Devon, Pa. – May 28, 2022 – Junior hunter competition wrapped up in the iconic Dixon Oval Saturday afternoon at the 2022 Devon Horse Show. Both Large and Small Junior Hunter competitors vied for the Devon Grand Junior Hunter Championship title, sponsored by Courtyard Marriott, taking to the ring one last time with the hope of accumulating the most points throughout the two days of competition to claim the coveted honor. In the end, it was Kat Fuqua who hoisted the “Ovation” Perpetual Trophy, donated in 2014 by Dr. Betsee Parker, after riding to top placings aboard her own Grand Remo.
Paul Jewell (USA) designed courses on the final day of junior hunter competition that challenged exhibitors to ride forward and accurately, navigating through several long combination lines and sweeping turns. Fuqua and Grand Remo, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, rode around the track with ease, impressing the judges enough to clinch a winning score of 92 in the $4,000 15 & Under Large Junior Hunter Stake and a second place in the $4,000 Large Junior Hunter Handy 15 & Under with a score of 88. Combined with their success during Friday’s competition, Fuqua and Grand Remo ultimately received the Large Junior Hunter 15 & Under division championship, including the Martin F. Bucko Family Perpetual Trophy. Topping both age groups of the Large Junior Hunter division, Fuqua and Grand Remo also received the Lestat Memorial Perpetual Trophy and Overall Large Junior Hunter Championship, sponsored by Courtyard Marriott, after riding to a total 36 total points across the two days of the division. With Grand Remo earning the Devon Grand Junior Hunter Champion, it was Marnell Sport Horses’ Babylon, piloted by Ariana Marnell, who claimed the Devon Grand Junior Hunter Reserve Champion title.
Riding under the tutelage of Jimmy Torano, Fuqua is no stranger to the winner’s circle as she has claimed top placings across multiple disciplines, including hunter, equitation and dressage. In 2021, Fuqua piloted Grand Remo to 2021 Adequan©/USEF Junior Hunter National Championship – East Coast Overall Grand 3’6” Champion. Fuqua has been riding the gelding for three years, and she expertly showcased their strong partnership in the Dixon Oval during Friday and Saturday’s competition.
Fuqua is walking away from the 2022 Devon Horse Show with a number of awards to her name. She also earned the Best Child Rider on a Horse title, adding her name to The 1902 Edward T. Stotesbury Perpetual Trophy. Stella Wasserman received second place, with Arianna Marnell taking home third place and Mimi Gochman rounding out the top four. The Angelo Trophy Perpetual Trophy, presented by the Miller-Dinan Family, was awarded to Marnell Sport Horses’ Babylon, the Junior Hunter horse who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplified classic hunter horse movement.
Competition will continue at the 2022 Devon Horse Show Sunday, May 29, highlighting the Children’s Jumper competitors as well as the Carriage and Harness divisions.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Kat Fuqua & Grand Remo – 2022 Grand Junior Hunter Champion
On Grand Remo:
“His barn name is Remo and I’ve had him for about three years now, so coming into this show I was really really excited because I know him well and we trust each other. We’ve had a successful time together. It was actually funny because about this time last year we were grand champion at Junior Hunter Finals in this exact same ring so it was really exciting to come back here!”
On her rounds this weekend:
“After the first round, which I got an 89 in, it just set the bar for me. I think Remo remembered Junior Hunter Finals, so he was super confident and I was super confident, so I think that just kinda went through all of the rounds to make them super consistent. I was really happy with his performance.”
On being named Best Child Rider on a Horse:
“That was actually really unexpected for me! I’ve never gotten a “Best Child Rider” at a championship show so I was really excited!”
On being at Devon Horse Show:
“It’s been a while. I didn’t realize how much I missed it! Not just the show, but the people that come here. Everyone is excited to be here, the fair is fun, I’m happy to be back and so grateful that it’s happening this year!”
