JULY 30, 2011 – LEXINGTON, KY – The clouds loomed over the Kentucky Horse Park threatening rain throughout the morning and following through on the threat late in the afternoon. Many of the riders from the Junior Hunter divisions continued riding in the downpour; however, moods were not dampened from the rain as the championship and reserved championship awards were announced. The best horse and rider combinations competed for top honors in their respective honors in the Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, a World Champion Hunter Rider event.

After the rain cleared and the sun began to appear again, Shawn Casady, riding Vida Blue, owned by Elm Rock LLC of Bronxville, NY, stole the spotlight and earned the championship award for the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division. The talented duo made their appearance known when they swept the over fences classes in the division over the last two days. “Vida Blue has an amazing feel at every jump,” Casady said. “She went around in there and left probably a foot over every jump. It’s amazing to feel her give that much effort at every fence.”

Casady first began showing Vida Blue for Leah DeMartini while she was away at school. The duo has formed quite the partnership, and will continue competing together during the Indoor circuit. “They have been kind enough to let me show her through the season and next year,” he said. “She’s a phenomenal horse and thanks to everybody who puts all this together for me and allows me to do what I love.”

Casady also earned the reserved championship award aboard Inside Scoop, owned by Chloe D. Reid LLC of Washington, D.C. After earning a first place ribbon, a second place ribbon and a fourth place ribbon in the division yesterday, he followed though confidently to attain another fourth place ribbon today. “I don’t know too much about Inside Scoop because I just rode him for the first time yesterday, but he’s very sweet, very soft,” said Casady. “He has a great disposition in the ring and is a fabulous horse.”