Wellington, FL- February 21, 2010 – The Bainbridge AHJF/WCHR Hunter Spectacular Week concluded today with Pony and Adult Amateur Hunter classics. The classics took place in the E.R. Mische Hunter Field and the Rost Arena.

The Peggy Cone Memorial Adult Amateur Hunter Classic took action in the E.R. Mische Hunter Field this afternoon. The top 30 scores from the first over fences round in the three different Adult Amateur Hunter age groups advanced to the second round of the classic.

Sandra Epstein rode Taylor Sutton’s Little Blue Box to victory this afternoon in the Peggy Cone Memorial Adult Amateur Hunter Classic. The duo had a combined score of 174 for the win over Jeanne Fogel, who rode Avery Waite’s Game Point to the second place, and Sarah Sturges aboard Melissa Ott’s Nicole, who received the third place honors.

This was only Epstein’s second weekend in the show ring aboard Little Blue Box, and the pair earned scores of 84 and a 90 to secure the win today. “I’ve only gotten a 90 one other time, so it was very exciting to get that 90,” said an elated Epstein.

Epstein is undefeated with Little Blue Box so far, and took the Camping World Adult Amateur Hunter 51 & Over Championship last week, as well as being awarded the co-grand championship today.

“After the first round I felt I did well, but the first fence was a little quiet. My plan (in the second round) was to pick up a nice canter and hunt down to the first jump, keep it even, keep the pace, and let her do her job, which she does so well,” Epstein noted of her performance today.

Epstein was thrilled with her mount, and was very thankful for the ride on the nine-year-old mare this weekend. “She is very straightforward. I just keep steering her straight and make sure she’s straight for her lead changes, and then she’s right there. She’s an amazing mare to ride,” Epstein explained.

The World Championship Hunter Rider week at the FTI WEF is one of the most prestigious hunter competitions in the country. “WCHR week is special because everybody tries to bring their best horses, and they all come. There are more horses, more riders, and the competition is fierce. The prizes are very good, and it’s just special that way,” Epstein acknowledged.

The Peggy Cone Memorial Adult Amateur Hunter Classic is in memory of equestrian Carol Cone’s, late sister, Peggy. Epstein said of her classic win, “It’s very special because I’m friends with Carol Cone, and (this class) is dedicated to her sister. It’s a very special class. There are a lot of people that ride in it, and a lot of people who would like to be on top, so I feel very fortunate to be there.”

Little Blue Box is trained by Ken and Emily Smith at Ashland Farm, and when Epstein rides him she is assisted by her trainer, Lyman T. Whitehead. Epstein complimented Little Blue Box, and said “I’d like to thank that horse for being so good today. She’s really an awesome ride, she’s a lot of fun.”

Excerpt from article by Clara Lindner for Equestrian Sport Productions. 

Photo Credit: Sandra Epstein Captures the Peggy Cone Memorial Adult Amateur Hunter Classic Aboard Little Blue Box. © 2010 Randi Muster/Mustphoto, Inc., www.mustphoto.com, Official Sport Photographer of the 2010 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.