Kelsey Thatcher and Red Sky Win $2,500 Junior Hunter Classic At Showplace Spring Spectacular II

During yesterday's junior hunter competition a brief rain and wind storm rolled through the Lamplight Equestrian Center cancelling the final classes of the day in the Main Hunter ring. The competition continued bright and early on Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m., beginning with the final rounds from yesterday.  After a short course change for Saturday's over fences and handy hunter rounds, riding was underway at the Showplace Spring Spectacular II. Champion and reserve champion presentations were given in the Junior Hunter divisions with Kelsey Thatcher and Red Sky winning the $2,500 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by Pony Lane Farm, and Taylor Ann Adams winning the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by First Partners Inc., and the Small Junior hunter 16-17 division aboard Solace, owned by McLain Ward.  Adding to her tricolors, Adams secured the Large Junior Hunter division championship aboard Rio's Splash, owned by Sarah Robin.  The last division of the day, the Small Junior Hunter 15 and Under, went to Catherine Tyree and Concetto.
 
Each week Skip Bailey of Wellington, FL, has designed outstanding hunter courses in the Main Hunter Ring.  He has received many words of praise for his use of space, his unique course designs, and his ability to design courses that suit all types of horses.
 
The Junior Hunter divisions completed their rounds today with an outstanding score in the $2,500 Junior Hunter Classic sponsored by Pony Lane Farm.  Kelsey Thatcher and her mount Red Sky earned a top score of 90 in today's classic.
 
Thatcher commented, "Red Sky was really good today.  At the Showplace Horse Shows at Lamplight they really try to incorporate the natural obstacles into the courses.  Since Red Sky is a green horse I have to be careful that he is not going to spook at the brush, or straw, or other natural obstacles. I was proud of him today and was happy that we did so well in the Hunter Classic."

In the $1,000 Junior Hunter Classic Sponsored by First Partners Inc., Taylor Ann Adams took home the championship cooler and prize money.  Adams piloted Solace, owned by McLain Ward, to the victory.
 
Mary Tyree of First Partners Inc. was present to hand the award to Taylor Ann Adams and Solace for their top performance.  She noted, " We truly enjoy supporting this sport and we are strong believers in supporting this event.  Pat (Boyle) does a wonderful job here at this venue and he goes all out to make this a fun show for everyone.  In addition to the great show he really treats his clients very well.  We are happy to help support the Showplace Spring Spectacular."
 
Not only did Adams win the Classic, but she rode Solace to the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division championship. The pair earned the blue ribbon in two of the three over fences classes, and Adams also earned the blue in the handy hunter class.  In the other over fences class and the under saddle class Solace and Adams earned the second place ribbon.  Their top points earned them the championship rosette.
 
Acquiring the reserve champion tricolor in the Small Junior Hunter 16-17 division was Kelsey Thatcher aboard Namesake.  The duo earned fourth, second, and first place ribbons in the three over fences classes, a second place in the handy hunter class, and to finish off their points the pair won the under saddle.