address business related concerns.

In 1995, the inaugural Professional WCHR (sponsored by the Chronicle through 2003) was held at the Capital Challenge Horse Show at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Maryland. The winner was given a unique media campaign sponsorship administered by the AHJF through its PR Firm, Press Link. This was also the year the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund was established to provide emergency financial support to individuals and families involved in the industry.

In 1997, the inaugural $25,000 AHJF Hunter Classic took place in Palm Beach, FL. In 1999, $175,000 was awarded in five classes held in CA, FL, MD and NY, which included a $50,000 Hunter Classic at the National Horse Show.

In 2000, the AHJF Millennium Hunter Classic was a $50,000 event.

In 2001, the AHJF $100,000 Hunter Classic Spectacular took place and the inaugural Legacy Cup, an all hunter horse show, debuted in Lexington, Virginia.

In 2001, 2002 and in 2003, the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular was a repeat win by Strapless, ridden by Emily Williams.

In 2003, Monarch International’s Show Circuit Magazine took over the sponsorship of the Professional World Champion Hunter Rider finals.

In 2004 (through 2007), a new sponsorship formed between the AHJF and Dover Saddlery for the AHJF/Dover Junior Hunter Challenge, an innovative, new show hunter program designed to positively impact the future of the show hunter PRESS LINK PR, 45 Sarah Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735, Cell: 516-848-4867, email: dderosa1@optonline.net

AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

sport in America, by promoting, encouraging and recognizing riding talent in youth who are not currently showing at the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) recognized level. Also this year Strapless won the Hunter Classic an unprecedented 4th time with owner Clara Lindner riding.

In 2005, new trophies were added to the AHJF Hunter Classic: The Strapless Challenge Trophy (to the horse who matches Strapless’ unprecedented 4 consecutive wins – along with a cash incentive of $75,000), the Let’s Dance Trophy (in honor of friend and horseman Eugene R. Mische), presented to the winning rider of the Classic and the Mark R. Gregory Memorial Trophy for Excellence to the Best Conditioned and Turned Out Horse in the first round of the Classic.

In 2005, The World Championship Hunter Rider World Cup Team Hunter Challenge was held on April 23 during the World Cup Finals, at the Las Vegas Thomas and Mack Center. In 2007 a Rematch took place. The competition was composed of one team of four riders from Europe competing against a team of riders from the USA (the past four Professional WCHR National Champions—Peter Pletcher, Scott Stewart, Louise Serio and John French). The event gave the hunter sport the opportunity to be showcased to an international audience. In 2005, the Europeans won but in 2007, the US riders were victorious.

In 2007, Bowling for Equestrians was a new concept developed as an annual fundraiser for the AHJF’s Emergency Relief Fund.

In 2008, Sandy Ferrell won the WCHR Pro Finals.

In 2009, Kelley Farmer rode Early Applause to the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular victory.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HUNTER RIDER AWARDS PROGRAM The annual National and Regional WCHR program is an important part of the AHJF. Professional, Junior and Amateur Riders are invited to compete by qualifying through the WCHR National program throughout the year. A rider’s top four WCHR shows count towards awards in four divisions: Professional, Junior, Amateur and Pony. These riders then compete directly against one another in Challenge Classes at the Capital Challenge Horse Show in Upper Marlboro, MD. In the Professional Division the points from these three components combine to decide the top six riders who then ride off for the WCHR Professional title. Similar to a World Championship, the riders compete over a 3’6” course on each of the four horses. The class is judged by five judges using the open numerical scoring system. The rider with the highest cumulative total is the winner. Along with the trophies and money earned, the winner is also honored with a media campaign sponsorship. The 2008 winner was Sandy Ferrell.

THE AHJF HUNTER CLASSIC SPECTACULAR The annual Hunter Classic Spectacular evening horse show highlighting the dinner in the tent overlooking the main arena is one of the AHJF’s major fundraisers. The first Hunter Classic took place in 1997 and to date this event continues to be a favorite among the hunter riders. The tent filled with sponsors who have purchased tables buzzes with conversation while around the arena friends, family and newcomers watch the nation’s top hunter riders.

