Athletes taking part in the Equitan Performance Hunter 3’6” division returned to the E.R. Mische Grand Hunter Field on Thursday, March 7, to determine the champion and reserve of Week 9. Jacob Pope of Columbia, MD, bested a field of 28 horse-and-rider combinations to take the lead on Kathryn Brown’s Bourbon Street with a total of 28 points.
Jacob Pope and Bourbon Street. Photo © Sportfot
The pair have been teammates for several years with trainer Heather Irvine who has had Bourbon Street under her tutelage since he was roughly five years old. While the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding was not Pope’s only ride in the division, he says he is by far one of his favorites.
“He’s pretty awesome,” Pope commented. “He has one of the most rhythmical canters I’ve ridden, which is always something I am looking for. His canter never changes so the jumps just show up, and then he jumps incredibly.”
The duo picked up placings of one first and three second places which gave them the lead for the championship.
“He’s an all-around pretty cool guy,” Pope commented of the gelding. “He mostly just shows with his owner in the junior hunters, but I’m lucky enough to be able to get to take him into the Performance Hunters to get him ready for her.”
Jacob Pope, Bourbon Street, and team with Bobbi Rottman of Equitan in the championship presentation. Photo © Sportfot
The reserve championship was awarded to Havens Schatt and Tracey Scheriff-Muser’s 10-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Balou De Rouet x Vorbuch Wonneke), Aristocrat. They placed first and third over fences.
The Champion Equine Insurance Hunter Style Award, presented by Laura Fetterman was also awarded during the Performance Hunter 3’6” division to young professional Victoria Colvin and Adelina. The 10-year-old Westphalian mare (Quicksilber x Bardossa) is owned by Arriana Boardman of New York, NY.