By Sara Cavanagh
Reed Kessler of Armonk, N.Y., rode her Ice d”Ancoeur to win the $15,000 Cavalor Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior Jumper Classic, which, along with her win Friday afternoon, gave her 25 points to win the Junior Jumper championship at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair last evening.
Kessler, 14, has been showing and winning at Devon for 10 years, having won the Leadline at Devon at age 4.
“When I was watching these classes after the Leadline, I couldn’t imagine even jumping fences like this, much less winning here.”
“One of the biggest things in riding well is motivation” said Kessler’s trainer, Katie Prudent. “Reed is highly motivated. She wants to do well. Winning is a product of riding well.”
Catherine Pasmore of White Hall, Va., was second in the Classic and won the Reserve Championship with her Callabonna Z, and she was awarded the Shalanno Style of Riding award.
Jessica Springsteen of Colts Neck, N.J., rode Stone Hill Farm’s Tiziano to the Large Junior Hunter Championship, 16 & 17, the Overall Large Junior Hunter Championship and the Devon Grand Junior Hunter Championship, repeating those wins from last year, but she just got edged out as Best Child Rider on a Horse, a title she had also won last year.
Katherine Dinan of New York, N.Y. was named Best Child Rider on a Horse, with Jennifer Waxman of Ohio second and Springsteen third.
Dinan rode her Angelo to the Small Junior Hunter, 15 and Under, Championship and the Overall Small Junior Hunter Championship.
“I’ve always been very nervous riding at Devon,” said Dinan, who has showed here for four years. “I can’t believe how well I did, because there are so many good riders here.”
“I thought the Best Child Rider award would go to the rider of the Junior Hunter Grand Champion, so I was very surprised. I’m thrilled.”
Taylor Brown rode Vanity Fair, owned by Dr. Betsee Parker of Middleburg, Va., to the Large Pony Hunter Championship and Devon Grand Pony Hunter Championship.
Aleece Jarman of Pace, Fla., rode her Rico Suave to the Small Pony Hunter Championship and was named Best Child Rider on a Pony.
Jarman, who is home schooled, said she rides three ponies a day at home, but that her favorite is Rico Suave.
“I can’t believe we won here,” said Jarman. “I’m so excited.”