Wellington, FL – February 5, 2016 –Amy Heckler topped the Triple Crown Blankets Adult Amateur Hunter 36-49 Section A aboard her own Carfield this Friday afternoon.
Amy Heckler and Carfield. Photo: Sportfot
Heckler, of Wellington, FL, has owned the nine-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding since he was four years old and has piloted him to numerous championship honors during the pre-circuit shows at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Heckler performed consistently this week with her gelding, earning three second-place ribbons and a third over fences. The pair also placed fourth in the under saddle.
Heckler, who took a 25 year hiatus from riding, purchased the gelding five years ago upon her return to show jumping. Training with Jason Clukey at Fox Stone Farm, Heckler has been competing consistently in the Adult Amateur divisions. Her trainer, Clukey, also shows Carfield in the professional divisions.
Heckler enjoys spending her winters in Florida. “This is my fifth winter coming down here,” Heckler commented.
Amy Heckler and Carfield in their championship presentation with trainer Jason Clukey. Photo: Sportfot
“I like that I have to push myself here even though I’m nervous,” she added about the elite level of competition. “It is just a nice feeling of accomplishment,” she explained of her win this week.
The pair has grown to know each other quite well during their five-year partnership. “He does not look at anything, (and) he is a very good boy. He is very easy going and very smart,” Heckler detailed. “He has a lot of personality. It shows in the barn and the ring. I know what he likes to do and what he does not like to do,” she added.
Heckler put in consistent rounds with Carfield over the two days of competition. “Everything just felt easy and relaxed and fun. He was really good,” she said. Her main competition came from Sherri Geddes, who rode Geddaway Farm’s Geddaway to the reserve title. The pair earned second, third, fourth and sixth over fences, and first place in the under saddle.
Carfield will take a week of rest during WEF 5 in preparation for World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week, which takes place at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center during WEF 6.
Hunter competition continues on Saturday, February 6, at PBIEC featuring the Bainbridge Amateur Owner 18-35 Hunters. Jumper action also continues in the International Arena with the $35,000 Suncast® 1.50m Championship Jumper Classic followed by the Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments®, in the evening.
For more information and full results, please visit www.PBIEC.com.
Source: Lauren Fisher and Callie Seaman for Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.