Lexington, KY. – Aug. 1, 2019 – The Stonelea Ring at the Kentucky Summer Classic wrapped-up Thursday with The Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Medal. Twenty-eight equitation riders competed over a course of eight obstacles before the top 12 riders were called back to be tested on the flat. Ultimately, it was Lilly Goldstein who walked out of the ring with the blue ribbon aboard her mount, Carebear. Second place was awarded to Samantha Takacs on Cooper and Peyton Rathbun with MTM Flash Dance rounded out the top three.
Horse and rider combinations were tested over a course full of roll backs and unrelated distances, as well as a bending eight-stride line across the center of the ring and a two-stride combination. Riders did their best to display their poised position through a series of questions on the course, asking riders to demonstrate body control and utilize their track to set them up for the next obstacle. Goldstein turned in a slick round with Carebear, taking advantage of her horse’s large stride to appear calm and collected around the entirety of the course. Twelve riders returned for testing on the flat that included a sitting trot before naming Goldstein as the winner.
Goldstein and Carebear, a 7-year-old KWPN grey gelding, are working together as a fairly new partnership. Goldstein acquired the gelding in the spring at the Kentucky Heir Horse Show after he was recently imported. The duo has earned ribbons in several equitation classes in their short time together, including a second place in the THIS National Children’s Medal a few weeks ago at the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival, but this is the first win for the up-and-coming duo. The pair will continue to compete in the 3’3” equitation classes and look forward to returning to the Kentucky Horse Park to compete in the finals of The Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Medal.
On Friday, August 2, junior riders will return to the spotlight in the Stonelea Ring, which will feature the presentation of the Grand Junior Hunter Champion.
RESULTS
The Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Medal
Place / Rider / Horse
1. Lilly Goldstein / Carebear
2. Samantha Takacs / Cooper
3. Peyton Rathbun / MTM Flash Dance
4. Amelia Jenson / Foreign Affair
5. Jordan Gibbs / Limitless
6. Alexa Lingnelli / Resonate
7. Chloe Holt / Tivoli
8. Claudette Yarbrough / Joli Van De Groenedyck
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Lilly Goldstein – The Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Medal winner
On winning Thursday’s The Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3” Medal:
“I’m very excited. I thought my round was ok, overall it was pretty good, but I felt really good on the flat!”
On her horse, Carebear:
“His name is Carebear. We just got him last time we competed here in June. He was just imported. I’m still learning his ways, but he’s great. He’s a little bit different than what I’m used to. He has a slow, gappy canter with a huge stride and a lot of scope.”
On what’s next for herself:
“I’m going to do more of the 3’3” medals this year, as well as Capital Challenge and back to Kentucky for the Finals at the National Horse Show.
On Thursday’s course:
“It was a pretty good course – easy but a little bit challenging with the bending lines and roll-backs. It was very suitable for my horse.”
Courtney Lenkart – Trainer of Lilly Goldstein
On Lilly’s round today:
“Lilly was great. She she was very fluid around the course. Her horse was awesome.”
On Thursday’s course:
“The course was perfect for this level class.”