French, Iwasaki, Wasserman Among Blenheim Spring Series Award Winners

April 18, 2017 – San Juan Capistrano, CA – Another exceptional way to celebrate a top-notch Spring Series was to congratulate all the Leading Hunter Riders from the four weeks with awards presented by Romfh Equestrian Apparel. Seven riders were recognized in eight categories for their outstanding achievements in the hunter ring this spring.

On Thursday, John French was awarded the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading Professional Hunter Rider Award for accumulating the most points in the professional hunter sections. Well-deserved, French was in the saddle quite a bit during the three weeks he competed, and also often lead the jog. In those three weeks, he won over 50 classes and picked up numerous tri-color ribbons.

“It’s nice to be recognized for all the horses successes,” said French. “It was a great Spring Series, especially WCHR week. I had the opportunity to do some catch rides on some wonderful horses. Thanks to ROMFH, Blenheim EquiSports, and all the horse owners.”

Christina Smith is the Romfh Leading Adult Rider

After a 20-year hiatus from the show ring, Christina Smith is making a name for herself in the Adult Amateur Hunter division. Returning with aplomb, Smith claimed the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading Adult Hunter Rider Award. Over three weeks of competing she took home a bucket full of blue ribbons, including an Adult Classic win.

“I was really honored and excited to win the award, especially with the level of competition that came out for these shows,” said Smith. “I felt like it wasn’t just a win for me, but for my whole [Joie Gatlin-Morley Abey Show Jumping] team, including Joie and Morley, our grooms and my barn mates. Blenheim does a great job making awards special and meaningful.”

Taking home two Romfh awards from the series, young phenom Augusta Iwasaki led the pack in both the ponies and the juniors. Also in the tack quite a bit over three weeks, she won upwards of 40 classes on several different mounts. With a natural feel, she is certainly one to watch.

Alexis Meadows and Laura Romfh

One of the many awards Alexis Meadows earned while competing in the 2017 Blenheim Spring Series was the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunter Award for her outstanding two week run with her two mounts, Antwerp and Lugano, in the 3’3″ Amateur Owner Hunters. Meadows accumulated two sets of tri-colors and two classic wins during Spring Classic III and IV. Plus she wrapped up a superb series by winning every class during Spring Classic IV!

“My horse Antwerp was incredible during week three and a dream to ride. Then it was Lugano’s birthday during the final week of the Spring Series, so I think he decided to give himself a nice present! I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the team at Joie Gatlin-Morley Abey Show Jumping, all of the generous sponsors, and to the show management for these awards and experience.”

Allison Fithian with Laura Romfh

From being crowned the High Point Amateur Rider in the USHJA International Hunter Derby to winning the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading 3’6″ Amateur Owner Hunter Award, Allison Fithian had a banner Blenheim Spring Series and Spring Classic IV.

Stella Wasserman accepts her award with Fine Design and trainer Archie Cox

The Wasserman family also had a great Spring Series, with success in the show ring as well as earning several special awards. Stella Wasserman still loves ponies, but is also winning in the junior hunter division on her adorable horse Fine Design.

She was presented with the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading 3’3″ Junior Hunter Rider Award after earning wins and top ribbons during Blenheim Spring Classic III and IV. This is only the beginning of her years of success in the junior hunters.

Katalina Rickard and Primetime

Also growing up and competing on horses is Katalina Rickard, winner of the Romfh Equestrian Apparel Leading Children’s Hunter Rider Award. With a 90 point total Rickard and Prime Time stole the show in the Younger Children’s Hunters throughout the Blenheim Spring Series.

Kate Considine, Rickard’s trainer and mom, was both proud and thankful. “Amazing job, Kata and Primetime! Thank you Blenheim for such a fantastic award and thank you, Hannah Cutt and Marjorie for this opportunity.”

For their efforts each rider earned a $250 Romfh Gift Certificate and Leading Rider Sash. Romfh founder and head designer, Laura Romfh, awarded all recipients on Saturday, certainly an honor for all winners.

Blenheim EquiSports is proud to recognize these riders alongside Romfh, which is celebrating its 21st year of offering performance equestrian clothing. Great job and congratulations to all!