Happiness is not defined by blue ribbons for Karen Monks-Reilly, but her win on Aesthete in the Markel/USEF National Young Horse 4-year-old Championship at Lamplight Equestrian Center certainly contributed to her smile.
“My ride today was all that I hoped it would be,” said Monks-Reilly, Kennet Square, Pa. “He was energetic and supple and very dynamic. I loved it, it was very fun to ride.”
Aesthete, owned by Besty Spence of Unionville, Pa., wowed the judges with his powerful and rhythmic gaits.
“He just impressed the heck out of the three of us,” said Hilda Gurney of the Dutch Warmblood gelding. “We hope he can continue to show the talent that he’s shown here in the future.”
The judges, Gurney, Linda Zang and Maryal Barnett, awarded Aesthete (Trento B—Unusual) with 9.3 for his trot due to his freedom of the shoulder and good bend of his hind legs. They wanted more elasticity through his body in the walk (8.0) but were thrilled with his canter for 9.0. The gelding also received 8.5 for submission and 8.6 for general impression for an overall percentage of 86.80.
“He was a little flat [in the warm-up test],” said Monks-Reilly. “I warmed up the canter too much, so I only warmed up for 10 minutes today and went in the ring.”
Monks-Reilly’s warm-up plan proved to be effective today, Aug. 22., and her unique training approach no doubt contributed to their win.
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“I hack them five days a week,” said Monks-Reilly, who has a background in eventing. “I only school them 20 minutes, three days a week. We hack, ride bareback, jump—I do all I can to make them think it isn’t work. It’s all about letting them play and be horses.
“We do not drill anything; we just play,” she continued with a smile. “I want him to be happy. Happiness is the purpose, and if it ever gets to not be about happiness, then I’m not going to do it. He’s been a joy every day.”
Young Riders To Young Horses
Caroline Roffman may only be 22-years-old, but her reserve championship in the 4-year-old division on Bon Chance proved that she knows how to ride with seasoned professionals.
“Everyone is so welcoming and helpful, and I’m so happy to jump up from young riders with such an amazing group of riders,” said Roffman, Wellington, Fla. “I love the young horse program, and I can’t say enough about the facility. It’s beautiful.”
Roffman and Bon Chance (Bellisimom—SPH Wintersong) won the warm-up class on Friday with 85.00 percent and put in another great test in the final to finish in second with 86.40 percent. The judges loved all three of “Moto’s” gaits and rewarded him for his stellar walk (9.0) and trot (9.1), which they felt was “elastic and elegant.”
While the judges also liked Moto’s canter (8.5), they wanted to see a steadier connection over the topline and more bend of the hocks. They awarded him a 7.8 for submission and an 8.8 for general impression.
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“We think [Bon Chance] is a fabulous horse for the future,” said Gurney.
Moto was discovered by Tim Dutta and Lars Peterson, and Roffman fell in love with the chestnut gelding while riding him for the two men.
“He’s been awesome,” said Roffman. “I really like that he had a ‘look at me’ attitude but really stayed with me, even though he was nervous and intimidated by his surroundings. I’m so lucky to have him.”
Ulla Petersen and Sabati (Sandro Hit—Rosalea) slipped into third after their lovely performance earned 83.80 percent, and Elizabeth Hendrix on Sir Rocco (Sir Bedo—SPS Florentine) held onto fourth with 79.40 percent. Whitney (Whitestar—Grace) and Karen Lipp rounded out the top five with 77.80 percent.
