Brian Moggre and MTM Flutterby. PC: Sassy Strides Photography
The first event of the Junior Jumper championship saw 30 young riders and their mounts vie for top honors in the $3,750 Junior Jumper Speed Stake to wrap-up competition in the Dixon Oval on Thursday.
For the second year in a row, 15-year-old Brian Moggre and his 9-year-old Thoroughbred mare, MTM Flutterby, owned by Major Wager LLC, took home the opening day win.
“I’ve been riding her for about two and a half years now.” Brian said after his win. “She won the $250,000 Junior Jumper Prix at HITS Saugerties in September. She is amazing. We bought her originally as an investment horse and we were going to bring her up and sell her. As soon as I rode her and started jumping the bigger jumps, I knew I had to keep her. She stayed and she has been incredible.”
Course designer Kelvin Bywater set a challenging first day track, which saw nine finish clear with no faults.
Moggre’s time proved unbeatable throughout the class after crossing the finish line in 55.926 seconds as fifth in the order-of-go. Alexandra Pielet and Co-Pielet, LLC’s Helene Ve finished just one second behind Moggre in 56.803 seconds for second place honors.
Alexandria Priet and Helene V. PC: Sassy Strides Photography
Taylor St. Jacques, who has has a spectacular beginning to her week at Devon with wins in the Medal and the WIHS classes, and her own Qantar Des Etisses rounded out the top three in 60.910 seconds.
Taylor St. Jacques and Qantar Des Etisses. PC: Sassy Strides Photography
Taylor St. Jacques and Qantar Des Etisses. PC: Sassy Strides Photography
The Junior Jumpers will compete again on Friday, and the champion will be crowned after Saturday night’s Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic as junior riders continue to take center stage throughout the weekend.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Brian Moggre
On his plan for the week ahead:
“We kept her a little fresh today just to see how she was going to be. She jumped around great and I am feeling really confident for this week.”
On the Devon Horse Show:
“This horse show is just so special because everyone is here, whether it’s my best friends, trainers or sponsors. It’s such a communal area and to win a class at a show like this really means a lot.”
The winners share a moment of camaraderie and sportsmanship. PC: Sassy Strides Photography
1. MTM Flutterby / Brian Moggre / Major Wager LLC / 0 / 55.926