Lexington, Ky.—Oct. 30
With Halloween falling right in the middle of all of the action, and the official show colors being black and orange, a costume class is a perfect fit for the National Horse Show.
The $36,000 Free X Rein Open Jumper Welcome Speed kicked things off for the international riders, with 56 pairs contesting the course. Not everyone dressed up (many of the visiting European riders did not), and many riders with two horses only jumped in costume once, but there was still plenty of merriment amongst the grand prix riders.
Darragh Kenny proved to be the fastest with Billy Dorito, and Sloane Coles was awarded best costume, dressed as a whiskey bottle.
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Take a look at some of our favorite costumes from the night.
Jennifer Gates went all out with her Frozen-themed attire. She went as Princess Anna, while Alex moonlighted as Olaf the snowman. Kimberly Loushin Photos
Darragh Kenny was the fastest of the evening with Billy Dorito.
Daniel Coyle was a very impressive skeleton on his way to second with CHS Krooze.
So much glitter! Andy Kocher, aka Freddie Mercury, rode Fashion V to third.
When your horse is named Akuna Mattata of course you’re going to go with a Lion King-themed outfit, as Nicole Shahinian-Simpson did.
Team Castle Hill represented the varying styles of Madonna. From left, Lillie Keenan, Adrienne Sternlicht and McLain Ward.
Did you know that McLain Ward was a Material Girl? (Yes, that was the song played during his round with Up Des Chaines.)
Karen Polle decorated Kino’s saddle pad with flashing red and blue lights for her SWAT costume.
“It’s fun to have fun. But you have to know how.” Brian Moggre masqueraded as the Cat In The Hat with MTM Flutterby.
Gotta love it when you play off your name. Quentin Judge went as a judge aboard Inmate 249, HH Quatuor, complete with gavel.
Rowan Willis was ready to lead an adventure as Daniel Boone aboard Wellington Grandorie.
Adrienne Sternlicht was the first of our Madonna impersonators in the ring aboard Just A Gamble.
Three riders donned jockey silks (Margie Engle, Beezie Madden and Cat Tyree), but it was Tyree who was the fastest aboard Catungee.
It seems Rodrigo Pessoa got the holiday wrong as he went as the Easter Bunny riding Venice Beach.
Mr. Incredible (Shane Sweetnam) gives Karlin Van’t Vennehof a pat.
Best costume went to Sloane Coles for her whiskey attire aboard Calisto.
Teddy Vlock went as Mario with Ricore Courcelle.
Don’t miss all the Chronicle’s online coverage, with behind-the-scenes stories, lovely photos and more! Follow the Chronicle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @Chronofhorse and check out the Nov. 18 issue of the magazine full analysis of the competition.
