Olympian Peter Wylde showcased Eltham’s power and speed during the 1.40m Open Jumpers on Tuesday at the historic Upperville Colt & Horse Show(UCHS), presented by St. Bride’s Farm, setting the pace to beat as the second to compete during the main event in the Jet Linx Aviation Jumper Ring I. With a clear effort over the first eight fences, Wylde advanced to the second half of the power and speed course with Eltham and laid on the gas, breaking the beam in 29.322 seconds and leaving the rest of the field to chase his time.
Peter Wylde and Eltham. Photo by Phelps Media Group
During the second half of the order, Virginia’s own Kama Godek came within 2/10ths of a second aboard Willink, stopping the clock in 29.573 seconds and leaving all of the fences intact for the second place award. Ramiro Quintana rounded out the top three as the only other athlete to finish with a clear effort in less than 30 seconds, riding Corento VH Dingenshof for Smith Hogan LLC.
Kama Godek and Willink. Photo by Phelps Media Group
Wylde began riding the 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood owned by Kathleen Kamine four years ago and has slowly been developing him in the 6 and 7-year-old jumpers.
“The horse is an amazing horse,” shared Wylde. “He’s really careful; he’s really growing up. He’s going do his first grand prix on Thursday, the [$30,000 Upperville] National Grand Prix. He’s just the kind of horse that can win a class like that nicely without it being a big deal. I wanted to practice turning and going a little bit with him. He’s so fun to ride. He’s one of my favorite horses and it’s just easy for him. He’s a special horse and a horse for the future.”
Wylde and his team plan on spending two weeks at Grafton Farms to complete Upperville and the Loudoun Benefit Show the week after. “I love it here. I love the area. The horse show is fantastic. We came two years ago and loved it. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to come last year, but we are super happy to be back here again. We brought 25 horses here, so we’re quite busy. I have all of my students here as well as six horses to ride for myself. It’s exciting.”
The 1.40m Open Jumpers will highlight the Upperville Colt & Horse Show once again on Wednesday before the FEI CSI4* show jumping action begins on Thursday with the $35,000 Upperville Speed Stakes CSI4*, presented by Valley Proteins, Inc. The Grand Hunter Championship will also be presented on Wednesday, while the week’s highlight hunter event will be Saturday’s $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, sponsored by Salamander Resort & Spa.