Martha Ingram Adds to Grand Total

For the fourth time and on a fourth horse, Martha Ingram of Nashville, TN, won the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Championship. This year, it came aboard Cheers!, a relatively new ride for Ingram.

The pair was first, first, and second over fences and fourth under saddle in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 18-35 Hunter division, sponsored by Pine Hollow Farm, which also gave them the Grand Amateur-Owner 3’3” Hunter Championship, which is sponsored by Virginia Fout. They were presented with the Missy McCutcheon Memorial Trophy donated by Susie Baker, Dr. Michele Hollis, and John Yozell, and Ingram won the Best Amateur-Owner 3’3” Rider Award, sponsored by The Zuraitis Family. Ingram swept the division by finishing as reserve champion with Romeo.

Martha Ingram took home her fourth grand championship, this time with Cheers!
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Ingram purchased Cheers! before the start of the winter show season in 2026, and they clicked right away. “I think it's a testament to the kind of animal that he is,” said Ingram of the 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding by Casall owned by John & Stephanie Ingram LLC. “He's such a joy to ride. He's really easy to find the jumps on, he's super brave, and he just absolutely walks down the lines. He has a huge stride, especially for him being a relatively little horse. You really do feel like you're flying on him.”

Although Ingram has been honored many times before at Capital Challenge, it’s still “a joy to win.” She continued, “It’s really difficult at a horse show like this where you have 30 of the best horses. On a new partner, it brings new memories and its own set of challenges that you have to overcome, which makes it even more special.”

Martha Ingram took home her fourth grand championship, this time with Cheers!
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography