JULY 29, 2011 – LEXINGTON, KY – It was another day of nothing but sunshine at the Kentucky Horse Park for the Kentucky Summer Show. Today featured the Junior Hunters in the Stonelea Ring, where the top horse and rider combinations competed for top honors in their respective division. This week is World Champion Hunter Rider event, and the second class of each division was judged for the valuable points that towards to year-end awards.

Shawn Casady, riding Vida Blue, owned by Elm Rock LLC of Bronxville, NY, earned three blue ribbons for their great rounds in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunter division. “Vida Blue warmed up really nicely, I thought she jumped really nicely in the schooling area,” said Casady. “She went in, and she had the same feel in the ring. She was really taking her time and jumping slow. She jumps amazing, so I just try and keep her in a nice box, between my hand and leg in a very soft way. Very soft feel, very open canter but really coming from behind in every step.”

Tomorrow, in the Stonelea Arena, the Junior Hunter divisions will conclude and award championship and reserve championship honors to the top horse and rider combinations. The Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions will also begin, with championship honors being determined on Sunday. The exciting week of competition during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will conclude with the USHJA National Hunter Classic on Sunday.