Lexington, KY – Aug 3, 2021 – The Kentucky Summer Classic kicked off on a brisk Tuesday morning as Green hunters took to the Stonelea Ring in hopes of claiming the first of several big-money classes in the hunters this week. Vivian Yowan and After Hours rode with redemption, taking home the win in the $1,000 USHJA Green 3’6”, 3’9” Hunter Incentive Stake after being bested by one point in the same class one week prior during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show.
Vivian Yowan and After Hours
The Green Hunter Incentive Program is open to horses eligible to compete in the Green Hunters 3’0”, 3’3”, 3’6”, and 3’9” heights. The program is designed to encourage the development of green horses and is multifaceted to include the Platinum Performance/USHJA Green Hunter Incentive Championships, regional championships, and stake classes throughout the year and across the country. The program and stake classes bring forth some of the top hunter athletes across the country.
Jimmy Torano and Laskano
Last week’s Green Hunter Incentive Stake winner, Jimmy Torano, returned to the ring once more aboard Laskano, Isalou Inc’s 9-year-old Westphalian gelding, in hopes of capturing a second blue ribbon in the class. Though the dynamic pair was consistent, laying down a score of 85 just one point below their previous winning score, it proved to be a tight competition again, only being separated by one point between the top three.
Shawn Casady and Cassario 8
Coming off of a third-place finish in the Desert International Horse Park’s $100,000 West Coast Hunter Spectacular during World Championship Hunter Rider Week (WCHR), Shawn Casady and Ashland Farms’ 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding, Cassario 8, made a splash on their debut appearance in the Incentive Stake turning in an impressive 85.5. Casady and Cassario 8 just edged out previously reigning champion Torano for second place.
Vivian Yowan and After Hours
Yowan, who competed in the same class during the Kentucky Summer Horse Show, was eager to reclaim the title following a second-place finish last week. The Connecticut resident and Saddle Ridge LLC’s, After Hours secured the blue ribbon with a score of 86, one-upping her efforts from last week by one point.
Hunter competition at the Kentucky Summer Horse Show will continue on Wednesday with the $500 Take2 in the Claiborne ring, Thursday morning with the crowning of the Green and High Performance Confirmation Hunter Champions at 8:00 a.m., and the Kentucky Summer Classic in the Rolex Stadium at 6:30 p.m.
FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE
Vivian Yowan – $1,000 USHJA Green 3’6” 3’9” Hunter Incentive Stake
On After Hours:
“He is seven years old and was actually bred by Adrian Stanley. I’ve had him for about a year now. He’s probably one of the most scopey and talented horses I’ve ever had and a little bit cheeky.”
On the Kentucky Horse Park:
“I love the Kentucky Horse Park. I grew up showing here, so this is basically like home for me. I’m just really happy to be here.”
Plans for the rest of the season:
“We’ll be here for the [Green Hunter Incentive Finals]. Hopefully, he’ll qualify for the indoors and he’ll hopefully do the capital challenge.”