Flowers for San Pedro and Walkenbach

San Pedro 15 stepped into the spotlight this weekend as the handsome bay took home the Overall Grand Junior Hunter 3’6” Champion sponsored by Shadow Ridge. Ridden by Paige Walkenbach and owned by Walkenbach Equestrian LLC, San Pedro 15 was presented with The Spontaneous Perpetual Trophy donated by The Listrani Family, and Walkenbach was named the Best 3’6” Junior Hunter Rider sponsored by Rose Hill Farm LA, LLC. They also won the High Point Junior Hunter 16-17 sponsored by The Bensimon Family.

Also known as “Parker” in the barn, the 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding by Stakkato x Contendro I is one of Walkenbach’s favorite horses, and she was thrilled to see him get his due when his stablemate, Babylon, is often seen with fluttering tricolor ribbons.

“It's really special to win with him,” said Walkenbach, of Paradise Valley, AZ. “I've worked really hard with him over the years. He was a jumper when he was first imported. He was a little spooky and had to get used to the ring and stuff, but he's grown so much. To be able to be a part of his growth has been so special to me over the years. We've created a bond over the years that I think is very special and really rare, and he loves me as much as I love him. Finishing out this last year strong as a junior with him means a lot.”

Paige Walkenbach was excited for San Pedro 15 to step into the spotlight with the Grand 3'6" Junior Hunter championship. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography

Walkenbach is a freshman at Southern Methodist University in Texas and rides for the equestrian team. With her studies and giving her horses time off leading up to the indoor finals circuit, she and Parker hadn’t shown together since the Del Mar Summer Festival at the beginning of August.

“I've been traveling back and forth, and this is my last junior year, so I've just wanted to have a lot of fun with my hunters,” revealed Walkenbach. “I've already accomplished a lot, and I just wanted to kind of take a breath and really enjoy this last indoor season. To be grand champion is really amazing. It's always been a goal of mine at this horse show.”

Walkenbach plans to continue showing in the amateur hunter division next year. “The hunters have a special place in my heart, for sure,” she said.