Lexington, Ky. – Aug. 3, 2018 – Upon Friday’s conclusion of junior hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Classic, the Junior Hunter Grand Champion was crowned in the Stonelea Ring with more than 50 young riders vying for the top prize. Based on top ribbons in the Small Junior 16-17 Hunter division across Thursday and Friday’s competition, Ashley Vogel secured the highest point total aboard her own Legacy to earn the Junior Hunter Grand Champion title, generously sponsored by Visse Wedell.
Ashley Vogel and Legacy
Thanks to their consistently strong performances, Vogel and the 10-year-old Warmblood gelding swept all three Small Junior 16-17 Hunter over fences classes, placed second in the handy round and finished third in the under saddle to claim the division championship ahead of their grand award.
Vogel purchased “Leo” just over one year ago and competes him under the guidance of Maria Rasmussen and Jeff Wirthman at Sea Change Farm in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The pair is coming off recent success after riding to victory in the junior/amateur section of the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby at the Brandywine Horse Show just last month.
The Kentucky Horse Shows Grand Hunter Champion Awards are presented by Visse Wedell, with champions awarded in the Professional, Amateur-Owner, Junior, Pony, Adult Amateur and Children’s Divisions.
Hunter competition will return to the Stonelea Ring Saturday morning at 8 a.m. with the Amateur-Owner Hunter divisions, and will conclude with the $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, sponsored by World Equestrian Center and Kentucky Horse Shows.
View the original article on Phelps Sports.