Stewart Shows How It’s Done – Again
With a first round score of 89.83 and coming back in the lead to dominate round two with a 90.41, Scott Stewart and Cadet, owned by Stephanie Danhakl, won the $25,000 3’ & 3’3” North American Green Hunter Championship presented by The Wheeler Family on a total of 180.24. Close behind in second place were Geoffrey Hesslink and Game On, owned by Kulkin Equestrian, who scored 89.66 and 90 for a 179.66 total. Stewart also picked up third place with Capaldi, owned by Rivers Edge, with scores of 87.83 and 89.33 for a total of 177.16.
Stewart was 12th with Confetti, owned by Bonhuer LLC, and rode another three horses in the class. It was all in a day’s work for Stewart, who has won this class nine other times. Bringing up young horses is Stewart’s passion and he noted that having this championship is a bonus for riders, trainers, and owners. He added, “It’s great to have this showcase.”
Scott Stewart and Cadet led both rounds to win the $25,000 North American Green Hunter Championship. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Cadet, a seven-year-old Zangersheide gelding by Untouchable x Clinton, showed with owner Danhakl earlier in the morning in the Amateur-Owner 3’3” 36 & Over Hunters, which made Stewart and his team wonder if he might be too quiet.
“We were all worried he might be a little bit tired, but going into this ring, I think he perked up a bit,” recalled Stewart, who said that the championship was Cadet’s first time competing in an indoor arena. “I thought his first round was excellent. With the way he goes around, I can just loop the reins at him, which is ideal for a hunter. I think that's why I can win these classes.”
Scott Stewart and Cadet are presented as the winners with Stephanie Danhakl and Douglas Wheeler. Photo by Shawn McMillen Photography
Stewart did not see Hesslink’s ride before he went in for the second round but knew he was winning heading into the ring. “When I went in, I obviously saw he was winning,” he said, “and that perks me up. It makes me sit up and makes me want to gallop a little bit more and try to put on a show. So that's what we did.”
For their win, Stewart and Cadet were presented with The Beverly Brooks Solter Memorial Trophy donated by Hilary Scheer Gerhardt and Zan Martin Dillon.
Additional awards included:
Marshall + Sterling Green Hunter 3’ & 3” Trip of the Show
Sponsored by Marshall + Sterling
Carter, Rein Family LLC, Brady Mitchell: 92.5
Marshall + Sterling Professional Trip of the Show
Sponsored by Marshall + Sterling
Carter, Rein Family LLC, Brady Mitchell: 92.5
Odette, John & Stephanie Ingram LLC, Victoria Colvin: 92.5
Derbydown Trip of the Show
Sponsored by Louise Serio
Odette, John & Stephanie Ingram LLC, Victoria Colvin
American Style of Riding Award – Developing Professional Challenge
Sponsored by Bill Rube
Kelsey Epperson
American Style of Riding Award – Professional Challenge
Sponsored by Bill Rube
Joie Gatlin
Developing Professional High Point Award in Memory of Jeff Wirthman
Awarded to the Developing Professional who receives the highest-scoring round in a Professional division
Sponsored by Sea Change Farm and Sunset View Farm
Positano, Victoria Lacagnina, John Zambrano
Horse Show Hero Award
Sponsored by Bill Rube
Tom Carlson
Tribute Award
Tribute Perpetual Trophy, donated by Scott Stewart and Ken Berkley, Rivers Edge
Crystal Blue, Walkenbach Equestrian LLC, John French
William “Bill” Ellis Horsemanship Award
Sponsored by Julie Karpan and Dr. Robert and Michelle Barber
Dedicated in memory of Bill Ellis for his exceptional commitment to horsemanship, awarded to the best turned out horse in the Green Hunter 3’ & 3’3” North American Championship
Game On, Kulkin Equestrian, Geoffrey Hesslink