Riders qualify throughout the week in the various hunter divisions. Approximately 25 riders compete in this prestigious two-round competition under the lights. The top eight riders come back for a second round and when the two round scores are combined, the winner is the rider with the highest cumulative average. In 1997 Liza Towell rode Monday Morning to the inaugural win. EIizabeth Bross aboard Hudson won in 1998. Clara Lindner negotiated High Hearts to win in 1999. In 2000, it was Cody Baird and Most Wanted and in 2001, 2002 and 2003 Emily Williams rode Strapless to the winning round. In 2004, Strapless again won but this time owner Clara Lindner claimed her second Hunter Classic victory. In 2005, Louise Serio rode Costello to the victory. In 2006, the winner was Sandy Ferrell aboard Late Entry. In 2007, Tim Goguen rode Safari to the winning round. In 2008 the first rider to win would win again. Elizabeth Boyd (nee Towell) rode Fiyero into the Winner’s Circle. In 2009 the win went to Kelley Farmer and Early Applause.

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND Beyond all of the above, the AHJF takes great pride in the many programs it offers, including the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund, which was established in 1995. The AHJF ERF is the benevolent fund of the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation, Inc. It has been established to provide emergency financial support to individuals in the show hunter and jumper sport suffering from an incapacitating illness, catastrophic accident or injury. The Board of the AHJF reviews emergency situations and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The money to fund this program comes from private gifts, WCHR member events, dedicated fundraising events and horse shows willing to encourage exhibitors to make a contribution, such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show, which each year adds a $5 donation to each entry during their one-week show. Donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

Some of the more recent ones are Charles Johnson and Gail Knieriem while fighting and eventually losing their battles with cancer. After Charles passed his wife Mary sent a note that echoes the sentiments of everyone who has received ERF funds. She wrote, “Charles wanted everyone to know that he was grateful for the monetary support. The Foundation’s support gave Charles a sense of being. He was able to contribute to the household bills during his battle with cancer.”

Others who benefitted from the fund include Gerry Briggs, who needed double bypass surgery after a heart attack; Jeff Wirthman, an “R” judge and long-time trainer who underwent multiple surgeries for his hip and back; Annie Casey, a Pennsylvania girl confined to a wheelchair as a result of injuries sustained in a riding accident and Gretchen Tank, a California trainer without any insurance or family, who shattered her knee.

The list continues with Margie McDonald,a trainer who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, which is now in remission; Jack Miller, a highly respected farrier who had no health insurance when he suffered a heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty; Dennis Wilk, a farrier in Ohio, who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an extremely rare form of bone marrow cancer similar to leukemia for which there is no cure; Chip Leonard and Morgan Taylor, hunter/jumper professionals in GA who lost their stable and eight horses in a fire; Tax donations can be sent to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen by calling 508-835-8813, emailing AHJF@earthlink.net or mailing to: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.

AHJF PROFIT SHARING PLAN While the Emergency Relief Fund is one of its most important programs, the AHJF also offers a 401K Profit Sharing Plan designed to address the needs of the industry’s participants.

AHJF 401K Profit Sharing Plan: (AHJF Master 401(K) Profit Sharing Plan) Founded in March of 1994 with the help of Merrill Lynch, this program helps people save money for their future by minimizing income taxes and customizing an approach to saving for their retirement. The Plan offers a selection of affordable, high quality, life management services along with business advice and services for industry reference. The plan is available to equine-related professionals including judges, show managers, trainers, riders, farriers, veterinarians, tack shop owners and more.

IN CONCLUSION The AHJF is a fully operating member and sponsor supported, non-profit organization, which is tax exempt under the IRS 501(c)(3) charitable law. It is the parent organization, which has developed the World Championship Hunter Rider Program (WCHR), a nationally sought after awards program for world-class hunter rider competition. Its mission is to promote the equestrian sport of hunter-jumper competition and address the needs of the industry’s participants. The organization emphasizes integrity, compassion and sportsmanship through its business programs, human services, ethics leadership and education. Since its inception, the AHJF has made great strides. The horses and riders who compete in the hunter divisions are some of the finest competitors in the nation, and they deserve their chance to be noticed. The American Hunter-Jumper Foundation can be contacted at: PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583-0369, Phone: 508835-8813, Fax: 508-835-6125, email: ahjf@earthlink.net.

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AHJF WCHR PROFESSIONAL FINALS PRESS KIT–10/2/09–CAPITAL CHALLENGE, LANDOVER, MARYLAND

THE AHJF’S EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND IS ABOUT COMPASSION, HOPE AND SUPPORT In 2007 Charles Johnson died of lung cancer but while he was going through the struggle the American Hunter-Jumper Foundation’s Emergency Relief Fund was there to help lighten some of the burden. “We had been helping with his monthly expenses,” explained AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla.

