WCHR week action wrapped up on Sunday with hunters taking their final trips around the International Arena. The $5,000 NAL/WIHS Peggy Cone Memorial WCHR Adult Hunter Classic kicked off the morning with 90 amateur riders taking to the main stage. Taking place over two rounds before determining the winner, the top-12 riders from round one returned for a final challenge over fences at the 3’ height.
Ultimately, it was Helen Voss of Versailles, KY, and Cayman, owned by Hav, LLC, who claimed the top prize. Voss and her trusty mount came into the second round sitting in second with an impressive first-round score of 91. Returning in reverse order, Voss secured her classic blue by earning a second-round score of 86.
“He’s perfect; he’s my dream hunter,” said Voss of Cayman. “He’s such a willing horse. He’s got such a soft mouth, a big stride and a good attitude. This is only our fourth show together and I already have so much confidence in him.”
The pair’s confidence shined as they topped the charts with a total score of 177. Following in second was Michael Baum of New York, NY, and Hoopla, owned by Louisa Attenborough. The two finished on scores of 89.5 and 84 to total a 173.5. Finishing in third was Reilly Canard of Philomont, VA, and Carry On, owned by Charlotte Rossetter and Pamela Wright, who earned scores of 86.5 and 85 for a total of 171.5.
“This is the biggest achievement of my horse show career,” said Voss. “I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself for classes like this so to come out with two great rounds is a dream, and I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to do it with.”
Looking ahead, Voss hopes to take the confidence from her WCHR win and move up to the 3’3” height with Cayman.
In the WCHR 3’3” Junior Hunter Classic, Kenzie Smith of Shoreham, NY, came out on top riding Mirage for owner Charlotte Rossetter. They totaled scores of 89 in the opening round and 90 in the handy to top section A after a California split. Section B winner was Bridget Harris of New York, NY, riding her own Caso 2. They posted scores of 85.5 and 86.
For complete results from WCHR Week at Wellington International, click HERE.
