The first set of Week Six’s hunter champions was crowned Thursday, August 6 at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, presented by CaptiveOne Advisors LLC, as horse-and-rider pairs put on their best performances for the final week of the series. The Performance 3’6” Hunter division saw Brian Moggre and MTM Page 6, owned by Marnell Sport Horses, take the cake following two days of consistent performances, while Jodi Vazquez piloted Keri Kampsen’s San Diego to the overall victory in the Performance 3’3” Hunters.
Brian Moggre on MTM Page 6. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
In the Performance Hunters that jumped the higher 3’6” height, Moggre and MTM Page 6 earned points in all five classes of competition and topped the scorecard twice. Starting strong in the first portion of the divisional contest Wednesday, the duo earned two blue ribbons in the under saddle and over fences to emerge as the early frontrunners, and bolstered their success with a third-place finish in the handy. Returning to the ring Thursday for the final two jumping classes, Moggre jockeyed MTM Page 6 to results of second place and sixth place to add a few more points to their name. Thanks to their steady finishes over two days of riding, the partnership earned the top spot on the leaderboard to be named the division champions.
Over The Top Stables LLC’s Ferrari carried Lourdes De Guardiola to the reserve championship title. Similar to their counterparts, De Guardiola and Ferrari garnered ribbons in all five classes, never placing below fourth. Their shining performance came Thursday when they placed first over fences, but the combination was awarded second place in the handy and under saddle in addition to two fourth-place results in the remaining classes to earn even more points.
Jodi Vazquez on San Diego. Photo by Andrew Ryback Photography.
With Vazquez aboard, San Diego showcased his talents in the Performance 3’3” Hunters to the tune of four top placings that ultimately earned him the division tricolors. During the first day of competition, the skilled pair caught the judges eye and were rewarded for their efforts with first place in the hack and second place over fences to start the week with momentum. They trotted into the Polk Family Hunter Ring twice more for over fences classes Thursday, earning points for their first-place and third-place performances. With four top-three results under their belt, two of which were victories, Vazquez and San Diego easily claimed the overall title.
Jennifer Nadalin navigated Owen Gajoch’s Maximus L to the runner-up position with ribbons in all five classes. The team garnered second place over fences and under saddle, plus also had third-, fourth- and sixth-place finishes to add to their total number of point-earning trips. With five top finishes to their name, the pair slid into the reserve championship position.
Hunter competition will continue throughout the weekend, with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and Platinum Performance Hunter Horse of the Week award both taking place Sunday, August 9.