Lexington, KY – July 24, 2025 – Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was thrilled to welcome professional hunter riders back to the Kentucky Horse Park this week. Preparing for the 2025 Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, Hayley Barnhill and Axel had a dominating performance in the combined Green 3’9”/High Performance Hunter division during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show for owner Isa Johnson. After earning the division’s championship prize, the duo also returned center ring to accept the Professional Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“Axel has been awesome,” smiled Barnhill after her win. “We started in the spring doing the High Performance with him and playing around with some derbies. I feel like he just keeps getting better and better. He won a big class in Upperville and now we’re gearing up for Derby Finals.”
During the first two days of competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, Axel showcased brilliance and consistency. Barnhill and Axel won three over fences classes, including the handy, during the Green 3’9”/High Performance Hunter division before going on to win the under saddle and claim the championship prize. Axel’s impeccable performance was also rewarded with the Grand Hunter Championship, presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“Being Grand Champion is great confidence booster going into Derby Finals,” expressed Barnhill. “To have him go that consistently over the four rounds is a great feeling. His owner is going to do him in the Junior Hunters this weekend, so this was our preparation before Derby week, and I feel good going into it!”
Hayley Barnhill and Axel with trainer Cara Cheska
Axel is a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding by Volatire and trained by Cara Cheska. This spring, Barnhill and Axel won the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, presented by All Bizness Insurance, during the Kentucky Spring Horse Show. That victory springboarded them towards the Platinum Performance/USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship to be held during the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show at the Kentucky Horse Park in August. With his stunning looks and beautiful effort over the fences, Barnhill feels good about Axel’s chances headed into the championship.
“He is so beautiful and he has a great presence in the ring,” noted Barnhill. “He’s black, he’s beautiful, and he jumps even better in the handies when you start to land and turn. He puts his ears up and gets a little more interested when you make it a little more exciting and challenging for him.”
Barnhill concluded, “It’s really nice to be able to be here at the Kentucky Horse Park and prepare for Derby Finals. We can’t show in the ring over there, but we could go ride in there on Tuesday and get used to the atmosphere of being here. It’s been fun to be back. The horses can go out in big fields and actually be horses in Kentucky, and then come over to the show and they’re happier having that experience.”
As a World Champion Hunter Rider week, the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will feature more hunter action this week, including Sunday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby and Friday’s USHJA Pony Hunter Derby.
For more information on Kentucky Horse Shows LLC and the Kentucky Summer Horse Shows, please visit www.kentuckyhorseshows.com.