Lexington, Ky. – Oct. 23, 2020 – The 2020 National Horse Show (NHS) began Friday, October 23, returning to its home in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park for its 137th year of top competition. As the oldest indoor horse show in America, the National Horse Show is a major fixture on the national and international equestrian sports calendar. Now in its third year, the Opening Weekend highlights age-group equitation classes and two championship events, the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship and the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship, over the course of three days. In the Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation division, Madison Olvert stood out as the big winner of the day, riding to back-to-back blue ribbons in Section A of the split division aboard her own Green Book. In Section B, Kennedy Duke and her own Galan led the way thanks to two top-three results.
Friday brought the first over fences round of divisions ranging in height from 2’6”-3’3” and under saddle classes, with a number of exhibitors earning coveted ribbons from judges Keri Kampsen and Chance Arakelian for equitation excellence. Kicking off the Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation division, Section A competitors took center stage following the Pérez & Bennett Under 14 and 14-15 Equitation divisions earlier in the morning. Olvert and Green Book jumped to the top of the leaderboard as the early frontrunners ahead of 30 competitors thanks to a stellar over fences round that earned them a first-place prize, and the partnership later returned to the ring to add to their success. Under saddle, Olvert and Green Book once again shone the brightest, nabbing the top honors ahead of a hotly-contested flat class to kick off the horse show on a high note and conclude the day as the division leaders.
In Section B, 29 entries attempted to demonstrate accuracy and precision over the 10-fence course, and in the end Duke bested the pack with the ride on Galan following an exemplary trip that kept them at the head of the talented class to earn invaluable points towards the division championship. Duke and Galan once again impressed with a third-place finish under saddle, but were bested by Courtney Craver and her own Kentucky Ter Doorns, who walked, trotted and cantered straight to first place in the class. Duke and Galan will aim to maintain their status as the division frontrunners Thursday with the final over fences class.
The National Horse Show will return for its second day of riding Saturday, Oct. 24, and will highlight the championship crowning of the age group equitation divisions, as well as the Taylor Harris Insurance Services National Horse Show Adult Equitation Championship.
To learn more about the 2020 National Horse Show, click here.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Madison Olvert – Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Section A leader
On her showing in the Pérez & Bennett 16-17 Equitation:
“This morning, I rode Booker, my horse, and he was great. We rode in the covered arena and he felt really honest. Warming up, I was a little stuck under my pace, but as soon as we walked into the ring he woke up and he was right on it.”
On her horse, Green Book:
“He is 10 years old and imported from Germany. His show name is Green Book and his barn name is Booker. He has the best personality and loves to snuggle and have treats. I honestly believe that he loves his job in the ring.”
On preparing for National Horse Show throughout the year:
“We purchased Green Book last November from Don Stewart. Unfortunately, due to COVID, we did not have the opportunity to show this spring but this summer we showed a lot at Saratoga, Fieldstone Show Park and all over! He has been amazing and always at his A-Game.”
On competing at the National Horse Show:
“This is my first time here at NHS and it is a great opportunity and something really memorable for me to do during my last junior year.”
RESULTS
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner
Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Over Fences – Section A
1. Green Book / Madison Olvert / Madison Olvert
2. Oaco’s Son S / Ciara Bolger / Matt Martin
3. Zonder Z Quattro / Caroline Tinsley / Abigail Tinsley
Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Flat – Section A
1. Madison Olvert / Green Book / Madison Olvert
2. Zonder Z Quattro / Caroline Tinsley / Abigail Tinsley
3. Jacarto Van T Laarhof / Sarah Zide / Sarah Zide
Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Over Fences – Section B
1. Galan / Kennedy Duke / Kennedy Duke
2. Vivaldi / Gracie Housley / Spring Creek Ranch
3. Full Count / Caroline Berg / Shaunnah Anderson
Pérez & Bennett 16 – 17 Equitation Flat – Section B
1. Kentucky Ter Doorns / Courtney Craver / Courtney Craver
2. Rantanplan / Bennett Kitchens / Kama Godek
3. Galan / Kennedy Duke / Kennedy Duke