Classic Champions Developing Jumper Finals Kick Off in the Rolex Stadium at Kentucky National Horse Show

LEXINGTON - KY– Sept.. 18, 2019 - Wednesday morning kicked off the first day of competition for the Classic Champions Developing Jumper Finals as a featured event of the Kentucky National Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park. Wednesday’s format was used as a warmup for young horses ranging in ages from 4 to 7 and allowed them to become familiar with the expansive and beautiful setting in the Rolex Stadium.

Divisions were split into 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-old classes running consecutively on Wednesday and Thursday with a hiatus Friday and the finals taking place Saturday.

The 4-year-old Jumpers were the first to debut in the arena. The class was held as an exhibition format and the horses were judged and scored on style, rideability, quality of canter and overall potential for a future in the sport. The young mounts were encouraged to take their rounds as an opportunity to become familiar with the arena and to successfully get around a course in a relaxed manner

David O'Brien and Orwell SCF were clear in the 5-year-old divsion. Photo By EQ Media

“This format is really great,” said Taylor Flury, who exhibited all the competing 4 year olds. “Young horses need opportunities here in the United States. They need to be tested but in situations where they can be successful so it builds their confidence.

“Cynthia [Hampton] has developed a great program that gives the horses a good experience,” Flury said. “It really sets them up for the future. I appreciate someone caring and giving us the opportunity to show and campaign young horses here in the States.”

Charlie Jayne Vermont ODF (Klotaire Du Moulin x Valeska V/D Wolfgakker)
earned a blue ribbon in the 6-year-old division. Photo By EQ Media

“Most of the horses here won’t have been in this arena before,” said Tom Holden, course designer for the championships and vice president of Classic Champions.

“We wanted to give them a nice big tour of the arena, so from the first to second fence you had a nice long nine or 10-strides and keep it simple. We placed 10 fences, 11 efforts total, (for the 4-year-olds) but not too much because they are going to jump again on Thursday and Saturday. Our main goal is to educate these horses and get them into the arena where they are enjoying themselves and it feels good to them.”

Emma Irwin and Chacothago had an impressive blue-ribbon round in the 7-year old division. Photo by EQ Media

Classic Champions Developing Jumper Finals will resume at the Kentucky Horse Park Thursday, Sept. 19 in the Rolex Stadium.