Lexington, Ky – May 22, 2022 – Junior hunter competition at the Kentucky Horse Park commenced Sunday morning in the Stonlea arena with 3’6” junior hunter competition. Serving as the second day of the division for the juniors, riders and their top hunter mounts put their best efforts forward to vie for the division championship as well as the coveted Grand Junior Hunter Champion title. Awarded to the competitor with the most points accumulated in either the 3’3” or 3’6” sections of the junior hunter divisions, it was ultimately Blythe Goguen and Category who topped the leaderboard at the end of the weekend.
Goguen and Belhaven Stables LLC’s Category produced two winning rides Saturday morning, setting them up for success the rest of the weekend. The 14-year-old Warmblood gelding and Goguen continued their winning streak with first place honors in the final over fences round of the division Sunday, as well as third place in the handy round. They secured their Grand Champion title with a second place finish under saddle Sunday.
Goguen’s success continued with Belhaven Stables LLC’s Style, taking home reserve championship honors in the Junior Hunter division. Goguen piloted the 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding to second and third place in two of the over fences rounds as well as a first place ribbon under saddle to clinch the reserve title.
The year ahead is bright for Goguen as she has her sights set on the 2022 Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship-East held June 28-July 2. Her success in the equitation ring has also made her one to watch come indoor finals this fall.
Hunter competition will resume at the Kentucky Horse Park July 27-31 to kick off the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Blythe Goguen- Grand Junior Hunter Champion with Category
On her horse and their rounds:
“My horse’s name is Category and I have had him for about a year and a half now. He was perfect this week. He tried so hard in every class and I was really happy with him!”
On competing in Kentucky:
“I love it! We actually spend the summers here every year so it’s really nice to be able to just drive a few minutes down the road to the show.”
On future plans:
“We’re going to the Devon Horse Show next week and then we’ll do some more Kentucky shows, [Adequan/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship-East] and then indoors!”
