The Country Classic was a beautiful event this year. The weather was fantastic and the competition was terrific. The schedule was filled with exciting classes and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.
Shelley Campf topped the Hunter Divisions winning the Brad Laird Memorial Trophythat has been donated for years by Barrie Freeman. Barrie retired the trophy this year and Shelley was happy to be the last name on there. Costar, ridden by Shelley was Grand Champion for the high point hunter as a result of his championship in the Green Conformation. Costar was 3rd in both the USHJA International Hunter Derby and the WCHR Handy Hunter Classic as well.
The hunters were good. In the Small Hunter, Shelley rode Rendition to the Championship and Kohala to the Reserve Champion honors. Shelley and Fremont were Champion in the Large. Colleen Biemer and Night Cap were Champion Large Junior 16-17. Greyscale was Reserve Champion with Shelley in the Green Conformation and Sara Hingson and Fremont tied for Champion in the Adult 18-30 but ended up Reserve Champion. Encore and Shelley had an uncharacteristically poor showing this week but still won a schooling class. Colleen and Penny Lane won in the Baby Green, Shelley and Legatus won in the Open Hunter, and Lexie Grant and Rendition won in the Children’s.
The jumpers were hand picking their classes in an effort to peak at the correct time for the big classes. Jaimie Ackerman and Red Legend did just that topping the $3,000 Country Classic Speed on Saturday afternoon. Lea Snyder and Hakuna Matada were sensational in the $25,000 Grand Prix until and unfortunate loss of stirrup resulted in her horse bolting forward and ultimately stopping at the last jump. Shelley Campf rode London to a four fault score in the Grand Prix finishing 6th. Kantos and Madison Cameron were Champions in the 1.20 m and Stacy Jeter and Mr. Brightside won in the Low Adult.
Our equitation riders made us proud. Sarah Hingson was Champion in the Adult Equitation. Madison was Champion in the Open Equitation and Maggie Dennis was Reserve. Vivian Keller was Reserve Champion in the 15 and under Equitation. Diane Laycoe won an Adult Equitation class and Colleen won the USEF Talent Search.
