Exclusive Interview with Trainer Abby Blankenship
Abby Blankenship has more than 25 years of experience in the hunter/jumper industry. After winning the 1994 USET Talent Search Final – East, she went on to work with top industry leaders including Mindy Darst and Polly Howard. In 2019, Blankenship opened her own business, Three Ships LLC, to pursue her passion of helping clients grow into successful riders at all levels. Additionally, Blankenship is a USEF “R” judge and was selected to judge an ASPCA Maclay Regional Championship in 2020.
Abby Blankenship of Three Ships trained Rachel Boggus to victory in the 2014 Ariat National Adult Medal Final.
Photo by Jump Media
When did you first come to Capital Challenge Horse Show?
I have been coming to CCHS for about 30 years.
What is your fondest memory of being at the show?
It’s hard to pick my fondest memory from Capital Challenge because I have a lot of good ones! We’ve been fortunate to have had a lot of success there, so I’d say winning there is a good memory because every class presentation is important.
What is special about Capital Challenge to you?
Capital Challenge provides a unique atmosphere for showing. Every class feels important, even if it’s not one you had to qualify for to compete. It is the first event of the fall indoor tour, and they do a fantastic job of making it stand out and feel special.
Blankenship's student, Taylor Landstrom, won the 2024 NAL Medium Junior/Amateur Jumper Classic at CCHS.
Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
How is Capital Challenge beneficial to you as a trainer?
As a trainer, I think Capital Challenge is beneficial because it brings together so many different groups of competitors at the same show. It opens the door to competing against different people, observing training techniques that you may not have encountered before, and creating buying and selling opportunities that are harder to find at other indoor shows.
Why do you return every year?
Anyone who knows me would say it’s for the French toast casserole breakfast on the second Saturday of the show every year! But really, I come back every year because I love competing there. The management, gate people, hospitality, awards people, course designers, and announcers are all at the top level and that makes for a great show (with the casserole as a bonus 😄).