Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail Ride Away with Green 3’6’’ Hunter Championship

Wayne, Ill. – Aug. 9, 2018 – The Green 3’6’’ Hunter division crowned its champion and reserve champion Thursday morning at the Lamplight Equestrian Center. Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail were the class leaders heading into the second portion of the division, maintaining their lead to ultimately receive the championship title.

Shepherd has been riding Jerez Mail since April of this year after his owner, Micaela Kennedy, decided to move the 6-year-old Argentine gelding up to the Green Hunter division. During Equifest I, Shepherd and Jerez Mail were awarded first place in the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, marking the gelding’s first derby win.

Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail
Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail

During Wednesday’s portion of the division, Shepherd rode Jerez Mail to two first place ribbons over fences as well as a second place on the flat. The pair received a second place in their first over fences round Thursday morning, and were awarded first place for their stellar handy round.

The reserve champion in the Green 3’6’’ Hunter was awarded to Kathleen Caya riding her own mount Zorro. The pair received two second place ribbons over fences and a third place under saddle during Wednesday’s portion of the competition. Thursday, Caya and Zorro earned a first place over fences and a second place in the handy round, securing the reserve champion.

Kathleen Caya and Zorro
Kathleen Caya and Zorro

In the Performance 3’6’’/High Performance Hunter division, the championship was awarded to Holly Shepherd riding Helen Brown’s Tybee. The pair received a first and sixth place during Wednesday’s portion of the division, and Thursday the pair rode to two first place ribbons to clinch the championship title. Reserve champion was awarded to Shari Brickman riding Entendu, owned by Gut Einhaus, LLC.

Competition in the Main Hunter Ring will kick off Friday, August 10, at 8:00 a.m. with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby sponsored by CWD.

Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail
Holly Shepherd and Jerez Mail

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Holly Shepherd – Green 3’6’’ Hunter Champion

On Jerez Mail
“He was really good today. He was a little fresh yesterday, jumped a little high, but he leveled out today and was really good, I was really happy with him. He wants to be an overachiever so he was really good. He’s growing up a little more this week.”

On the class
“The courses were good. He rode really good and didn’t stall in the air when I did my rollback in the handy, he was really soft there and wasn’t overachieving which is good and hard for him.”

On Lamplight
“It’s been amazing! The people have been great, the footing is good, management has been super nice and helpful. We’re happy to be here.”

No Comments Yet

Comments are closed