Top Calls at Lexington National
Always an August highlight, the Lexington National Horse Show continued to bring success and fun for the Skyland Farm team.
Emma Pell started in the Low/Medium Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper section, capturing the championship aboard Ari 55 and the reserve championship with Santos. Emma won a class on each horse and also collected top ribbons for her sweep.
Leslie Kopp and Cesar VDB Z placed second by fractions in the NAL/WIHS Adult Jumper Classic. Leslie also picked up ribbons in the Low Adult Amateur Jumpers with Cesar, Doman and Carduzo.
"She rode great and had a wonderful show," said trainer Denice Perry. "She also earned ribbons on Griffin in the 3'3" Amateur-Owner Hunters, and he also won a Performance Working Hunter class earlier in the week."
Many ribbons on Doman, carduzo and Cesar in jumpers. She rode great.
With the Lexington National featuring the EMO/VHSA Medal Finals, competition was tough in the equitation classes throughout the week. Emma placed an impressive fourth in the VHSA Medal Finals and was sixth in the Amy Reistrup Equitation Finals.
"Emma rode beautifully in both classes but had an unfortunate rail in AYR final that cost her few points," said Denice. "But she and F-15 were super in both finals."
Emma also rode Sarah Freidah’s Farnley Marathon to nice ribbons in the Virginia-bred Pony Hunter section, including a nice win in the model.
Danielle DeRisio and Cirena were super consistent and fast in the Low Adult Jumpers and picked up a second, third and fifth. "The show was a great send-off for Danielle as she returns to college," said Denice. "We will miss her!"
Denice rode her homebred C'Superman to consistent ribbons throughout the week in the Baby Greens and Young Hunters, including a well-earned blue ribbon in the Young Hunter, 6 and under, section.
"We had a a very good show. All the horses went super with many ribbons," said Denice. "And now we take a short break for some vacation time before the fall show season starts!"