Some trainers whoop, some whistle and some cheer, but Larry Glefke is known for clapping before the end of the round. So when rider Kelley Farmer was considering a name for her newest mount, one she knew would be staying at their farm for a while, she chose Early Applause.
And the attractive bay lived up to the moniker when he earned Glefke’s approval during the $42,500 AHJF Hunter Classic Spectacular, held Feb. 14 under the lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Fla.
“I have an amazing animal, and I’m lucky to be able to ride him,” said Farmer, 33, of Keswick, Va.
Farmer and the 7-year-old warmblood, of unknown breeding, dominated the class, winning both rounds to earn a two-round score of 184.5 points, well ahead of Morgan Thomas and Vedette, with 178.16, in second and Liza Boyd with Andora in third with 175.99.
The class drew 28 entries who competed over Michael Rheinheimer’s two-round course that offered many options for riders to show off their horses’ strengths. For the first time in the history of the class, however, rain showers and downpours plagued the class, relegating some riders to a wet ride.
This year the class was dominated by professionals, with just one amateur, Sheila Motley aboard her new mount Premonition, cracking into the top eight. Motley, who trains with Glefke and Farmer, placed sixth.
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“I’m really proud of her,” said Farmer, noting that this was just Motley’s second show with her 12-year-old gelding.
Farmer and Glefke are excited about their Early Applause and plan to campaign him this year in the four-foot divisions and in the USHJA International Hunter Derby competitions.
“He’s the personification of the hunter,” said Glefke, who said he’s turned down many offers for the scopey and correct regular conformation hunter. “This is a big deal. This is the most important class [for hunters] in America. This is great for this horse’s resume, and he will go far.”
Results:
1. Early Appause/Kelley Farmer/Larry Glefke/184.50
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2. Vedette/Morgan Thomas/Norgan Inc./178.16
3. Andora/Liza Boyd//Windhaven/175.99
4. Sunshine/Peter Pletcher/Becky Gochman/174.66
5. Argentum/Sandy Ferrell/Alta Basaldua/172.66
6. Premonition/Sheila Motley/Sheila Motley/169.41
7. Sambalino/Ken Berkley/Gina Day/168.33
8. Peridot/Kara Raposa/Stephen Martines/163.07
