Lexington, KY – May 15, 2025 – The second week of the Kentucky Spring Series is underway at the picturesque Kentucky Horse Park, where top hunter competitors gathered for the professional hunter divisions. Two horses topped the leaderboard, earning multiple wins in their divisions to create a tie for the Grand Hunter Championship title, presented by Hagyard Equine. Wonder and Megan Young led the Green Conformation Hunters, while Byron and Jacob Pope led the Green 3’6” Hunter division, each returning to the ring for the Grand Hunter Championship presentation.
The Green Conformation Hunters competed in the Stonelea Ring on Wednesday and Thursday of the Kentucky Spring Classic, with Young earning three blue ribbons over fences as well as winning the model with Wonder, a 6-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Krysia Nelson.
Megan Young and Wonder. Photos by: Winslow Photography
“He was great all week, he’s only 6 years old and his first horse show was a year ago when I first started riding him, so he’s really come a long way,” smiled Young.
Owner Krysia Nelson added, “He’s a sweet young horse, and Megan did a great job riding him. I am just thrilled with how he’s coming along!”
In the Green 3’6” Hunter division, Pope took home four blue ribbons for the championship prize with Byron, a 9-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Two Jacks Farm LLC.
“It’s all thanks to Kyle Muckler –I started riding this horse last week after Kyle had called me and asked if I could show some of his horses here,” said Pope. “Byron was champion last week, my first time riding him as well. He’s been brought along by Kyle beautifully, and he is so pleasant to ride.”
Jacob Pope and Byron
Muckler continued, “We’re just lucky to have Byron. He’s come a long way in a year with us doing the 3’3” Greens last year and the 3’6” this year. He’s just a really awesome horse – he’s easy, scopey, and never looks at a jump. Jacob did a great job this week. I’m thrilled and lucky to have him riding the horses.”
Pope was thrilled to be at the Kentucky Horse Shows, concluding, “This is actually my first time bringing a group of horses to Kentucky Spring, and it’s been a really nice stop on our way North. These two weeks have been beautiful. The weather has been great, the footing’s nice, and I’ve noticed the new jumps in the hunter ring. We are excited to be here and hopefully will be back next year.”
The Kentucky Spring Classic will feature more hunter action this week, including Friday’s $5,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, Saturday’s $1,500 USHJA Pony Derby, and more Grand Hunter Championships presented throughout the weekend, courtesy of Hagyard Equine.