Sophie Gochman and Garfield. PC: The Book LLC
Gochman Sport Horses LLC’s Garfield has been a familiar face throughout the years showcasing his style and natural athleticism in the hunter ring with multiple riders, and in his typical fashion, the chestnut gelding impressed the judges to take home the 2017 Devon Grand Junior Hunter Champion title with his current rider, Sophie Gochman.
It’s safe to say that the 15-year-old Holsteiner knows his job and does it well, allowing his riders to enter the ring confident that he is ready to give it his all no matter what. Garfield’s smooth way of going coupled with his solid temperament in the ring make him the ideal Junior Hunter mount.
Gochman acknowledged that her trainers at River’s Edge Farm, Scott Stewart and Ken Berkeley, paired her up with Garfield knowing that he would be a great first mount for her in the 3’6″ hunter division. The duo has been an excellent match since their partnership began just six months ago.
In addition to the enormous honor of being crowned Devon Grand Junior Hunter Champion, Garfield also earned the Martin F. Bucko Family Perpetual Trophy and the Ovation Perpetual Trophy with Gochman in the irons. Garfield was honored further with the Overall Large Junior Hunter title and the Lestat Memorial Challenge Trophy.
Garfield and Sophie Gochman. PC: The Book LLC
Emma Kurtz was presented with the 1902 Edward T. Stotesbury Perpetual Trophy for Best Child Rider after her performances in the Junior Hunters riding Popish Farm LLC’s Due West, Dr. Betsee Parker’s Dedication and Grace Debney’s Wisdom.
Kurtz and Wisdom achieved the Overall Small Junior Hunter title after putting forth seamless rounds in their competitive division.
Dedication achieved The Angelo Award, which is given to the horse who best exemplifies the classic hunter in movement, jumping style and presence.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Sophie Gochman and Garfield
On competing in the Junior Hunters for the first time at the Devon Horse Show:
“I did the ponies for 13 years so it was fun to try something new at Devon this year. My horses are just great and I’m having such a good time.”
On Garfield:
“Garfield is the best. You basically just drop the reins and steer and he finds the distances for you. We have been with him for about six months – since indoors. He’s just the best, I love him so much. With Garfield, I’m always really confident. I know that if we mess up, it’s probably my fault. He’s been everywhere so you know he’s always going to be on his game and be the best.”
On the Devon Horse Show:
“He loves this show. He was definitely on it today. He was jumping so well and he’s such a good boy. This is my favorite horse show. I love the fair and I also love the pony hunt teams. That’s one of my favorite parts of the show along with the crowds and overall excitement – it’s such an honor to be here.”