Some of the best junior hunter riders took to the Rost Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center on March 16 to see who would be named champion of the Bruno Delgrange Large Junior Hunter 16-17 3’6” division during Week 10. Hot off the heels of her major success during WCHR Hunter Week, Jordan Allen of West Bloomfield, MI, piloted Chevito to the champion title on a total of 28.00 points.
Jordan Allen and Chevito. Photo © Sportfot
Allen and the Rock Ridge Farms’ nine-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Chepetto x Vita Vi) have only been paired since Week 7 of the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), but the two have already hit their stride under the tutelage of Ashland Farms and Brady Mitchell.
“He’s always so reliable and well-behaved, so I’m very lucky to be able to ride him,” Allen commented.
Allen has had many successes over the past ten weeks of the winter circuit and says her goal is to aim for a strong finish before heading back to Kentucky.
“I have a group of really amazing horses right now, so I just need to make sure that I continue to do well for them,” she said. “I’m incredibly blessed to be able to ride with Ashland and have Brady Mitchell helping me. They are like family to me.”
Jordan Allen and Chevito with Brady Mitchell in their championship presentation. Photo © Sportfot
The next task on Allen’s agenda is preparing for the George H. Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship that will take place during Week 11 of WEF. The championship will consist of 40 top junior equitation riders that have previously won a USEF Hunt Seat Medal, ASPCA Maclay, USEF Talent Search, or WIHS Hunter or Jumper Phase class during circuit or the Holiday and Horses Horse Show.
Ava Stearns and Cartello Z ended their day on a total of 22.00 points which was good enough to earn the reserve champion title. She and the 10-year-old Zangersheide gelding owned by Caroline Lloyd picked up ribbons of first, second, third, and fourth.
The Champion Equine Insurance Hunter Style Award was also presented to the winner of the Large Junior Hunter 16-17 3’6” handy round, Ellie Ferrigno on Trending.