Martha Ingram and Irene Neuwirth Lead Amateur-Owner Hunter Divisions at Devon Horse Show

Devon, Pa. – June 3, 2022 – Amateur-owner hunter competitors had their moment to shine in the Dixon Oval at the 2022 Devon Horse Show for their chance at claiming a tricolor in their respective divisions. At the conclusion of two rounds of jumping and an under saddle, it was Martha Ingram and Quimby who claimed the leading position in the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 division. Irene Neuwirth and Juan Carlos currently lead the Amateur-Owner Over 35 section with the most points accumulated in the division so far.

Martha Ingram and Quimby, photo by KIND Media LLC

Ingram rode Quimby to impressive scores during the first two over fences classes of the 18-35 section, earning a 90 and 91. For their high-scoring efforts across both amateur-owner hunter sections, the pair received The H.C. Baldwin Perpetual Trophy, sponsored by Goshen Hill, and the The Beeches Brook Challenge Trophy, after earning the highest scores for the first and second over fences round. The pair also rode to first place under saddle, placing them in high contention for the championship Saturday.

Martha Ingram and Quimby

Ingram’s partnership with Quimby only began six months ago, but their success has proven they are already a force to be reckoned with in the show ring. Previously piloted by Grace Debney in the equitation ring, Quimby already has major wins under his belt, including the 2021 USEF / Dover Saddlery Hunt Seat Medal Final at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the 2021 North American Junior Equitation Championship at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. Ingram spoke highly of the 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding’s talent and easy way of going in the hunter divisions. Ingram and Quimby will contest the handy and stake rounds Saturday in the hopes of walking away with the Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 champion title.

Irene Neuwirth and Juan Carlos, photo by KIND Media LLC

In the Over 35 section, it was Neuwirth and Juan Carlos who emerged as the pair with the most points at the conclusion of Friday’s competition. Neuwirth piloted the 9-year-old Holsteiner stallion to second and first place over fences, as well as fifth place under saddle, setting themselves up nicely for Saturday’s championship presentation.

Amateur-owner hunter athletes and their horses will return to the Dixon Oval Saturday, June 4, beginning at 8:00 a.m. to conclude the two days of competition in the hopes of walking away with championship honors.

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Martha Ingram – Amateur-Owner Hunter 18-35 current division leader

On Quimby:
“It’s been really good, normally it takes me a few minutes to get to know a horse but it’s been pretty immediate for him. That’s more of a testament to Quimby as a horse than me as a rider, he’s really amazing. Obviously he was an amazing equitation horse and won a lot with Grace Debney, but his way of going is more of a hunter way of going. He’s a great mover, great jumper and he has a huge stride. He’s beautiful, so it’s all of those things that make him a good horse overall and a really good hunter. He’s very little but he’s mighty. He’s super sweet until you start jogging and then he becomes a bit of a stallion. He’s an absolute sweetheart and he loves to nap. He’s really relaxed, really great at home and super smart. We’re really lucky to have him.”

On Friday’s competition:
“It was funny because I haven’t shown in the Dixon Oval since 2014 when I was a junior, the year before my last junior year. Luckily the jumps weren’t too big so I felt secure, and they rode beautifully. Quimby did the [$25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, Sponsored by the Wheeler Family] yesterday and was fourth, so I knew he was going to be perfect in there. It was really just about going in and producing the rounds I know I can. Luckily I’ve been in pressure situations before. My mindset wasn’t really, ‘You have to win,’ it was just find one jump at a time and take it class by class, and it worked out! I think these are my first blue ribbons in the Dixon Oval. I couldn’t have asked to do it on a more special horse. Grace Debney got to see him earlier and Kate Conover who found him called me earlier, so everyone really loves him. He’s a special horse. It’s always great to win but it was special with him.” 

On the Devon Horse Show:
“It’s so great to be back here, this is my favorite horse show. I’m super excited and looking forward to tomorrow and at least keeping the same momentum.” 

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