Lexington, Ky. – May 17, 2023 – Talented equestrians returned to the Claiborne Ring Wednesday morning to kick off week two at The Kentucky Horse Park. The Kentucky Spring Classic Horse Show kicked off the day with the Green Hunter 3’ and 3′ 3 ” where top horse-and-rider combinations tried their hand at the course designed by Jasen Shelley. The 8-effort track featured four oxers, challenging the athletes to present exceptional form while also keeping a consistent pace. At the conclusion of the Green Hunter 3’, it was Havens Schatt and Verity who continued their winning ways from last week and claimed the top spot.
Verity, the 6-year-old Oldenburg stallion, impressed the judges in the Green Hunter 3’ with his exquisite jumping form and effortless pace. The winning duo jumped in top form while showing rhythmic hunter cadence throughout the course. Schatt kept Verity balanced and consistent up to the long approach at fence number one, as she pushed through the corner she opened up the stallion’s stride slightly to secure them the win. With Schatt in the irons, Verity is no stranger to the scene in Kentucky and most recently had several placing at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.
Putting together impressive rides as well was Havens Schatt and Hannah Toohey’s 7-year-old Warmblood gelding, Forsini. Set at the middle of the pack in the order-of-go, the pair put together a solid plan and executed it accordingly. Schatt and Forsini earned numerous top placings in the Green Hunter 3’ while at the Winter Equestrian Festival earlier this year. Their established partnership has continued to earn them success in this division, proving them to be a pair to look out for.
As the competition continued, 6 horse-and-rider combinations entered the ring for the Green Hunter 3’3”. Tim Goguen and Endeavor set themselves up for success in the first class by impressing the judges with their flowing canter and rhythm. The pair was able to keep their momentum into the second class as well to secure two blue ribbons. Havens Schatt had two mounts, Chacoolou and Designated, in the top three. As the class progressed, Schatt’s mounts rotated between second and third place, and the final placing was based on each horse’s score. At the conclusion of the class, Schatt and Chacoolou took the reserve honors.
Goguen and Endeavor, an 8-year-old gelding owned by Belhaven Stables LLC, jumped in top form while showcasing a rhythmic cadence throughout the entirety of each course to secure the win. Although this partnership started a few months ago, Goguen’s knowledge and experience in the hunter ring helped Endeavor to have confidence and come out as a winner. This pair competed extensively at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.
Schatt and Chacoolou finished the class with reserve honors while Schatt’s mount Designated rounded out the top three. Chacoolout, a 7-year-old grey Mecklenburg gelding by Chacoon Blue, clenched the second spot on the podium by dazzling the judges. The gelding owned by Julia McNerney laid down a beautiful round in the first round to secure them a top-three spot. In the following first class, Schatt and Chacoolou executed a course that secured them their reserve honor title.
Hunter competition in the Kentucky Spring Classic Horse Show will continue tomorrow, Thursday, May 18, in the Claiborne ring at 7:30 am EST with the Green 3’ Hunter Under Saddle. Just next store in the StoneLea Ring, tomorrow’s competition will be highlighted by the Green Hunter 3’6” High-Performance division.
