Jessica Cherry and Blue Note. Photo © Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Wellington, FL – January 17, 2016 – It was a close battle in the amateur ring on Sunday at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Losing one over fences class due to inclement weather, many hunter divisions concluded with only three jumping classes.
Earning 16 points over the two days of competition, Jessica Cherry took home the tricolor honors aboard longtime mount, Blue Note. Nancy Hooker, earning 15 points on Castlewalk, settled for the reserve honors in the Karina Brez Jewelry Amateur Owner Hunter 3’3″ Over 35 division.
Cherry of Ridgefield, CT, trains with Lyman Whitehead. She was quick to credit all of her success with Blue Note to her trainer. Having trained the horse from an early age, Lyman and Cherry have the benefit of knowing the horse quite well. Now at 13 years old, Cherry and the Holsteiner gelding make a formidable veteran pair.
“He is cocky in the best way possible,” Cherry laughed while explaining the gelding’s quirky personality. “I feel fantastic,” she added about winning today’s top honors.
A serious illness sidelined Cherry from competition for almost two years. That is why this win is “extra special,” she explained. Quick to compliment her partner, Blue Note, Cherry remarked, “He’s just such a special horse. He can go straight from his stall to the show and he’s perfect.”
Cherry plans to continue showing throughout the 12-week circuit.
Jessica Cherry and Blue Note with sponsor Karina Brez and trainer T. Lyman Whitehead. Photo © Sportfot, An Official Photographer of the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Hunter, jumper, and equitation competition continues at the second week of WEF on January 20-24. For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Source: Jennifer Wood and Callie Seaman for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.