Whew! Our team just wrapped up two weeks of long, hot days at the Kentucky Horse Park. We took 16 horses and ponies to Country Heir I and added three more for the second week. With riders competing in nearly every arena at the sprawling facility, we had a crazy schedule — just the way we like it.
Special congrats to:
- Sutton Suelthaus and Montego Bay for earning a championship in the 11 & under equitation and a win in the intermediate children’s hunter
- Kristie Parciak and Exceptional for strong rounds in the older junior hunters
- Lindsay Sterne and both her mounts, Clouseau and Dream On, for strong rounds in the younger junior hunters
- Meagan Danforth and Capitol Image for consistent, high ribbons in the adult amateur hunters
- Reilly Gogul and Rockaway for strong performances in the large pony hunters
- Sarah Mechlin Duhon and Exceptional for placing 10th in a very competitive $30,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby
Mechlin riders and horses compete in any company, but we also know the biggest ‘wins’ at horse shows don’t always involve ribbons. Riders meet new challenges, horses gain experience and partnerships solidify. We notched many of those wins too, and we’re so proud of our whole barn family for always reaching higher.