Jaden Porter Claims Inaugural National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship

Lexington, Ky. – Oct. 29, 2017 – The 2017 CP National Horse Show kicked off on Sunday with an exciting brand new event: the National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship. Jaden Porter became the first name to be inscribed on the commemorative trophy, which will be proudly displayed at the Kentucky Horse Park Museum.

The inaugural National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship did not require riders to be prequalified in order to participate and was open to junior members of US Equestrian or Equestrian Canada who have never competed in any of the following national equitation finals with fences at 3’6″ in height: ASPCA Maclay National Championship, Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals (East or West), WIHS Equitation Final, Jump Canada Medal Final or the North American Junior Equitation Championship.

Sunday’s National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship included a preliminary over fences round, which saw 47 horses and riders come forward to contest the course designed by Bobby Murphy. Judges Robin Rost and Walter T. Kees invited the top 20 riders to return to the Alltech Arena for a flat phase and a final over fences round. After all three rounds were complete, the judges opted to test the top four riders: Jada Fuleky, Molly Canfield, Caroline Blake and Porter.

The test consisted of six obstacles and challenged riders with a trot fence as well as asking for a halt after cantering over the first two oxers.

Porter, 14 years old from St. Louis, Missouri, and Wellington, Florida, was first in the order-of-go in Sunday’s first over fences round. With the help of trainer Stephanie Peterson of Dragonfly Farms, she and Dragonfly’s Corleone B remained consistent throughout all four rounds to come out on top as the first-ever winner of the National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship.

Finishing in reserve was Blake, trained by Cynthia Williams of New England Farm, aboard Larry, while Canfield, trained by Lorrie Canady of Galway Farm, and Caprioso 2 rounded out the top three.

For 84 years, the National Horse Show has hosted the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, the most highly sought-after prize in equitation for the country’s top junior athletes. With the addition of the National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship, riders who have dreams of becoming the next winner of the ASPCA Maclay National Championship have the opportunity to hone their skills in the same ring as their 3’6″ counterparts.

The National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship will be held annually the weekend before the National Horse Show in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park using the same format as the ASPCA Maclay National Championship with fences set at 3’3″ in height.

While no qualifying classes were required for the 2017 event, qualifying classes and specifications for the 2018 National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship began on Sept. 1.

For information regarding the National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship competition and its rules and regulations, click here.

The 2017 National Horse Show will pick up once more on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 8 a.m. in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park with the professional hunter divisions.

Click here to watch Jaden Porter and Dragonfly’s Corleone B’s winning work-off round!

FROM THE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Jaden Porter – National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship winner

On being first in the order-of-go:
“It was very nerve-racking to go first but I wanted to do the best I could and it all worked out. I can’t thank everyone enough who helped me get here. Thank you so much!”

On Dragonfly’s Corleone B:
“[Dragonfly’s Corleone B] was my sister’s horse before he was mine but I’ve owned him for a year now. We’ve been doing the Taylor Harris medal classes and just kind of playing around. He’s been absolutely amazing for me. I really love him. This was an amazing experience.”

On her future goals:
“I would love to compete in the Maclay next year and years on if I can.”

Stephanie Peterson – Champion Jaden Porter’s trainer

On the inaugural National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship:
“We are so fortunate and honored to be here today. We’re very thankful for the National Horse Show to offer this opportunity to all of these up-and-coming riders. They’re able to get the mileage and experience in a very friendly first-finals setting that will prepare them for future equitation finals. What a great opportunity for us today and we’re really appreciative to them to hold this class for these riders.”

Cynthia Williams – Reserve champion Caroline Blake’s trainer

On the inaugural National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship:
“I want to thank Mason Phelps and Jennifer Burger and everybody at the National Horse Show. You’ve made this day feel so special and so important. I think, for us, we didn’t know what we were going to have when we came here. I knew it was going to be nice but it was over the top. You pulled out all of the stops and everything was fantastic. We all feel very privileged to be sitting here.”

Mason Phelps – President of the National Horse Show

On the inaugural National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship:
“I think it was a great educational opportunity for all of the riders here — to ride in the same ring as Rodrigo Pessoa, McLain Ward and all of the best riders in the world. It’s a taste of the future and these riders today are all very much a part of the National Horse Show.”

RESULTS

National Horse Show 3’3″ Equitation Championship:
Place / Horse / Rider / Owner
1. Dragonfly’s Corleone B / Jaden Porter / Dragonfly Farms
2. Larry / Caroline Blake / Arly Golombek
3. Caprioso 2 / Molly Canfield / Darby Pease
4. Albert V / Jada Fuleky / Fox Meadow Farm
5. Caracas / Hailey Link / Elvenstar Farm
6. Cocktail 51 / Isabella De Sousa / Ashland Farms
7. Orion / Emily Cyrway / Emily Cyrway
8. Caballero III / Jamie Page / Redwood Farm LLC
9. Kitsilano / Emma Jolly / Elizabeth Summers
10. Easy B / Gillian Galvin / Gillian Galvin

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