Christina Schlusemeyer (from left), USEF’s Lauren Fahey and her trainer Emily SmithSAUGERTIES, NEW YORK (August 7, 2008) – After three days of exciting competition, a new champion was crowned when Jennifer Waxman rode her mount Red Panda to the Grand Championship at the 2008 East Coast USEF Junior Hunter Championship on Wednesday afternoon at HITS Saugerties.
The Ohio native used an overall score of 87.63 aboard Red Panda, who is owned by John Ingram, in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 Division to win the title. “Jen rose to the occasion,” said trainer Emily Smith. “It was a new venue for Red Panda and that horse put its entire heart into it.”
“I started riding him a few months ago,” said Waxman. “It has really worked out well. The courses were really hard for the finals. But I thought that was good because it divided the people competing easily.”
Taking the honors of Reserve Grand Champion was North Country, piloted by Johanna Hyyppa. Hyyppa, who is trained by Andre Dignelli of Heritage Farms, had an overall score of 85.63 in the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 Division. Other division winners include Caprice, with Genevieve Zock in the irons, who won the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under Division and The War Dress Memorial Trophy for the Leading Mare. Taking the top honors in the Small Junior Hunter 15 & Under Division was Corvette Z, who was owned and ridden by Samantha Schaefer, while Christina Gellos and Sirius Black earned the Reserve Champion in that division.
Other Reserve Champions included Caitlin Hope and Lyle in the Small Junior 16-17 Division, Adrienne Sternlicht and Mimosa in the Large Junior 15 & Under Division and Taylor Brown and Bering C in the Large Junior 16-17 Division.
“It was very competitive,” said Smith, who operates Ashland Farm with her husband Ken. “I thought it was wonderful. Everyone here was very accommodating and friendly. It was a job well done by everyone involved.”
“This year’s competition not only had an increased number of riders, but also had high caliber riders,” said Marion Maybank, USEF’s Director of Hunter Divisions and coordinator for the Finals. “Jerry Dougherty’s fantastic courses were flowing and really gave the kids a chance to be sharp and demonstrate to the judges the skills that got them here.”
“My trainers, Ken and Emily Smith, are amazing,” said Waxman. “I also want to give special thanks to John Ingram. Winning this title was certainly a team effort.”