Lexington, Ky. – July 30, 2021 – Equitation riders dominated the Stonelea ring at the Kentucky Horse Park Friday afternoon for the 2021 Kentucky Summer Horse Show. Some of the country’s top junior competitors took to the stage to showcase their extensive skill sets in hopes of acquiring precious points towards the 2021 indoors season finals. In the end, Eleanor Rudnicki rode Jackpot to top honors in the ASPCA Maclay, while Jake Endicott stole the show, sweeping both the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal and the USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal aboard Major OHF.
Eleanor Rudnicki and Jackpot
Rudnicki, who won the Hamel Foundation National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship in 2019, piloted Orpen Horses and Harry Harding’s, Jackpot, to the top of the class in Friday’s ASPCA Maclay. A completely new mount for the experienced equitation competitor, Rudnicki had ridden Jackpot for the first time just hours before entering the show ring Friday afternoon. The young Texan plans to summer in Kentucky before preparing for the 2021 Indoor Finals season. Rudnicki returned to the ring for the WIHS Hunt Seat Equitation taking home another blue ribbon, this time aboard a different mount, Travis Scott.
Mackenzie Carreras and New England
North American Junior and Young Rider Championship (NAJYRC) qualifier, Mackenzie Carreras, showcased her keen eye and effortless style on course aboard Sienna Keane’s 13-year-old Holsteiner gelding New England in hopes of earning points to aid her in qualification for her last equitation finals this fall. The Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team recruit laid down an impressive performance pulling from years of Big Eq experience, including a Top 25 Dover Hunt Seat Medal placing in 2020. Their rhythmic cadence and confidence on course awarded them a second-place finish.
Carlee McCutcheon and KT Hedwich
Carlee McCutcheon, who hails from a family of FEI World Equestrian Games Reining medalists, rounded out the top three with her own standout performance aboard Michael Kirby’s 9-year-old KWPN gelding KT Hedwich earning the third-place ribbon. The versatile rider continues to expand her skill set, boasting titles such as becoming the youngest rider to make Level 4 National Reining Horse Association Non-Pro Futurity Finals in 2017 and 2020 Desert Circuit Low, Medium, and High Junior Jumper Circuit Champion. The eager young rider plans to continue the riding tradition in her family, having started her budding show jumping career just last year.
Jake Endicott and Major OHF
Jake Endicott had a stellar start to the weekend sweeping both of the 3’3” medal classes, taking home first prize in the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal as well as the USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal aboard the 8-year-old Holsteiner gelding Major OHF, owned by Armando Hassey. The young competitor, who displays skills well beyond his age, has only been riding for two years. In his second to last junior year, Endicott aims to not only try his hand at indoor finals but also follow in his family’s footsteps and branch out to train horses following the end of his junior career.
Grace Daggett and Lancelot placed second in the USHJA 3’3″ Hunter Seat Medal as Cambell Brown and Quimbinito placed third. Rounding out the podium in the Hamel Foundation NHS 3’3″ Medal was Emma Callanan aboard Horseware Diadini who came in second, while Brown continued her consistent streak taking another third this time aboard Vuccello
Hunter competition will return to the StoneLea Ring Saturday, July 31, for the crowning of the Hagyard Grand Amateur-Owner Hunter Championship.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Eleanor Rudnicki – ASPCA Maclay winner
On Jackpot:
“His name is Jackpot and he’s honestly so easy. I just got on him for the first time this morning as a catch ride and did a little schooling class that went well.”
On the Kentucky Summer Horse Show
“I’ve been here the past three years. It’s cool because I’m from Texas where it’s so hot during the summer, so it’s nice to be in cooler weather here.”
On the course:
“I thought it was a nice course. There were some good questions, but it wasn’t too hard.”
On future plans:
“I’ll be in Kentucky for the rest of the summer, then I’ll go to Indoor Finals. I’m showing Jackpot for the rest of this week and will do the USET equitation class tomorrow morning.”
RESULTS
ASPCA Maclay
Place / Rider / Horse
1. Jackpot / Eleanor Rudnicki
2. New England / Mackenzie Carreras
3. Kt Hedwich / Carlee McCutcheon
4. Zonder Z Quattro / Caroline Tinsley
5. Venice / Shiloh Roseboom
6. Ragazzo Carino / Adeline Pavlin
7. Proxima Centauri SCF / Reagan Royalty
8. Elon HBC / Sarina Da Cruz
9. Caius / Izzy Beisel