Penny Lombardo and Cartier R Capture USHJA Hunter 2’9” Championship
The USHJA Hunter 2’9” division awarded its championship tricolor to Penny Lombardo and Cartier R, an entry of Jenny Sutton, early on Thursday morning. The pair impressed the judges for the final week at the WEF by winning two blue ribbons, a fourth, and a fifth over fences in addition to taking fifth place in the under saddle.
Penny Lombardo and Cartier R. Photo by Sportfot Photography
When asked about her history with this mount in particular, the professional of Loxahatchee, FL, said, “I’ve ridden him for two seasons now, and he is lovely. Like many, he was a jumper before Jenny got him, so we have been working on getting him to understand that he can go slow and be quiet to the jumps, and he has done that beautifully this year. For a stallion, he is actually very easy-going, good-minded, and naturally rather quiet.”
The 9-year-old Holsteiner has accompanied Lombardo as well as his owner in the ring for two consecutive years. Lombardo added that today’s double win was a special triumph for herself as well as great preparation for the young stallion, who will continue to compete with Sutton in the Low Adult Hunter 2’6” division.
“It’s a great feeling to have the opportunity to ride nice horses for nice people like this, and it feels wonderful to win both classes today, especially since it’s the last week,” said Lombardo. “Every year, I feel like this show helps me both as a rider and as a professional. The WEF series allows me to be able to bring out the green horses and to be able to perfect the rides on them so that they can jump as well as they can. It’s a great opportunity to set them up for the summer.”
Jennifer Hannan secured reserve honors aboard Namaste, owned by Cynthia Sulzberger, with two first-place finishes over fences.
Katie Jacobs-Robinson and Rocklyn are Victorious in Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Over 35
Katie Jacobs-Robinson piloted Rocklyn, an entry of Robinson Ridge LLC, to the championship tricolor early on Saturday morning in the Hunt Ltd. Amateur-Owner Over 35 3’6” division. The duo has been together for two years and clinched the win with a blue ribbon under saddle and a first, first, and fifth over fences.
“This is his first championship at the 3’6” height, so I am thrilled,” said Jacobs-Robinson of the seven-year-old Zangersheide gelding. “Although it’s week twelve, this is really only week three for me. He had a little bruise at the beginning of circuit, so we were out for a bit, but he is back in shape now, and we are happy to be back in the ring.”
Katie Jacobs-Robinson and Rocklyn. Photo by Sportfot Photography
Jacobs-Robinson, of East Aurora, NY, competed with Rocklyn at the 3’3” height last year and has been focusing on giving the young gelding a pleasant and educational experience for his second time here at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
“He is young, so he makes some silly mistakes sometimes,” said Jacobs-Robinson. “He is still just a first year horse, so he can spook at something he’s passed 15 times, but he tries really hard, and he is always a pleasure to ride. Going into today, I just wanted to get down the lines evenly and make it smooth.”
Katie Jacobs-Robinson and Rocklyn in their presentation with Gretchen Hunt of Hunt Ltd. Photo by Sportfot Photography
Becky Gochman and Dominik, owned by Gochman Sport Horses LLC, took reserve honors with a first, second, third, and seventh over fences in addition to a second in the under saddle.