While that may seem like a small thing, to someone who has suddenly had their world changed in an instant, monetary support can be a huge boost. AHJF President Geoff Teall has seen the good that the ERF has done. "I think the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund is one of the most important programs in our industry today. We have been able to make a significant difference in the lives of many people at just the moment when they need it the most. Although there are other programs out there, we seem to be able to give a more substantial amount of help, in an unusually timely manner."

After Charles passed his wife Mary sent a note saying, “Charles wanted everyone to know that he was grateful for the monetary support. The Foundation’s support gave Charles a sense of being. He was able to contribute to the household bills during his battle with cancer.”

It is for that exact reason that the ERF was established in 1995 to provide emergency financial support to individuals and families involved in the hunter and jumper sport. Since its inception over $450,000 has been distributed. Jeff Wirthman, an “R” judge and longtime trainer, wrote to the AHJF Board after he was helped by them in 2007 saying, “I want to thank each and everyone for helping me in this terrible time. I could not have survived without your help and am looking forward to getting back to work.” At the time of his letter Jeff had undergone multiple surgeries for his hip and back followed by rehabilitation and was unable to work.

Even though Gail Knieriem, like Charles, eventually lost her battle with cancer, she and her family were thrilled that the AHJF was there to help Gail with her living expenses from March through June because she had been so sick that she was unable to work. Afterwards Gail’s friend Parker Minchin wrote, “… thank you all for the efforts that the AHJF made for Gail. We have asked that … people make donations to the AHJF emergency fund in Gail's memory. I hope your Foundation can get enough donations to pay back the money for some other person needing help. Please know that your help was very much needed … Gail was a wonderful person and a great friend and horsewoman and she touched a lot of lives just as your association and Foundation have done,” Charles, Jeff and Gail are only three examples of many of the worthy people who have benefitted from the ERF. Some of the early recipients include Annie Casey, a Pennsylvania girl confined to a wheelchair as a result of injuries sustained in a riding accident and Gretchen Tank, a California trainer who shattered her knee and had no insurance or family. The Emergency Relief Fund came to the aid of Frank and Candie Owens whose Texas farm sustained major flood damage; Tarah Toler, a 17-year-old Montana girl who suffered severe head injuries when her horse fell and rolled on her; Moira Caffarey, a top-notch groom battling advanced lung and liver cancer; and Larry Larson a California rider and trainer who suffered from a rare and extremely disabling genetic disease known as adrenaleukodystrophy (ALD).

Also receiving assistance was Karen Golding, a USET stable manager, who suffered a badly broken and separated ankle complicated by the fact that she is diabetic; Margie McDonald, a trainer at Creekside Ranch in Woodacre, CA who was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia; Jack Miller, a highly respected farrier who had no health insurance when he suffered a heart attack and underwent emergency angioplasty; and Dennis Wilk, a well-respected farrier, who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an extremely rare form of bone marrow cancer. Chip Leonard and Morgan Taylor, well-known hunter/jumper professionals in Alpharetta, GA, benefited from the fund when they lost their stable, all its contents and eight horses in a fire.

Louise Serio, one of the founders of the AHJF, was the inspiration behind the Emergency Relief Fund. “The ERF was one of the first things we wanted to do with the Foundation after the World Championship Hunter Rider concept was established. We wanted to broaden our scope. It has been one of the most rewarding things that we have done.”

The Board looks at emergency situations, (medical emergency, accident disability or death in the family, drug or alcohol abuse, fire or a disaster) and makes a determination in accordance with the need. The monies come from the AHJF, private gifts and from other donations such as The Capital Challenge Horse Show and each WCHR horse show member event. All donations are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

The ERF Program is only part of what the AHJF offers. The organization was formed in 1992 to further the development of the equestrian sport of show hunter rider and show jumping competition by providing a national office to organize, coordinate and support hunter rider and show jumping equestrian competition. Other programs of the AHJF include the World Championship Hunter Rider Awards, the AHJF BSA Inc. 401k and Profit Sharing Plan. The AHJF also hosts the AHJF/ WCHR Finals (October 2, 2009), the AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular in Florida (February 20, 2010) and “Bowling for Equestrians” a fundraiser for the ERF. Tax donations can be sent to the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund to help fellow horsemen by calling 508-835-8813, emailing AHJF@earthlink.net or mailing: AHJF Relief Fund, PO Box 369, West Boylston, MA 01583.

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