James Anderson of New York, NY, picked up the Adult Amateur 50 & Over Hunter championship to repeat their week one performance at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Their top placings of three firsts over fences and a second under saddle also gave them the Grand Adult Amateur Hunter championship.
Anderson, who has owned the nine-year-old Westphalian gelding (Rock Forever – Piana) for two years and trains with Jenny Dunion, was thrilled with his horse’s performance over the two weeks.
Forever, ridden by James Anderson of New York, NY, was named Grand Adult Amateur Hunter Champion on Thursday, May 17, during the 2018 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, pictured here with trainer Jenny Dunion, John Talley, and Leo Guevara.
Photo by The Book
“Last week was the first week I’ve been champion at this horse show, so to be champion two weeks in a row and then Grand Champion is amazing,” he expressed. “Showing yesterday, it was our first time in the rain with this horse. He was awesome, super consistent, and we won both of our jumping classes yesterday.”
Anderson described Forever as, “Beautiful, talented, athletic, and he’s really sweet. He’s really the nicest, kindest horse I’ve ever had.”
“I was so proud of both of them,” said Dunion. “I’ve had this horse since he was young. James works so hard at what he does. It’s so nice when it comes together with the results. It’s really special.”
After consistency in the Adult division at the three-foot height for two years, Anderson and Dunion have plans to move up the Amateur-Owner Hunter 3’3” division.
For Dunion, winning is also special thanks to the venue at Old Salem Farm.
She noted, “It’s a local show for us. We’re based in Bedford, NY, in the spring, so it’s really nice to be a part of a hometown show that I’ve been coming to for over 20 years.”
The reserve championship in the Adult Amateur 50 & Over Hunters went to Meredith Lipke riding her own Eleventh Hour. They placed second in two over fences classes and won the under saddle.
Holly Orlando of Wellington, FL, guided True Story to Grand Hunter Champion for the second consecutive week during the 2018 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. Photo by The Book
Also shining in hunter competition, Holly Orlando of Wellington, FL, piloted True Story, owned by Cathy Zicherman, to their second consecutive Grand Hunter Champion title at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows.