Skip to content

Lexington Junior League - Wednesday Morning



The threat of rain held off but left clouds covering the sky providing a cool morning for what was primarily a group of junior exhibitor classes. Starting off the morning season once again was the equitation division with the 12 and 13 year-old riders making the first gate call. Belle Owen was in top form earning all three votes for the win aboard Chanti’s Prayer. Under the direction of Sugar Knoll, Taylor Newton captured the reserve title.

Next in was the well-filled Hackney Pleasure Driving Pony qualifier. The sporty Mastercraft’s Namesake LF with Stephany Monteleone bested the competition. Garnering the red streamers along with a first place vote was Early Edition with Jane Mueller. Rounding out the top three was Heartland Triple Crown with Heidi Bowie.

The junior exhibitors were back to the ring for their 14-and-Under Three-Gaited Show Pleasure qualifier. The flashy CF Chief’s Moody Man was victorious with Kathryn Combs effortlessly maneuvering through the traffic. Evil Cat and Hannah Houske were called for the reserve with CH Harlem’s Moving Man and Taylor Lafargue rounding out the top three along with a first place vote.

Two young riders marched through the gate for the 11-and-Under Saddle Seat Equation. With confidence Gavin Gagnon had a solid performance for the win under the direction of the Fairfield South team. Courtney McGinnis graciously accepted the reserve ribbon aboard Amandari.

Equitation continued to hold the spotlight with six polished riders making the gate call for the UPHA Senior Challenge Cup. After assertive rail work and a solid pattern, Faye Wuesthofen secured the top spot under the DeLovely banner. From Fairfield South, Kimberlee Meserve carried the red ribbon out with Nicole Ferszt from Cape Cod earning a strong third.

The walk-and-trot riders made their first appearance on the Red Mile for their UPHA 9-and-10 Year-Old Challenge Cup. After rail work and lineup evaluation was completed, a thrilled Aleia Brown was called to the winner’s circle. Brown captured all three judges’ vote with her poised performance, all the while enjoying every pass, under the direction of Cape Cod. Fresh off wins at Midwest and Lawrenceburg, Madison Peyton Miller garnered the red streamers for the Reiser Stables banner. From Cash Lovell Stables, Ellie Kangur accepted the yellow streamers.

Seventeen teams made the call fro the Junior Exhibitor Country Pleasure. Continuing their successful season, Ooh La Latte and Sarah Lawson were pleasure perfect topping the competitive class for James Lawson. From Reiser Stables, Simply Striking and Lindsay Hensler worked the ring well for the red streamers. The bright and talented Crimson Blue with Brittany Baird earned a strong third with a first place vote.

The youngest group of the show hit the ring next with five 8-and-under riders competing for their UPHA Walk-and-Trot Challenge Cup. Directed by team DeLovely, Macey Joan Miles unanimously won the blue ribbon aboard CH Callaway’s Coraleen. Molly Codeanne with her new partner, Platinum Asset, captured the reserve title with Allie Poovey rounding out the top three.

The Junior Exhibitor Five-Gaited Show Pleasure closed out the schedule with hard riding group bursting through the gate. When all the work was completed, it was the athletic CH Sunken Treasure with Drew Taylor Hewitt called to the winner’s circle. Brittany Baird presented the eye-catching My Pepper Ann to the reserve for Toni Nastali with Future and Kelsey Nelson earning third for Doug Nelson and Carol Graham.

More Stories

  • From the Desk of Edward R. “Hoppy” Bennett

    Dear Members of The American Saddlebred Community, 

    As predicted, we have received pushback from various members of the Saddlebred industry, namely the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA).  When we made our decision to replace the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) with Equine Sports Council (ESC), we were aware of and discussed this pushback and moved forward with the changes, knowingly.

    Read More
  • River Ridge Is USEF Lite Rated

    Barbara Dunham, manager of the River Ridge Charity Horse Show, announced that the show has been granted USEF Lite status for its April 24-27 event at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    In response to recent developments surrounding the World's Championship Horse Show (WCHS), the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is pleased to announce the launch of a dedicated webpage to serve as a news hub for its members. This webpage will provide timely updates and information as the situation evolves. Read More
  • Morgan Grand National Update On New Coliseum

    The Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show is one step closer to the beginning of a new era as progress on the new state-of-the-art coliseum in Oklahoma City continues on schedule. Read More
  • Update On Citrus Cup Regional - New Venue and Dates For 2024

    Join in for fun in the sun at Citrus Cup at its new location, the fabulous World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, on April 24-27, 2024. Fay Lowry will be judging all main ring classes. The new revised class schedule includes classes for Morgans, Saddlebreds, Hackney, Harness Pony, Open breed, carriage, ranch riding, and dressage divisions. Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    Many of you received an email today from David Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues, that indicates a decision has already been made by the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) to change the governance of the World's Championship Horse Show from the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).  Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) is extending the National and National Amateur Futurity weanling nomination deadline until May 1, 2024... Read More
  • ASHBA Special Release

    The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) has given the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB) notice to terminate its 1995 agreement with the KSFB to provide support to the World’s Championship Horse Show (WCHS). The termination notice was hand delivered to the KSFB on Friday, March 15. Read More
  • FoalsNFocus – Week 1

    Here we are again, springtime. With the warmer temperatures and the greening of the landscape comes one of the most exhilarating times of the year for horsemen and women, foaling season! Hopes and dreams literally come to life. Read More
  • Latest Issue 3 18 24

    Read More