The South Florida Hunter Jumper Association (SFHJA) proudly hosted its 74th Annual Charity Horse Show at Wellington International from November 20 – 24. This prestigious event took place at Wellington International, showcasing some of the best talent in the hunter and jumper disciplines while raising funds for meaningful causes. This year’s show featured an impressive 934 entries, a 43% increase from last year’s event, and included the first night class of the winter season held under the new stadium lighting in the International Arena, adding an exciting new dimension to the competition.
Charitable Contributions
This year, the event benefited Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida, the Equestrian Aid Foundation, and the FAU Equestrian Team. SFHJA also hosted "mulligan classes," allowing competitors an opportunity to show while raising funds for the emergency medical fund of Greg Price, a longtime supporter and competitor at Wellington International. Over $2,200 was raised during the event, which SFHJA generously matched to bring the total donation to $5,000 to support Greg's recovery.
Competitive Highlights
Wednesday, November 20
The week began with the $15,000 1.40m Open Welcome Stake, sponsored by the Vogel Family. A competitive field of 24 horse-and-rider combinations tackled a challenging course designed by Andy Christiansen.
- 1st Place: Francisco Goyoaga Mollet and Staccato Cornet (31.511, double clear)
- 2nd Place: Alannah Wagstaff and Great Thing (31.53, double clear)
- 3rd Place: Tanner Korotkin and Qastaar Van’t Heike (31.574, double clear)
Friday, November 22
Hunters took the spotlight with the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, presented by Meadowview, Inc. For the second consecutive year, Jimmy Torano aboard Laskano claimed victory with a combined score of 186.
- 2nd Place: Hugh Mutch and First Fuzion
- 3rd Place: Lainie Wimberly and Decorum
The $1,500 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby followed, featuring 15 talented pony-and-rider pairs.
- 1st Place: Lilly Herzog and Won Wish
- 2nd Place: Lacey Powers and Kingsland
- 3rd Place: Katherine Mercer and Goldmark
Saturday, November 23
The SFHJA Medal Finals took center stage.
- SFHJA Adult Amateur Hunter Seat Medal Final sponsored by Fight Fit Wellington, Inc.: Sloan Herman and Atlas (Champion)
- SFHJA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Final sponsored by On Course Consignment: JJ Torano and Killian’s Gold (Champion)
The evening concluded with the $40,000 Bainbridge Companies Grand Prix, marking the first night class of the winter season under Wellington International’s new lights. Thirty-nine entries tackled a course designed by Andy Christiansen, with seven advancing to the jump-off.
- 1st Place: Luis Larrazabal and Condara (40.941, double clear)
- 2nd Place: Alannah Wagstaff and Great Thing (41.655, double clear)
- 3rd Place: Luis Larrazabal and Quick Chick 3 (42.909, double clear)
Special Awards
The SFHJA recognized exceptional performances across various divisions with prestigious awards.
Results of the 2024 SFHJA 74th Annual Charity Horse Show Special Awards:
- The Audrey H. Chesney Perpetual Trophy: SFHJA Junior Hunter Seat Medal Finals Winner – JJ Torano
- The Charming Model Memorial Trophy: SFHJA Adult Medal Finals Winner – Sloan Sherman
- The Chicado's Last Hope Memorial Trophy: Leading 3' Equitation Rider – Blythe Goguen
- The Jessica Timm Junior Sportsmanship Trophy: Lilly Herzog
- The Women's Cancer Association Adult Sportsmanship Award: Missy Yoder
- The Scully Boy Memorial Challenge Trophy: Overall Grand Champion Hunter – Bravo and Eleanor Rooney
- The James B. Pirtle Memorial Trophy: USHJA National Hunter Derby Winner – Jimmy Torano aboard Laskano
- The Perrine-Cutler Ridge Kiwanis Bowl: Grand Champion Working Hunter (Green, Regular, or A/O) – Quando Va and Laura Sexton
- The Lamborgini Memorial Trophy: Overall Grand Amateur Hunter – Quando Va and Laura Sexton
- The M.J. Hulsey Jr. Memorial Trophy: Grand Champion Junior Hunter – ES Truly Yours and Caroline Olsen
- Best Child Rider on a Pony: Carsyn Korotkin
- Best Child Rider 3': Katherine Mercer
- Best Child Rider 3'3": Caroline Olsen
- Best Child Rider 3'6": JJ Torano
- Best Amateur Rider 3': Tricia Barr
- Best Amateur Rider 3'3": Molly Hutchison
- Best Amateur Rider 3'6": Laura Sexton
- Grand Professional Hunter: Haku and Havens Schatt
- Grand Junior Hunter: ES Truly Yours and Caroline Olsen
- Grand Amateur Owner Hunter: Quando Va and Laura Sexton
- Grand Pony Hunter: Dream Date and Carsyn Korotkin
- Grand Children's Hunter: Bravo and Eleanor Rooney
- Grand Adult Amateur Hunter: Party Started and Tricia Barr
- Leading Itty Bitty Junior/Amateur Rider: Holly Lacey
- Leading Puddle Jumper Junior/Amateur Rider: Kathryn Camunas
- Grand Prix Winner Groom Award: Juan de los Santos
- Leading Open Jumper Rider: Charlie Jayne
- Gladewinds Farm Perpetual Trophy: Grand Champion Pony Hunter – Dream Date and Carsyn Korotkin
- Senior Memorial Challenge Trophy: Highest Scoring Pony in the Pony Classic – Boca's Pop Star and Lilly Herzog
- The Arthur Milner Memorial Trophy: Low Adult Amateur Hunter Champion – Lauren Bialy and Billboard
- The Angel Memorial Pleasure Horse Perpetual Trophy: Friend Request and Shea Pearson
- The Spy Commander Memorial Trophy: High Score Jumper – Eclair De L'Isle and Alexandra Vanderrest
- The Toni DelFiandra Memorial Trophy: Luis Larrazabal and Condara
- The JB Johnson Perpetual Trophy: Cameron Krellner-Morris and GS Ilusor
- Junior Sportsmanship Award: Lilly Herzog
- Adult Sportsmanship Award: Missy Yoder
- Hunter Groom Award: Luiz Geyton (Frog Pond Stables)
- Jumper Groom Award: Jimmy Alvarez (Tanner Korotkin)
- Leading Lady Rider Award: Alannah Wagstaff (second year in a row)
- Tack Room Awards:
- 1st Place: East Wind Farm
- 2nd Place: Hunter Creek Farm
- 3rd Place: Carriage Hill Farm
A Week to Remember
The 74th Annual Charity Horse Show was more than a competition—it was a celebration of sport, community, and giving back. Special thanks to Southern Arches for sponsoring the Exhibitor Appreciation Party and to all who contributed to the week’s success.
Congratulations to all competitors and award winners! For complete results, visit here and for select photographs taken by Carly Nasznic Photography, click here.
