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Lexington Junior League - Thursday Morning



Thursday morning’s abbreviated schedule opened up with the Saddle & Bridle’s Pleasure Equitation Medallion. Cara Sivara proved her talents riding Irish’s Earth Wind And Fire with a polished performance under the direction of her west coast trainers, Jennifer Dixon, and east coast trainer, Barbe Smith. From Zubrod Stables, Kristen Smith received the reserve honors along with a first place vote with Amberly Hines earning the yellow ribbon.

A talented group of four Hackney pleasure driving ponies were in next with their junior exhibitor drivers competing for the AHHS Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony Medallion. For the second year in a row the Buffalo Creek trained Motown and Will Mayo were called to the winner’s circle. Reserve honors went to the flashy Cherry Royale with Caroline Rainbolt-Forbes on the line.

Following the ponies was the competitive Adult Country Pleasure Championship. League Of Nations never put an ear back as Carol Hillenbrand piloted him around the track. This sporty horse, with his high head, high step and tons of attitude once again bested the competition. Hillenbrand was so thrilled with her ride she asked John and Tammie Conatser if she could ride him all the way back to the barn. CH Worth A Scene and Emma Nichols pushed every step of the way making great pass after pass. Along with a first place vote, they carried the red streamers back to the Forever Farm banner. A strong third went to the Sunrise Stables team of Showboat’s Boogie Man and Mary Sue Walker.

The junior exhibitors were back this time with their road ponies for the AHHS Road Pony Under Saddle Medallion. Capturing all three judges’ votes, Pure Country with Samantha Johnson made their way to the winner’s circle for Lisa McMackin and Holli McDowell. With his blue and white silks from the Cash Lovell Stables barn colors, Jake Butts captured the reserve for his proud grandmother, Sharon Anderson.

The country pleasure division was back in the spotlight with the junior exhibitor riders vying for their championship title. Once again, the pleasure perfect Ooh La Latte and Sarah Lawson topped the competitive class unanimously for James Williams. Crimson Blue and Brittany Baird moved up a notch from the qualifier receiving the reserve title with Moonstruck In Kentucky and Olivia Strano rounding out the top three.

The morning schedule closed with six poised young ladies riding for the NHS Good Hands. After completion of the rail and pattern work, a thrilled Callie Smith made her way to the winner’s circle. Angela Darrow had a strong performance for the reserve title along with a first place vote with Faye Wuesthofen capturing the yellow.

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